ICR007 - Allyship with Indigenous Peoples

This course focuses on allyship with Indigenous Peoples who live in the northern portion of Turtle Island, now known as Canada. Although we know that allyship also applies to many people who are treated inequitable or experience discrimination, such as Black peoples and people of colour, this course is designed to teach about allyship with Indigenous Peoples.

Part of this learning journey encourages you to understand your positionality and fully engage with the content. In doing so, you will analyze the impacts of colonization, identify colonial structures, and explain how colonial culture and structures are woven into the Canadian landscape. Colonization continues to shape allyship. 

Your learning journey will help you understand how your lived experiences can inform what you need to do to become an ally. You will better understand how allyship addresses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) Calls to Action and will help you make plans for taking action and moving forward with intention. 

This course is beneficial to learners who are interested in understanding authentic allyship with Indigenous Peoples and the steps learners can take to become an ally. As you work through the course, you will begin to recognize the impacts that colonial events have had and continue to have, on Indigenous People. Ideally, you, as a learner will take from the course what you need to take steps toward reconciliation and allyship with Indigenous Peoples in your personal and professional lives. 

TRC Calls to Action

This course supports the TRC Calls to Action. The TRC calls on all sectors and individuals living in Canada to learn the history of Indigenous Peoples and understand the impacts of colonization on past and present relationships between Indigenous Peoples and settlers as well as newcomers. Gaining historical and current knowledge and building healthy relationships with Indigenous Peoples supports your journey to becoming an ally to implement the Calls to Action. This course focuses on allyship and therefore addresses all Calls to Action because allyship is a requirement for reconciliation.

Learning Outcomes

Learners will gain the practical skills, abilities, attitude, and awareness to:

1. Define authentic and performative allyship.
2. Explain why allyship with Indigenous Peoples is important in Canadian society.
3. Identify ways in which allyship is impacted by colonialism.
4. Identify the connection between allyship and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and how learners can become an ally to Indigenous Peoples.

Skills and Competencies

• Analytical thinking
• Cultural awareness
• Historical analysis
• Knowledge application
• Relationship building
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion

Summary

• Number of hours: 2.5 hours total

• Assessment: Themes one to four include brief knowledge check questions to assist the learner with recalling basic facts. At the end of the course, learners will need to pass the Final Knowledge Check with a grade of 70% or higher to pass the course. All knowledge checks allow multiple attempts. After successful completion of the Final Knowledge Check, learners will receive one MicroBadge that can be applied toward a Reconciliation MicroCredential. An incomplete course will count as a fail.

• Previous education required: None; this course does not have a required prerequisite.

• Delivery: Online, self-paced

• Completion timeline: Within 180 days from when you enroll in the course.

FAQs

Is this course for everyone?

• Yes, this course is relevant to all people from all walks of life. The learners' life experiences will influence how they experience the course.

Some individuals and organizations may be GST-exempt.

• First Nations University of Canada is situated on the Star Blanket First Nation and is exempt from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). If you or your organization are exempt from Government Sales Tax (GST), please contact icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca to ensure that your invoice is prepared accordingly.

I need financial support. What funding options does ICEC recommend?

• Check out our Funding Opportunities here. 

Who do I contact if I need help?

• Check out ICECs Learner Support page to see if your question is answered in the FAQs. If your question remains unresolved, feel free to complete the form with your question, or you may contact icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca for assistance with any questions. We are here to help! Support requests are received during regular office hours. Please expect a response within 24 to 48 hours.