Celebrating National Indigenous History Month
To commemorate National Indigenous History Month June 2022, the Canada School of Public Service is shining the spotlight on some of the latest products of the Indigenous Learning Team (login may be required). From May 30 to July 1, 2022, check this web page or follow us on Twitter for weekly recommendations of job aids, courses, videos and events of interest.
Learn more about National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
June 2022
Week 5
June 27 – June 30
Theme: Indigenous Youth Sharing Their Stories
This week, the focus is on the power of storytelling in Indigenous cultures, particularly for youth. Take the time to listen to the stories of our Indigenous colleagues.
New job aid
- First Nations Storytelling (IRA1-J15)
This educational job aid takes an in-depth look at the First Nations worldview of storytelling. It contains general information on the importance of storytelling within Oral Tradition and how it is sustained and passed on from one generation to the next. Included are resources on the teachings of the Medicine Wheel and the stories of Dr. Reg Crowshoe, a Blackfoot Elder.
New video gallery
- Indigenous Employee Testimonials (IRA1-V41)
This video offers short testimonials from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis public service employees. Our colleagues share with us their challenges, their dreams, and their perceptions as Indigenous persons working in the public service today. By listening to their stories, you can contribute to building bridges of understanding.
Newly available on-demand recording
- Finding Health Equity for First Nations Children (IRA1-V43)
If you missed this event or want to watch it again, here's your chance. In its 2016 ruling, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that First Nations children were being discriminated against as a result of the inequitable funding of child and family services. In this video, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Ph.D., Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, and Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the International Institute for Society and Health, discuss the pursuit of equity for First Nations children in the context of Jordan's Principle and the Pan American Health Organization's recent report Just Societies: Health Equity and Dignified Lives.
Week 4
June 20 – June 24
Theme: Indigenous History
This week focuses on the impact of colonialism on Indigenous populations in Canada. Explore this enhanced version of our historical timeline and check out our how-to video on territorial acknowledgements.
Job aid
New video
- Territorial Acknowledgement (IRA1-V42)
This job aid is a comprehensive presentation of key policies and legislation that have had a significant impact on Indigenous Nations from the time of first contact to the present day. It traces the eras that have shaped the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples, describing the key players involved and the context in which the laws and policies were developed. Includes a list of key laws and policies and links to them.
Week 3
June 13 – June 17
Theme: The Impacts of the Indian Residential Schools
This week, the focus is on the legacy of residential schools and the impact they have had on Indigenous Peoples, in the past and present.
Newly available on-demand recording
- Marking the First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (IRA1-V44)
If you missed this event or want to watch it again, here's your chance.
Hear about the lived experiences of residential school Survivors and contribute to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call to action number 57, which calls on the government to "provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations."
New job aid
- Government Policies and the Impacts on Indigenous Peoples in Canada (IRA1-J18)
This job aid is a comprehensive presentation of key policies and legislation that have had a significant impact on Indigenous Nations from the time of first contact to the present day. It traces the eras that have shaped the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples, describing the key players involved and the context in which the laws and policies were developed. Includes a list of key laws and policies and links to them.
New event
- June 17, 2022: CSPS Virtual Café Series: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Alika Lafontaine
In this powerful event, Dr. Lafontaine will talk about his experience as the first Indigenous President of the Canadian Medical Association, an institution as old as Canada itself, and how his background and upbringing shaped his professional aspirations. He will also discuss the critical health challenges facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada today. Register today for this event or wait and watch it later on the School's YouTube page (for a limited time).
Week 2
June 6 – June 10
Theme: Environment
This week focuses on the importance of consultation in our work environment. Developing respectful relationships with Indigenous stakeholders and partners is an essential part of our work as public servants.
New job aids
- Understanding Consultation and Engagement in a Time of Reconciliation
If you missed this year's Louis Riel Day event or want to watch it again, here's your chance. Learn about the current challenges and opportunities facing Métis communities as they build constructive relationships and support reconciliation efforts with other Indigenous Peoples.
- The Reconciliation Path (IRA1-J16)
Be part of the change by getting actively involved in reconciliation! This interactive job aid offers resources and practical ideas on how to be an active participant in the reconciliation process. Learners can track their accomplishments and keep a journal of their progress and objectives. This is an excellent tool if you want to engage meaningfully in reconciliation. Share this tool with your colleagues to multiply your impact.
Newly available event recording
- Strengthening Relationships with Indigenous Peoples Through the Consultation and Accommodation Process, in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada
This event brings together spokespersons from Indigenous communities across the country to share their knowledge and insights on how the consultation and accommodation process is important for strengthening the relationships between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples. Panellists will discuss how fair and equitable consultation can lead to self-determination for Indigenous communities and help forge strong, lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.
Week 1
May 30 – June 3
Theme: Indigenous Languages and Cultures
This week, the focus is on acknowledging and recognizing the importance of Indigenous languages and cultures in Canada. Check out our new event recordings.
Newly available event recording
Browse the School's full catalogue of events.
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