At Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC), we believe learning the truth about Canada’s history is essential for building a more inclusive and respectful society.
That’s why we are proud to launch “Canada: The Rich & Vibrant History of Indigenous Peoples”, a curriculum designed to help newcomers to Canada better understand the foundational stories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the lands we now call Canada.
“Education is what got us here, and education is what will get us out.”
Justice Murray Sinclair, Chairman of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission
This engaging, accessible program encourages participants to explore Canada’s history, from the richness of Indigenous cultures to the challenges and resilience faced by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
Who is this curriculum for?
We hope this curriculum will provide an easy and accessible introduction for newcomers to the complete history of Canada that integrates Indigenous experiences and voices into our shared understanding of modern Canada.
This curriculum has also been designed so that the information can be easily shared and used by other newcomer-serving organizations from across Canada to teach their clients about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and develop their own Truth and Reconciliation journeys.
All the necessary resources can be found below:
- Main Curriculum Slides
- Curriculum Slide Guide
- Curriculum Activities Guide
- Curriculum Facilitator Guide
What You’ll Learn
Developed by Indigenous educators Kory Wilson and Tami Pierce, this curriculum guides participants through powerful themes, including:
Introduction to Indigenous Peoples
- Who are the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples?
- How have they lived, governed, and thrived since time immemorial?
Indigenous stories
- Indigenous creation stories and oral traditions
- Land acknowledgments and the meaning behind them
- Local Nations in BC and their ongoing stewardship of the land
Laws, Policies & Governance
- The Indian Act and its legacy
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its 94 Calls to Action
- UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- Indigenous self-governance and cultural resurgence
Myths vs. Realities
- Confronting stereotypes and colonial myths
- Celebrating Indigenous values, cultures, and ways of knowing
Making a Difference
- Personal actions toward reconciliation
- Building respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples
- Understanding your role as a resident or newcomer in this land
With a blend of storytelling, interactive activities, group discussions, and self-reflection, the curriculum offers a space for meaningful learning and dialogue.
Why It Matters
Many newcomers arrive in Canada without ever having learned about the country’s true history, especially the policies and systems that harmed Indigenous Peoples, including the Residential School system that operated for over 160 years.
Understanding this legacy is not just a matter of history but a crucial step toward healing and reconciliation with the survivors of the Residential School system and Indigenous communities in British Columbia and beyond.
By participating in this curriculum, newcomers are invited to become part of this healing journey.
It’s about more than just learning; it’s about standing in solidarity, honoring Indigenous Peoples, and contributing to a more just and equitable future for everyone.
