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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Indigenous Canada by University of Alberta

4.8
stars
21,725 ratings

About the Course

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions....

Top reviews

MD

Jul 2, 2021

This course was very interesting and very informative. Not only did it help correct stereotypes or prejudices, it showed a wide range of subjects pertaining to global and specific Indigenous cultures.

LJ

May 5, 2022

I really enjoyed this course. I liked that it was taught by indigenous peoples from their perspective. I feel much more confident in my knowledge regarding indigenous issues and traditions. Thank you!

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376 - 400 of 7,644 Reviews for Indigenous Canada

By Kenneth R

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Nov 8, 2020

Was recommended the course as the pandemic and BLM movement surged fourth. I was very little but I remember the Oka Crisis, Ipperwash, and several other events of the past. I know now that the unfair privilege colonization provided allowed for a one-sided narrative. The narrative back then was given a colonial lens that I saw on TV through the news - completely distant from that world and the so very wrongful death of Dudley George. I know better now, and know to whom to listen and who the true teachers are.

I would like to thank Dr. Tracey Bear and the rest of the staff for making this course very accessible, and one I shall recommend as - not the end - but the beginning of learning. Eternally, thank you.

By Caro & R A

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Dec 12, 2020

My gratitude to all who made this course for enlightening us so generously with your knowledge, hard work, and time. My interest in it stemmed from being indigenous-adjacent (I first came to Canada to teach and live among the Nisga'a and was very happy to see their history featured here, especially with the recent loss of Sim'oogit Hleek).

This is also informing my work as a member of the Canadian Teachers' Federation Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and the British Columbia Teachers' Federation Committee for Action on Social Justice.

Some work still need to be done to edit the transcripts, however. I hope that time is expended to correct them as they can lead to miscommunication.

Much appreciated!

By Greg O

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Jul 22, 2020

Extremely beneficial for all people living in what we currently call Canada. An introduction into the history, present and future of Indigenous nations here with many interesting and relevant pieces of information that we all should know and should inform our actions. Could have benefited slightly from a deeper exploration of two-spirit and gender diverse histories and modern efforts, particularly for recognition within colonial LGBTQ+ structures and liberation efforts, however I recognize the limitations of such a short course for such a broad and diversified history. Thank you to all contributors to this course, and to the unnamed individuals who have made the availability of this information possible.

By Lee-Adele S

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Jul 31, 2021

I was very impressed with the content, organization and delivery of this course. The entire course was aethetically pleasing. I really enjoyed the commissioned artwork created by Leah Dorion, especially her in depth explanation of her creative process and meaning behind her art. I was further impressed with the collection and the continuity of the drawings utilized to illustrate prominant figures throughout the course. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Indigenous histories as well as contemporary issues from an Indigeious perspective. I would not hesitate to invest my time into another class created by the same community of instructors from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta.

By Larry R

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Jul 1, 2021

The content provided was enlightning, informative and well quantified. The facilitators and those interviewed presented their arguments and stories with a calm balance, professionalism and not with anger. I was keenly impressed with the qualifications of the leader ship and those interviewed. Growing up in Canada I realize that I have not been educated on the full holistic story of our history but rather a scrubbed version and this course provided the necessary content for my fuller understanding. My empathy and compassion has only grown over the many tragedies that existed in the world of colonization. Navigating the course was very user-friendly. I would recommend this course to anybody. Thank you

By Joseph G

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Dec 6, 2020

Being an American newcomer to Canada (British Columbia), my knowledge of Indigenous Canada was severely limited. I found this course to be an indispensable part of becoming a recent immigrant to Canada. Learning about the diverse, historical, cultural, spiritual, linguistic, and artistic identities of Indigenous communities helped me better understand Canada today and where I, as an immigrant, fit in. It also served as a interesting point of comparison with Native American history in the U.S. when I reflect on the experiences, similarities, differences, and injustices that occurred there. I'm indebted to this course for making me want to learn more about these topics. Thanks for an awesome 12 weeks!

By Karina A

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Aug 7, 2020

Great Course, good content. As an older Canadian who attended school in the 60/70's I am surprised at how my education was lacking in honest content, I am further shocked at how legislation in the past and fairly current continues to discriminate esp relating to gender. I thought I was aware of injustices but clearly did not have the breadth of knowledge of the impacts of business, church, and state. My thanks for the education.

The grammar, spelling and inconsistencies in written content and spoken content are distracting. There is an implication on a lack of attention and value of this program that a couple of hours of an editor could correct. It reflects badly on the University of Alberta.

By David W

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Feb 21, 2023

A great introduction to indigenous cultures, worldviews, and challenges in colonial society. Often insightful, and frequently painful (as a settler), this course covers the reasons we are where we are in our relationships with indigenous peoples. It also offers insights into how that relationship is changing, and where we need to work harder as we work toward reconciliation. Well presented by all three instructors, each with their own worldview and cultural contributions to the material. I highly recommend this to any Canadian looking to extend their knowledge of the devastating impact of European colonial patriarchy in North America, and how we can reconcile that past with a more equitable future.

