The history and structures of colonialism are largely unknown to most Canadians; Yet understanding this history is essential to understanding the myriad of current issues in Indigenous - Canadian relations.

This two part workshop series will examine the legal history of Canada in relation to Indigenous peoples. Participants will gain understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ agency, resistance, and activism in resisting settler state agendas and laws that were aimed at dispossession of lands, resources and loss of languages and cultures (through assimilation policies). We will also discuss how Indigenous Peoples continue to protect their inherent rights as Peoples, assert Treaty rights and revitalize their ties to land, culture and languages.

In Part 1 we will examine the Doctrine of Discovery and how it led to the manifestation of Canada. Participants will gain understanding of how the laws of Canada were aimed at the dispossession and cultural genocide of Indigenous Peoples.

In Part 2 we will learn more about "the colonial project" in Canada and Indigenous Peoples’ agency, resistance, and activism in resisting settler state agendas and laws. We will examine how tools like the TRC Calls to Action and UNDRIP can be pathways to reconciliation in Canada.

Certificates will be available to those who attend both sessions.