We are treaty people. Our forebears entered into these agreements with the peoples who lived on and cared for the lands of North America (Turtle Islands). These agreements are still in force and it is the duty of this generation and those that follow to know, understand, and abide by them.
The Kawawartha-Pine Ridge District School Board Indigenous Education Department hosted and recorded an hour long Zoom session for high school students in November 2021 presented by Ryan Gray-Brady (Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe) on Treaty History & Contemporary Relevance as part of KPRDSB’s Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. It covers Treaty 20 (1818) and the Williams Treaties (1923) as well as miscellaneous Michi Saagiig history up to today in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong and surrounding areas.
For a wider view and more history, view Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts on Vimeo. This hour-long film was produced by the Anglican Church of Canada. There is also a study guide which breaks the film into segments with discussion questions pertinent to each segment.
Indigenous culture is not a monolith: every First Nation has its own views of the world/nature, its own language, and its own stories. Spend some time sampling a few stories!
Isaac Murdoch Winter Storytelling
Presented and recorded by Lakehead University’s Indigenous Student Services Centre on January 27, 2021. Winter is traditionally the time of storytelling. Isaac shares some Ojibway creation stories.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/kCRDqQCAmNk (just under 2 hours).
Sky Stories (TRACKS)
Reading excerpts from Basil H. Johnstons’ Think Indian, listeners will be introduced to the Sky World. Weaving in personal accounts and Anishnaabemowin (Ojibwe language), Anne Taylor will share teachings of the Sky Beings, our connection to the stars, and the Ojiig constellation.
YouTube: Sky Beings with Anne Taylor
By sharing her own journey of learning and reconnecting, waaseyaa’sin Christine Sy hopes to empower others to learn about the Sky World and star teachings. She will share how she turns research into meaning and knowledge—whether it be from on the land, orally from Elders, or from internet sources. YouTube: Coming to Know Our Anishinaabe Skyworld
Wilfred Buck, Cree science facilitator at the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc. (MFNERC) told some stories during the launch of his book: Tispkawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories
Youtube also has recordings of some individual Indigenous constellations as explained by Wilfred Buck:
- Makinak: The Turtle
- Sisikwun: The Rattle
- Atima Atchakosuk: The Dog Stars
- … and he explains how to orienteer by the stars