The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, in partnership with Canada's national Indigenous organizations, has created a groundbreaking four-volume atlas that shares the experiences, perspectives, and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
"For Indigenous Peoples, land is central to every aspect of life. Indigenous Peoples’ lives and cultures are derived from the land they live on – this influences their diet, cultural practices, ceremonies, spiritual beliefs, housing structures, patterns of land usage, and relationships with the animals and plants sharing that land" (Clarke et al., Our Stories: Land Claims, Title, and Ownership, ch. 33).
Title to Our Land (2016) available via Can-Core
In this episode of Urban Native Girl, Lisa travels to her home community to speak with the Tsilhqot’in Chiefs, central to the historic Land Title settlement. This isn’t “Treaty”, this is “Title”, and this changes everything. This episode features interviews with Chief Joe Alphonse, Crystal Verhaeghe, Pam Palmater, Chief Percy Guichon, and Chief Roger William.
The History of Treaties in Canada (2016) available via Can-Core
From the Royal Proclamation of 1763 to the implementation of the modern-day Algonquin land claim, The History of Treaties in Canada explores the history, application and legacy of these foundational legal documents and how they continue to shape and define the often strained relationships between First Nations and the Crown in Canada. Written and produced by award-winning Métis filmmaker Matt LeMay.
The Significance of Treaties (2003) available via Can-Core
By 1879, the buffalo population was dwindling fast. As a result, life changed for First Nations groups. They had no choice but to turn to the Canadian Government for assistance. The government offered to settle them on reserves in return for the title of their lands. A treaty was signed and the First Nation cycle of life was forever changed.
8th Fire: It's Time (2012) available via CBC Curio
It's Time! challenges Canadians with this reality: if we don't improve our relationship with Aboriginal people, we will cripple our economy. Both the footage and the argument come in high definition and make the case that Canada is changing beneath our feet. 8th Fire host Wab Kinew explains how ancient Wampum belts hold a clue to the future. The Supreme Court of Canada now confirms the promises they hold as the truth. The First Nations of this country were not conquered. They signed treaties to share the land, and this means Aboriginal people must be consulted and accommodated when anyone wants to dig, explore or develop on their land.