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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Indigenous Canada by University of Alberta

4.8
stars
22,156 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

JH

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Highly recommended - I have recommended it some of my staff who are interested in both taking the course and reading the materials. I should note they are First Nations and are as interested as I was.

LH

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I thoroughly enjoyed this course in the the way it is presented and the information given. It expanded my knowledge and insights of indigenous history, culture, and knowledge, as well as so much more.

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1076 - 1100 of 7,762 Reviews for Indigenous Canada

By Laura C

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Apr 7, 2022

I like this course a lot, I learned so many things as I can finally understand the Indigenous culture and way of life.

I only have one wish. For the last course, dedicated to arts- I wish there were a lot more images to illustrate the pieces and explain their significance for the peoples. I had to search on google for the works of so many great artist, but the explanations were not alway up to par.

By Robert L

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Feb 3, 2021

I found this course to be very well organized and presented a much clearer picture, for me, of the history of the relationship between the First Peoples and the Colonials. I found myself both excited, and at times, embarrassed about the history of our relationships. I look forward to learning more and finding ways to broaden my experiences with our First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. Thank you!

By Cindy B

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Nov 4, 2020

This course was a great introduction to Indigenous people and the effects that the colonizing of Canada has had on people and their culture. The history I was taught, had very little mention of anyone other than European settlers. And most of what I learned later in life, is "pop culture" and not accurate.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the course, you have made me eager to learn more.

By Gillian G

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Nov 22, 2020

Thank you very much for the opportunity to learn from this amazing faculty, and all the contributors. Clearly, there is so much more for me to learn. It was wonderful to have this so easily accessible and well organized, and without question, it has stimulated my interest to learn more about all these topics and more. I will encourage others to take this course, it was more than worth the time.

By Sheilah M

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Sep 6, 2020

Well organized, interesting, comprehensive, and clearly presented. Grateful to have an opportunity to learn about the history of Canada from an Indigenous perspective. It was not available in my curriculum in middle school, high school or post secondary classes. It was also helpful to learn online at my own pace. Highly recommend this course.

Would also love to see more in-depth classes available.

By Jennifer S

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Aug 8, 2020

It was an enlightening, fascinating and emotional ride. This course was well organised and beautifully presented. I particularly enjoyed Leah Dorion's artwork and her process to illustrate story and symbolism. You are right - every Canadian should engage in this course and other ways of learning about Indigenous culture and issues. This is a starting point for me and I thank you for your efforts!!

By Judy S

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Apr 19, 2020

With humility and gratitude, I thank Dr. Tracy Bear and Dr. Paul Gareau for the Indigenous Canada course. I have learned so much, and been inspired to learn more. The course is comprehensive and holistic, and organized in the most thoughtful and interesting way. The course will forever be a significant part of my journey as a settler in Canada for Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Thank you.

By Anna H

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Nov 17, 2020

I have learned so much that we were not taught in settler schools. Being in the US, I think that much that I have learned from both the formal coursework and some of the most engaging faculty in the Sunday livestreams can be transferred to our population. As I said, the faculty we were exposed to have been so open and interesting. I will miss the weekly relation building events. Kudos to you all.

By Karoline L

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Nov 6, 2020

I recommend this course wholeheartedly. I feel like I finally have some (authentic information) tangible knowledge of Canada's history. The course material is clear and well-rounded, and the weekly group discussions were a great bonus. I'm not sure if the discussions will continue, but for the sake of future students, I hope it does.

Dr Tracy Bear is an awesome teacher and a total boss.

Thank you.

By Chelsea G

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May 20, 2020

This is a great course that is inclusive to the multi-dimensional Indigenous experience and histories across Canada. The content highlights issues pertaining to almost all of Canada's geography and explains why and how Indigenous experiences differ. Overall, this is great course for beginners to Indigenous content and also a superb resource for those who are more experienced and want a refresher.

By Kimberly F

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Dec 6, 2020

Absolutely wonderful course! The videos and readings were very easy to follow, and provided me with lots of interesting information about Indigenous peoples in Canada. It was a pleasure to learn more about the culture, history, and struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more about Canada's history and Indigenous culture!

By Jeanetta D

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Aug 27, 2020

Very well done and put together. It was a big differences from the education I got in school in the 90s especially in the Catholic District School Board of Ontario. I am going to research and explore more on how I can support or learn more about the indigenous communities close to where I live. I am an Ontario certified teacher in Oshawa. Thank you for making this course available to the public.

