Indigenous Educational Project
Header artwork credit-St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
Our Mission!
During our time at Place Cartier Adult Center in the Origins class of 2020, we have spent numerous hours building our knowledge for a better understanding of Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to share what we have learned on the history of our fellow Indigenous peoples in the hopes of a better, peaceful tomorrow. Our mission is to provide culturally relevant information and research that improves and strengthens the understanding of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Indigenous Day
Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day is held annually on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
The Four Sacred Herbs
Many Indigenous peoples recognize and use these four sacred plants. Tobacco is known to be one of the most sacred herbs. It is used to communicate with the spirit world and is also used during ceremonies. Sweetgrass is known to be the hair of Mother Earth. It is usually braided into three strands that represent love, happiness, and kindness. Cedar is used to purify your home, it may be used as medicinal tea and is a great healing material. The burning of sage is used during ceremonies and teachings. It is known to be highly sacred due to its healing capabilities.
Pow Wow - what is it?
A Pow Wow is a First Nations ceremony that involves feasting, socialization, dancing, singing, story telling, and arts and crafts. Everyone is welcome to attend a Pow Wow, a great way to meet and learn about First Nations communities.
Inuit-Inuktitut for “the people”
The language of the Inuit is an Eskimo–Aleut language. The majority of Inuit live in the northern Arctic region of Canada. The Inuit need thick and warm clothing to survive the cold weather. The homeland is known as Nunangat, which refers to the land, water and ice.
The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa
This highly symbolic monument is a commendation to the many Indigenous men and women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces over the years. It indicates traditional beliefs about honour, duty and harmony with the environment.
Navajo Code Talkers
The Navajo Code Talkers were a group of Indigenous soldiers that participated in both World Wars. These soldiers used their own native languages in radio transmission that played a unique role of transmitting vital information to allied forces.
Indigenous Medal of Peace
Peace medals were awarded to First Nations Chiefs. These medals are an expression of promises made by the U.S government that proposed peace and diplomacy with the First Nations people. Normally upon receival a treaty is signed and negotiations continued.
Questions? Request edit?
jnewton@lbpearson.ca
Place Cartier Adult Education Centre is situated on the unceded Indigenous territory of the Kanien’keha:ka, ‘Mohawk,’ who are the traditional custodians of the land, and the Anishnabeg, 'Algonquin’ peoples. We recognize and deeply appreciate the historic and ongoing connection with Indigenous peoples on whose lands and waters we are located. We support community efforts to sustain a mutually respectful relationship that is based on cooperation, dignity and honour, in the spirit of reconciliation.