By Somewhere i N A

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Nov 6, 2020

I appreciated this course very much. I wanted to gain better insight on the important issues affecting Indigenous people in Canada and this course provided me with a good general knowledge of both historical and modern issues. I acknowledge the difficulty one must have in designing a short 12 week course that aims to capture such a broad range of topics. I enjoyed the lectures and can say with certainty that this course has given me a much better understanding of Indigenous peoples in Canada. I would recommend this course to anyone with an open mind and an interest in learning more about Indigenous culture, history and other related topics. Thank you for making this course available on Coursera!

By Erin P

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Sep 19, 2018

This course should be mandatory for every person in Canada - as a descendent of a family affected deeply by the 60s Scoop, this has helped me understand my family's history and reason's why it was hidden - to try to keep their children from being taken. Without true understanding of the genocide that is still taking place in our country, and the systemic push to keep FNMI people(s) quiet and to assimilate them, how can anyone begin to have empathy and to disappear many of the commonly heard myths about FNMI people(s)? I believe this course is essential to our history and should be taught in all schools, be a requirement for newcomers, and anyone enrolled in any post-secondary academy. Thank you.

By Doug F

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Nov 6, 2020

This was an amazing course and has inspired me, on many levels, to learn more about Canada's darker past. A past that, now unsurprisingly, was rarely mentioned in my schooling from 1964 to 2003.

I could write 10,000 words covering the revelations, the pain, the anger, the sadness, the shock and the joy that taking the course brought forth but instead I'll finish with my most important conclusion. I now understand that I have more in common with my Indigenous sisters and brothers than I do with the federal government of Canada. An ancient and outdated organization that, through the lens of deep time, have proven to be nothing more than the security apparatus of Canada's extractive industries.

By Crystal M

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Nov 5, 2020

Incredibly informative and life changing for me. I finally learned at 50 years old the ACTUAL history of our country which is not taught in our public school system - that needs to change. I also learned that 150+ years later we have such a long ways to go in our endeavour to understand and truly honour the incredibly knowledgeable First People; the true caretakers of this land. As a country, we could benefit so much by incorporating traditional Indigenous knowledge and world views into our current governance thereby creating a true partnership as we lived together harmoniously.

Thank you SO much for this opportunity. It is a huge honour for me to have been a part of this fantastic course.

By Art B

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Mar 21, 2021

Thank you for the insight into the situation of the Indigenous peoples of Canada . It is a sad statement when we see what has gone on in the past and continues to transpire. There is a need for all levels of government and the Canadian public to recognize that there has been and still is systemic racism in Canada. As I reflect on the course and also look at Idle no More I do wonder if there is an Indigenous person in Canada that has NOT experienced racism in there life. A very sad thought. Thank you Tracy and your team for helping me to understand the challenges and successes of the indigenous communities across Canada. A real eye opener as to the consequences of colonialism in Canada.

By Nikolas D

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Sep 6, 2021

This course is a tremendous primer to compensate for the appalling dearth of care for Indigenous history, culture, sensitivity, and context in this country's general education system, especially for those in their 20s and up. Having completed the course, I feel I have a more complete understanding of our world and what we must do better in it, as well as leaving it with a wealth of threads to continue in my education of Indigenous rights and culture. This course could not have come at a better time; I am immensely grateful for the work of the faculty of University of Alberta and their Indigenous Studies department for their work in putting this together and making it so accessible to all.

By Heidi H

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Jun 29, 2022

This was a wonderful introduction course into the true history and affects of past, present, and continuining colonization of the Indigenous Peoples. It starts to give us a true picture of what Indigenous peoples have suffered and continue to suffer with to this day. It also demonstrates how truly amazing Indigenous people are as they have survived all of these things and continue to grow and find ways to showcase their truth in a knowledge based way. I grew up surrounded by Indigenous culture but even then had very little knowledge about the truth of their lives. This was a great course to show me what happened and which areas I may want to pursue in my studies in the future. Thank you.

By Fasih Y R

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Jul 7, 2022

I enrolled in this course to learn about Indigenous Canada as a new immigrant. The course content was so interesting that I complted the course sooner than expected. It has not only enhanced my knowledge about past and present of Canada but have also made me think and reflect back while studying the history and struggle of indigenous people. I can relate to them at so many levels as I myself am from a community, though from an entirely different geographical area and continent, whose ancestors have seen colonialism.

I hope that this course is definitely going to help me connect with Canada in a positive way at personal and professional level. Thank you for creating such a great content.

