INDIGENOUS AWARENESS AND ENGAGMENT COURSE TOPICS
1. History – How we got here:
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the history of Indigenous Engagement and how meaningful Indigenous Engagement will lead to a brighter future for all Canadians.
2. Contributions of Indigenous Peoples:
This course will impart upon students an appreciation for the considerable contributions of indigenous people towards the formation and current success of Canada as a nation.
3. Meaningful Engagement and Partnership:
The days of broken promises and one-sided deals have destroyed the trust, and relationships that were once in place between Indigenous Peoples and what is now known as the government of Canada. Meaningful engagement in the form of real job opportunities and respectful consultation on issues such as land use is an obvious first step that many communities and companies have already taken and are reaping the benefits from. And this gesture of meaningful engagement is a two-way street as companies are benefiting from Indigenous companies allowing them the opportunity to partner with them on their projects, on their land.
4. Indigenous Entrepreneurship:
Indigenous companies are flourishing across the country by harnessing their hard work, knowledge and expertise to provide award winning competitive products and services to customers both foreign and domestic.
5. Friendship:
Although Indigenous groups and individuals across Canada are extremely diverse, one commonality involves the enduring friendly and generous spirit towards all people which they have demonstrated since first contact with European settlers despite the oppression they have faced. This kindness and benevolence has contributed greatly to the various aspects of the current relationship that have a positive outlook in the future.
This course would be beneficial for the following audience:
• Business owners looking to partner with indigenous communities, peoples and/or companies;
• Site Supervisors who are or will be working with or for indigenous communities, peoples and/or companies;
• Frontline workers who will be working alongside or for indigenous communities, peoples and/or companies;
• Environmental Specialists who can learn a great deal about local environmental protection from indigenous communities, peoples and/or companies (e.g., preservation of medicinal plants and heritage resources such as culturally modified trees, burial sites, ancient tools etc.).
• Anyone who would like to participate in making this country a more fair, honest and culturally rich place to live.
