Relationship

Relationship is Everything

Relationship requires attention and time. How often do you listen to First Nation, Métis, and Inuit voices? For how long? When do you notice that Indigenous voices are missing? What steps are you taking to be an ally? 

Set priorities, focus your time, ask questions, listen to stories, respect the connections, take responsibility through self-awareness, and communicate openly (and frequently). Make a commitment to seek out voices that have been actively erased or ignored and put them at the center. 

Indigenous Education values traditional and current Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing. We walk alongside Indigenous communities in bringing this learning to our students and as such authentic voice is essential.

Other Resources

• Elders and Knowledge Keepers Protocols

Paying Attention to Language

The words we use are important when developing good relationships. Please take note:

• Use the phrase Indigenous peoples when referring to First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples as a collective. Note that is plural for ‘peoples.’ 

  • “However, we recognize that “Indigenous Peoples” is not a perfect term. It’s still an umbrella term for a large group of people and it should only be used in situations where you are addressing all Indigenous groups as a collective. If possible, you should always use Nation-specific terms, particularly for territory acknowledgments.”

  • Avoid using the word Aboriginal. The root of the word means not original. “Aboriginal” is an oversimplification that hides more meaning than it conveys. Just as one province differs from the next province, Indigenous Peoples and communities vary dramatically from coast to coast to coast in regards to culture, language, and traditions.” Source.

  • Do not use the word Indian in conversation to refer to First Nations people. Read more.

  • The word Native may have negative connotations for some. Read more.

  • Do not use the pronoun “our” as in “our Indigenous students.” 

“Indigenous people do not belong to Canada. Canada is bound to Indigenous peoples through treaties that were made by early representatives of the Crown. By saying "our" or "Canada's Indigenous peoples", you are reinforcing a false narrative that is paternalistic. This narrative is one that was created by the Canadian state and is false.” Source. 

First Nation: 

First Nations people are those who have Indigenous ancestry. First Nations are the Indigenous peoples of Canada who first inhabited the lands south of the Arctic Circle and are comprised of distinctly diverse cultures and unique histories. 

Métis

Métis people include a person who self-identifies as Metis, is distinct from other Indigenous Peoples, is of historic Metis ancestry, and has roots in a historic Metis community.

Inuit

Inuit are the Indigenous peoples of Northern Canada, who live or identify roots in the Artic region, or “Inuit Nunangat”, since time immemorial.

How to Be a Good Ally to Indigenous Peoples and Communities

Shift From

• Romanticizing Indigenous culture.

• Focusing only on trauma stories.

• Waiting for someone else to do the work.

• Generalizing all Indigenous peoples.

• Making it about yourself.

• Ignoring the existing genocidal policies and laws against Indigenous people in Canada.

• Being a savior.

• Deficit Focus.

Shift To

• Listening to Indigenous voices.

• Knowing the territory you’re in and its history.

• Purchasing from Indigenous artists.

• Learning for social change.

• Taking responsibility for your own learning.

• Amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities.

• Always seeking consent and permission.

• Recognizing that consent is a continuous process.

• Being responsible for yourself.

• Asset Lens.

Consider Becoming an Accomplice

• Take action.

• Work alongside the community you are supporting.

• Build meaningful relationships with the community.

• Use your position and privilege in service of creating change.