By Susan M S

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Nov 15, 2020

I really enjoyed the course. There were some issues I was aware of but I gained a deeper knowledge. There were also a lot of issues I was unaware of and am glad that I have a better understanding of Indigenous life in Canada. The speakers were all easy to understand and conveyed passion about the topics. I have talked about this course and recommended it to other people. Being non-Indigenous, it is horrifying to think that my ancestors received dominion land grants when they moved to Canada from the US. However, it’s really no different than the land I currently live on in the city. There is so much to be done to correct the injustices committed and education is a starting point.

By Kathleen K

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Jul 18, 2021

In searching for an online course about Indigenous studies, I found this one. I was not necessarily looking for a tuition-free course but because it was tuition-free, I decided it would be a good introduction to the topic. I enjoyed the narrative presentation of the course. If you are looking for powerpoint slides, tables with facts and figures, look elsewhere. I felt privileged to be able to just sit back and listen - and I could refer to the chapter reading/notes as necessary. I could also follow along with the transcript as needed. I learned a lot and am inspired to learn more. Thank you for this wonderful learning opportunity; I am sharing this course with anyone who will listen!!

By Sandy M

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Nov 20, 2020

Such a combination of reactions to this course: anger, sadness, guilt towards my own ignorance. And yet, I acknowledge with pride, the resilience over hundreds of years by my Indigenous neighbours. Incorporating a comissioned painting for each module is brilliant and very visually telling. I confess still not understanding some of the tragic behaviours today of substance abuse, poverty and the 'appearance' of not being responsible for one's place in overall society, and one's contribution to bettering community. However, the history of oppression is deep. And, I acknowledge this does not occur within Indigenous communties alone. I will be promoting this course, and I thank you.

By Susie M

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Oct 21, 2020

The course is wonderful. So much information presented, so much surprising to a non-Indigenous person. (And alarming and disheartening as well, to hear the details about Residential Schools. This horrible era should not have happened and I am so sorry.)

The hosts and accompanying text make learning enjoyable and easy, and the wonderful artwork by Leah Dorion adds extra depth to each week.

I now have a new perspective on Indigenous living in Canada. In coincidence, lectures applied to disturbing activities today on the East Coast and elsewhere, where Treaty rights are being trampled. Thank you for opportunity to learn and to open my eyes to new ideas about Indigenous peoples in Canada.

By Lisa T

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Sep 19, 2020

I took this course on the recommendation of Dan Levy from Schitt's Creek! I thought it would be an excellent way to learn about a past I was never taught. It was that, and so much more! I learned that in order for me to fully understand the present, that I had to understand the past. I learned more than I thought I would and while I am heartbroken by the tragedies that have happened since the Colonizers arrived; I am happy with the resilience and the re-teaching and reclaiming of Indigenous culture. Thank you so much for this wonderful learning opportunity, I will continue to learn and grow in my quest for a greater understanding and appreciation of our rich Indigenous peoples.

By debbie h

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Sep 24, 2021

I'm 67; I worked with indigenous communities as a physician in northern turtle island and at an urban indigenous-run health centre. I was lucky to have many teaching circles in those days by indigenous Elders.This current perspective has tremendously enhanced my understanding and makes me wish it had been available in my early working life days (and in primary school, among other times) It is wonderful to keep learning and I am now inspired to read some of the resources that are listed. I feel very grateful that you have shared this with me and hope I can continue to engage in some meaningful work with the Indigenous community in the north, As I have been taught to say, meegwetch

By Linde H

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Nov 26, 2020

I have so appreciated this course and have looked forward eagerly to each succeeding chapter. I finished today and have made a personal commitment to continue my reeducation for the rest of my life. I am a 'settler' living in Montreal, and while in recent years the larger population has become much more sensitized to indigenous issues and activism, it is not easy to have face-to-face contact. Besides reading more specifically on the subject, I intend to contact Montreal's Friendship Centre and other indigenous organizations for their ideas on how I might increase my understanding and exposure to their members and their needs.

Thank you for the opportunity of changing my world.

By Dave P

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Jul 20, 2021

Thoroughly enjoyed this course and the content. I would highly recommend this as a starting point for someone like myself, a non-indigenous Canadian, to learn about and gain respect for the Indigenous people. Having just endured the shock of the truth about Residential Schools and the genocide that was inflicted on them in the attempt to erase an entire culture, I felt compelled to do something but was at a loss to know what. I eventually decided that the best place to begin was with accurate and honest education. It's 2 or 3 hundred years late but now is the time we all need to begin to reconcile and heal. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction as I begin my journey.

By Debra L G

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Nov 18, 2020

I really appreciated the format and the modes of presentation: spoken, a text one can read along with the lecturer, images, art, videos, and interviews. Each module synopsis was a helpful review of the material. The quizzes were on point and it was encouraging to be able to retake the quizzes and improve one’s understanding of the material. Very motivating. This was a terrific introductory course to Indigenous history and current concerns. ALL Canadians, in particular settler Canadians, would benefit enormously from enhanced education in Indigenous history, cultures, and present day issues concerning Native People, non-Native people and the preservation of Human Rights for all.