By Alexandra T

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Aug 12, 2020

While it isn't possible for one course to go in depth about indigenous history and cultural issues in Canada, this course gives a good overview of where to start, and fills in the gaps from the Canadian history I was taught in school. Very applicable to me personally in my work environment to improve understanding and empathy when working on issues that may impact indigenous peoples in Canada.

By Sandra J

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Oct 15, 2022

Fantastic course, so eye opening. It has taught me so much of history of an incredible, resilient and varying group of people. The different traditions and cultures are colorful and beautiful. The Indigenous peoples strength is inspiring as they continue to fight for their freedom, culture and land. To push forward in changing all the wrongs and injustice of the past and now. Highly recommend.

By Monique G

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Mar 21, 2022

I found thecourse content very interesting. It challenged my way of thinking and allowed me to better understand and recognize my own unknown biases. The use of video tutorials as well as written notes is helpful to those who have different learning methods. Overall a well put together course with a lot of interesting and difficult content, all delivered in a sensitive and thoughtful manner.

By Mira R

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Oct 18, 2020

Fantastic introduction to Canada's Indigenous peoples. This should be standard curriculum in all schools. The way that the course material was presented was interesting, interactive and engaging. It made me aware of my own biases and prejudices and the same of people that I interact with. I feel that I could now challenge some of those biases and stereotypes through a knowledgeable interaction.

By Aja G

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Oct 17, 2020

I'm sad it's over! Thanks so much for making this important education so accessible to everyone. I have learnt so much and will absolutely continue to pass along my findings in this course. Thank you for teaching me so much in such a diverse and thoughtful format. I'm looking fw to continuing on this learning path and seeking out ways to becoming a strong ally to this community. Well done guys.

By saM t

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Jul 18, 2021

This course would be a perfect compliment to the Social Justice and Peace Studies course at King's University Collage in London, Ontario. The Fur Trade section offered a lot of new learning for me, and the Treaties section helped to make things somewhat clearer as to what treaties are and their roll. I hope that more Canadians will benefit from this online class of Canadian Indigenous studies.

By Don L

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May 19, 2021

I took this course being a 72 year old Metis urban man.

Most of my life has involved economic development with many First Nation and Metis communities.

I found the course useful as a learning tool for non-indigenous folks and for those indigenous people that may know little of their own heritage and Canada's role with their ancestors.

I congratulate the staff and faculty in producing this course.

By Ronald F

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Jan 7, 2021

I would the course very informative or myself and would encourage everyone to take it. It's important to learn about indigenous culture in order to begin to understand this incredibly important part of Canada and North America. I am sorry that as a middle aged Canadian I knew so little about indigenous history, culture and traditions, you've given me a glimpse into that and I thank you for it.

By Vicki W

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Dec 30, 2020

I enjoyed the course, I really like the interactive painting, thought they were beautifully done. I appreciate all the time and effort that went into the course. The course touched on several subjects that I was not aware of. It makes me ashamed at how my ancestors came and stole land and destroyed their culture. I hope that change comes quickly, it's Canada and we need to set things right.

By Joshelin B

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Oct 25, 2020

I loved learning about all of the topics that this course covered. It challenged me to learn and unlearn important information regarding colonialism in Canada, and it gave me a better vocabulary to think about and discuss these topics. I loved the variety within the lessons, and I particularly loved listening to artist Dorion speak about her paintings. Extremely informative and helpful course.

By Michelle B

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Jun 3, 2022

Fantastic course ... it highlighted what I already suspected and then knew: what I was taught in elementary school and high school in the 70's and 80's is not the truth of what actually happened. I have a far better and deeper understanding of what has led us to where we are in the present day. I'm so glad I took this course! Thank you to all who were involved in its inception and creation!

By Calcul8ted H

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Oct 21, 2021

This course was such an amazing experience! Why is this not being taught in schools as part of Canadian History? Such an eye opener of the injustices made against Indigenous Peoples. I have such a greater understanding of the true history of Canada. Truth and reconciliation is necessary for healing this community and our country. I support you, my heart is with you. Thank you for this course.

By Gillan P J

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Sep 25, 2021

If anything needs to be mandated in Canada, it's this course. I learned so much and am extremely grateful to those who contributed, and put it all together—thank you. It was emotional; I often felt so angry, sad, and disappointed that I had not been taught any of this in my years at school. I will continue to seek out Indigenous voices and will encourage others to take this course. Thank you!