21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act

21 things you may not know about the Indian act (ii’ taa’poh’to’p Indigenous UCalgary)

Overview

This interactive learning workshop addresses the history of the Indian Act of 1876. The Indian Act, from the beginning, was envisioned as the tool that the Canadian Federal Government needed to solve the “Indian Problem” forever - extermination of the cultures by assimilation. This was the main objective. The Indian Act was an act of segregation, subjugation, and control of First Nations people. Early renditions of the Indian Act introduced several laws limiting freedom, prohibiting First Nations cultural expression, and denying basic levels of sovereignty and self-determination. 

Learning outcomes: 

  1. Broaden perspectives, comprehension, and commitment to truth-telling by exploring historical narratives and contemporary realities surrounding Indigenous-settler relations.
  2. Deepen understanding and critical awareness of the complex historical dynamics and ongoing interactions between Indigenous peoples and settlers.
  3. Examine the Indian Act of 1876 to identify historical context, specific provisions, and ongoing impacts on First Nations peoples and communities.
  4. Develop an increased awareness and understanding of meaningful reconciliation, inclusion promoting understanding, acknowledging past wrongs, and working towards a relationship built on healing and trust.

Workshop cost

The workshop is free to register and attend.

Who can register?

Students, staff and faculty.

This workshop is also offered to the public. If you or your organization would like to take this workshop, please contact Gerald Ratt for dates when the workshop is offered to the public.

Contact info

Gerald Ratt/Ai’ssoo, B.A., M.A.
Specialist, Indigenous Intercultural Initiatives (Indigenous Engagement)
University of Calgary
gerald.ratt@ucalgary.ca

21 things you may not know about the Indian Act book cover, Bob Joseph (ii’ taa’poh’to’p Indigenous UCalgary)

Author bio:

Bob Joseph is First Nations, or more specifically a Status Indian, and is a member of the Gwawaenuk Nation. He comes from a proud potlatch family and is an initiated member of the Hamatsa Society.  As an author and co-author, Bob has contributed to a number of resources relating to working with Indigenous Peoples. He also manages a blog called "Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples, which is a resource that supports people in their Indigenous relations endeavors. Bob additionally has worked as an associate professor at Royal Roads University. He has an educational background in Business Administration and International Trade.

Workshop dates

Dates and time coming soon

Additional information

Participants who complete the 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act workshop (2 hours), will receive a participatory certificate, verifying that the participant has completed 2 hours of non-credit Professional Development. 

21 things you may not know about the Indian Act, Bob Joseph