Written by Carolyn Carpan
As Canadians work towards Truth and Reconciliation, it is important that we listen to the voices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. University of Alberta Libraries provides useful tools to foster understanding and build knowledge about Indigenous life with learning resources like the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Playlist.
Videos in the playlist focus on the history and effects of colonization of Canada by the Europeans, including how land treaties impacted the relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers, the legacy of the residential schools established by settlers to educate Indigenous children, and violence against women leading to many missing and murdered Indigenous women.
New additions to the playlist include the eight part Canadian docu-drama series 1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus, based on Charles C. Mann’s best-selling book.
You may have heard about the new reality show, First Contact which shares stories of Canadians learning about contemporary life of Indigenous peoples. The show takes six people on a 28-day journey intended to challenge their racist, unsympathetic, and prejudicial attitudes and teach them about the modern day Indigenous experience. If you want to check it out, it’s available in this collection.