Overview
In this survey course, we introduce the concepts of internal colonialism, decolonization, and Indigenous self-government. We also explore the impact of Canadian economic policies, with special emphasis on how resource exploitation and the extension of social services have affected northern Indigenous peoples socially, culturally, politically, and economically. Finally, we discuss Aboriginal land claims, using case studies of claims that have been or are being settled, either through the courts or by negotiations. This survey includes an examination of the significance of a land-based economy to the establishment of effective and sustainable Indigenous government.
Learning outcomes
Indigenous Studies 205 is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop critical and analytical skills, and to acquire a basic understanding of some of the most important issues affecting contemporary Indigenous people in Canada.
After completing this course, you should be able to
- Discuss the concepts colonialism, decolonization, and Indigenous self-government.
- Compare the process of decolonization underway among Indigenous peoples in other countries with that being undertaken by Indigenous peoples in Canada.
- Assess the impact of Euro-Canadian-oriented modernization processes on the Indigenous inhabitants of Canada’s North.
- Describe and assess the responses of northern Indigenous communities and Indigenous political organizations and leaders to the Euro-Canadian-oriented social, cultural, economic, and political development processes imposed on the Indigenous residents of the North.
- Discuss the history of Aboriginal land claims in Canada.
- Discuss several judicial opinions about Aboriginal land claims.
Outline
INST 205 is divided into three units, as follows:
Unit 1: Indigenous Government: Before and During Colonization
- Section 1: Precolonial Societies
- Section 2: Colonial Relationships
- Section 3: The Colonial Relationship in Canada: Treaty Making and Assimilation Laws
- Section 4: Contemporary Indigenous Government
- Section 5: Decolonization in Other Countries
Unit 2: Indigenous People in Northern Canada
- Section 1: Colonialism, Modernization, and Social Change Among the Inuit People
- Section 2: Resource Exploitation and the Extension of Government Services
- Section 3: Socioeconomic Issues
Unit 3: Aboriginal Land Claims
- Section 1: Comprehensive Land Claims
- Section 2: Specific Claims
- Section 3: Canadian Court Rulings
Evaluation
To receive credit for INST 205, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent) and a minimum grade of 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 25% |
| Assignment 2 | 25% |
| Assignment 3 | 25% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Frideres, J.S., & Gadacz, R.R. (2012). Aboriginal peoples in Canada (9th ed)., Scarborough, ON: Pearson Education Canada.
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course鈥檚 start date:
Getty, I.A.L., & Lussier, A.S. (Eds.). (1983). As long as the sun shines and water flows: A reader in Canadian Native studies. Vancouver, BC: University of British Columbia Press.
Williamson, P., & Roberts, J. (2004). First Nations peoples (2nd ed.). Toronto: Emond Montgomery.
Other Materials
The course materials also include a study guide, student manual, and a reading file.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the INST 205 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent)on the examination.
| Activity | Weight |
| Examination | 100% |
| Total | 100% |
Challenge for credit course registration form