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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Indigenous Canada by University of Alberta

4.8
stars
21,749 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

LJ

May 5, 2022

I really enjoyed this course. I liked that it was taught by indigenous peoples from their perspective. I feel much more confident in my knowledge regarding indigenous issues and traditions. Thank you!

EF

Nov 2, 2020

Such important information for us all. This course was eye-opening and should really be taken by every Canadian. The course flows along nicely and is easy to navigate. I am better for having taken it.

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701 - 725 of 7,650 Reviews for Indigenous Canada

By Randy Y

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Oct 11, 2020

Took the course simply to be more informed about the history that lead to where things are now... and what is good to know as Canada moves toward reparations. I was a little familiar with culture/beliefs/art, but the course did a thorough job of presenting good depth in these areas. Overall, there was a lot of detail that was at times difficult to retain, but the written materials and videos are available for review for those determined to have all the information committed to memory. Thank you UofA.

By Marta P

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Oct 23, 2022

It was avery interesting course. Provide me with information that I din't know about the History of Canada and Indigenous people. All the strugles that they went during the colonization and how the goverment allways broke their promoses to them. Even with all the trauma that they live their culturel, art, music and stories continue alive to learn about them and the way that they protect the land.

I would like to know how i can have my certificate and final mark. Thank you.

martaaidepineda@gmail.com

By Sue B

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Mar 11, 2022

Excellent course. Provides a clear overview of history of Indigenous peoples from European contact forward. Wipes out commonly held stereotypes with fact. Gives clear context and details of impactful political events and important political realities. Outlines the devastation of the horrific experiences of generations of Indigenous families at the hands of European settler governing bodies. Provides enriching view of Indigenous culture, including arts, faith, spirituality and their interconnectedness.

By B O

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Mar 1, 2021

An important and accessible option for self-education regarding Indigenous history, experiences and issues in Canada. With the exception of some frustration with Quiz 10 (I understand from the forum they are aware of issues here), the course is extremely well put together. I would appreciate an extension of the course that focuses on more current matters, art, culture and present/future orientation. Thank you for this resource, accessible to all. I will be challenging those I know to complete it also.

By Adrienne D

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Jan 4, 2021

As an "introductory" free course, it was a fantastic way to start a journey to better understanding of Canada's Indigenous communities. It is a great opening to further reading and personal learning. The additional videos with Dan Levi created in 2020 were amazing additional resources, addressing some more current issues that fed into the module topics. I would recommend it to anyone I see, especially to colleagues in the museum field (which I am in). Great work and continue the great work. Thank you.

By Derville L

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Mar 22, 2022

Very important historical lessons learned about indigenous Canada and cultural contemporary context. It was eye-opening, fascinating and thought-provoking while providing a wealth of knowledge and historical context into how Canada came to be the country it is today. It expanded my scope of thought and understanding into Canada's indigenous people and their relations with "the settlers" from Europe and how the fur trade (buffalo) was pivotal in shaping Canada's socio-economic and political landscape.

By BASCHIERI M

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Jan 5, 2021

I visited Umistà in Alert Bay few years ago and I went back home with the wish to learn more about Indigenous peoples. I thank you for this really useful course because it gave me the opportunity to approach the Indigenous world and their history. Unfortunately we don't usually study it at school in Italy. but I think everyone should know it better . I'll keep on learning and reading about Indigenous Peoples in Canada and I hopefully will be able to come back and visit these wonderful places again.

By Don M

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Jul 12, 2022

This was a very informative and challenging intnroduction to a number of critical issues relating to the relstionship between Indigenous peoples and European colonizers (and colonizstion). I particularly appreciated the opportunity, ss a non-Indigenous person to reflet in a serious manner on these issues as presented from the perspective of Indigenous peoples. The University of Alberta Faculty of Nstive Studies has long been a leader in exploring these matters, asnd this course does not disappoint.

By Devon A

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Jan 3, 2021

Indigenous Canada expanded my views and allowed me to collectively understand Indigenous views, culture, residential schooling, history and opened me up to so much more. I had taken some courses about Indigenous Culture in the past but this was an excellent and in-depth course. The chats with everyone were beneficial to my learning and allowed for rich conversation from others perspectives. I highly recommend this course for anyone who is interested in learning more about being Indigenous in Canada.

By Maureen E S

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Oct 22, 2020

I live in Scotland (UK). After watching my hero Dan Levy talk about this course i decided to undertake it. During the course I have cried with the pain of the past and the mistreatment to Indigenous people. I have also learned and appreciated throughout my journey. I highly recommend this wonderful and interesting course. I have found the lecturers, videos and reading fantastic. Clear and easy to follow. I personally think everyone should undertake this course. Thank you again. Love Maureen

By Linda O

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Oct 2, 2020

Thank you for making such a valuable resource available online and free! This added so much to my knowledge of Indigenous culture, history and contemporary issues. The topics were rich and diverse with enough depth to understand historical and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples. The interactive tools, community interviews and use of art really added a lot of value. I am grateful to University of Alberta for leading the way and I hope all Canadians get to take advantage of this resource.

By E L D

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Nov 26, 2021

Once I understood the format, i really appreciated the high quality of educational opportunities offered by the instructors, curriculum developers and presenters. Together with other courses offered for seniors and various readings, i hope I now am a much more informed Canadian - and therefore, a better citizen. I've recommended this course to many people and some of us might form a study group the year to learn more about what has evolved since 2015 when the course first was offered. GalaKes'la.

