This course is intended to provide an introductory survey of the traditional cultures, languages, and origins of First Nations peoples in Canada. Topics include the diversity and significance of traditional Aboriginal kinship and political structures, as well as the enduring economic, spiritual, and social connections between Aboriginal peoples and the land. Examples will be drawn from British Columbia through examination of traditional knowledge, patterns of subsistence and artistic representation.
Credits: 3
Hours: 45 (Lecture Hours:3)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisites:
None
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-Requisites:
None
Course Content:
- Cultural comparison between different First Nation groups in Canada
- History of contact and colonization
- History of the reserve system
- History of the Indian Act and how it has affected band politics and gender relations
- Residential schools
- Land treaties
- The Metis and the Scrip
- Profile of social attributes
- Native people and the Canadian Justice System
- Aboriginal people in urban centers
- Self-Determination and Self-government
- The Inuit in the 21st century
- Aboriginal organizations in Canada
- Aboriginal economic development
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand and recognize the diversity of Aboriginal cultures in Canada
- Be able to identify cultural and linguistic areas across Canada
- Be able to identify and describe how specific values are manifested in the relationships of Aboriginal persons
- Develop understanding of the pre-history of First Nations in Canada, including archaeological information, and the significance of oral history
- Develop familiarity and respect for First Nations’ perspectives and intimate relationship between land and resources
- Develop an appreciation for First Nation traditional knowledge and cultural expression in British Columbia
- Recognize and understand the unique relationship between First Nations and the Government of Canada Develop understanding of the impact of contact between First Nation and European cultures
- Develop familiarity of contemporary First Nation issues
- Develop an understanding of the impact of industrial development in First Nation communities
Knowledge:
- Basic anthropological, cultural, sociological, and political concepts related to Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Attitudes:
- An appreciation for Aboriginal perspectives and history.
Skills:
- Critical analysis
- Presentation methods
- Research methodology
- Writing
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 100
Additional Course Comments:
The essay assignments must be submitted through D2L dropbox, which automatically also screens the text using Turnitin, a text-matching program that detects faulty paraphrasing.
Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.