By Brenda K

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Aug 14, 2021

This is an excellent course for anyone interested in the origins and and experiences of the Indiginous peoples in Canada. It explains the trajectory of subjugating these peoples through successive government policies, and shows the resilience that has persevered down the generations rejecting oppression and assimilation. This is an introductory course - "Indiginous 101", if you will. it has certainly done its job of making me determined to learn more, and to suggest that others take the course.

By Luiz A G

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Jul 28, 2021

The course was superb, really amazing. The amount of information about the aboriginal people of Canada, the way they have been explored since the beggining of colonization until now was something I really had difficulty to assimilate. I want to express my acknowledgement to the resilience, wisdon, culture and strenght of the native people from Canada. At same time I want to say a huge thank to Dr. Tracy Bear and all the staff who made this course possible, as well at The University of Alberta.

By Janina K

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Dec 27, 2020

Fantastic course. Learned so much. The course provides a good overview over all the crucial historic developments. Through art and interviews you get a very good understanding of what First Nations perspective on historic and contemporary issues looks like. The course raises awareness for issues like political suppression, racism, sexism, exploitation, environmental issues etc.

I'm a little sad this course is over as I really loved the instructors and the course became part of my weekly routine. <3

By Jordan R

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Nov 19, 2020

Great introductory course for all who are interested in learning more about the history and current experiences of Canada's Indigenous peoples. The subject matter illuminates many of the historical and consequential ongoing struggles and successes of Indigenous peoples. As a recognised citizen of the Metis Nation of Alberta, I enjoyed learning about the history and ongoing challenges (and successes) of Metis people in Canada. Approach this course with an open mind and you will not be disappointed.

By Shelly K

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Nov 7, 2020

Growing up near Detroit, I always thought that I, along with my fellow Michiganders, received a bit more information about our neighbors to the North than the average American. While I still think I did, at least when I was in elementary school, I actually knew nothing! I can't tell you how great I thought this course was. My friends and family are sick of me popping in random Canadian facts into conversations lately. :-) Thank you. Can't wait to visit ( when we're allowed back across the border).

By Matt A

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Sep 20, 2020

It is the best massive open online course I've ever taken. I'm blown by how the instructors/developers managed to put together a self-paced course with an enormous amount of information and yet kept the course interesting. It is a lot, but each module is a fascinating and eye-opening learning experience. I'm grateful that I get to go through this course and look at Canadian history through Indigenous' lenses. This is a fantastic course. It's a must for history fanatics and everyone else in Canada.

By Sandy t

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Aug 21, 2021

I am so glad I took the step to learn about a history I was very unfamiliar with. This history was raw and at timesd hard to fathom why this has happened in our society. This needs to be told and taught in schools. People need to understand and realize the trauma survivors of the abuse suffered by so many. I feel I have contributed in some small way to show my respect to the Indigenous Community and I will spread my knowledge on this for the rest of my life. Thankful for the learning experience!

By Lisa w

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Nov 21, 2020

Thank you! This course has helped me to understand in greater detail the impact of colonization on indigenous people across Canada and north america. The course has highlighted the strength and courage of indigenous people and their determination to be heard. I will continue to promote this course. I truly hope the changes that need to take place for indigenous peoples voices to be heard, for their beliefs and values to be honoured, for their traditional ways of life are facilitated successfully.

By Elizabeth M

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Nov 13, 2020

I really enjoyed this course. For someone that only learned the bare minimum about Indigenous people in school, this course helped broaden my knowledge on their true story and I gained a deeper connection and respect for them, their culture, their views and their past. With this knowledge, I hope to enlighten other Canadians and do my best to fight alongside my Ingenious neighbours in their fight for respect and equality in this country. I think every Canadian should take this course, hands down!

By Joyanne F

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Nov 7, 2020

This course is packed with useful and necessary information. It has transformed the way I see myself in the world as a settler living on Treaty 6 Land. In addition, I loved the conversations with Dan Levy. I looked forward to the warmth and sense of community every week. These sessions also introduced me to the Media Indigena and Metis in Space podcasts which I love, and many amazing Indigenous people whose work I will follow. Thank you for the generosity and hard work that went into this course.

By Dan C

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Nov 6, 2020

So many facets that never occured to me. It is referred to as an "introductory" course and that might be so in terms of depth but it has had a profound effect on my perspective. One element that sticks with me, and perhaps I didn't quite catch it in the narratives, was the tenacity and persistence of indigenous peoples in their resistance to the ongoing and concerted efforts to erase their culture and histories. I am grateful for havng the opportunity to particpate in this course. Thank you.

By Joy L

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Sep 5, 2020

I would consider this course to be essential to learning and gaining an understanding of Canadian history for every Canadian. I am 69 years old and have adult children both of whom have native studies degrees and education degrees from the u of a, and have invested their careers into bettering the condition of indigenous people and It is a privilege for me to be able to take courses that will allow me to better understand and appreciate what they do, so thank you for this incredible opportunity.

By Josée M

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Jan 3, 2021

As a Canadian I can’t believe I was never taught Canada’s WHOLE history; the good, the bad and the ugly. There was a lot of diversity and richness pre-contact. What little we were taught grossly glossed over a lot of the atrocities that indigenous people were subjected to and painted the rest with rosy coloured colonial glasses. I’m grateful to have been recommended this course and highly encourage my family and friends to partake in educating themselves on such an important and relevant topic!