Becoming Good Relations
The Lacombe & District Historical Society & Lacombe Museum Board, Staff, Volunteers, and Members acknowledge we are privileged to be working, volunteering, and living on Treaty 6 Territory and the Red Deer Métis District of the Battle River Territory of the Métis Nation of Alberta. This land is part of the traditional territory of the Nēhiyaw (Cree), Niitsítapi (Blackfoot), Nakoda (Stony), Dene (Athabascan), and Métis whose footsteps have walked these lands for time immemorial, and whose history, culture, and language continues to influence our vibrant communities.
The Lacombe Museum recognizes that before reconciliation must come truth and that currently, there are generations of Canadians making their own commitments to learn Indigenous history and culture. As part of our programming at the Lacombe Museum we aim to provide opportunities for our community to interact with Indigenous culture. In the past we have been able to do with our June 21st events, Winter Storytime in conjunction with Light Up Lacombe, lectures, and workshops. We encourage staff, volunteers, and community members to join us at these events and to seek out other experiences such as local powwows. To focus your learning about the Indigenous experience in Canada the Lacombe Museum also encourages people to take advantage of the many courses, and books, available on this topic. Below is a resource list to support this learning.
Further Your Learning:
A Massive Open Online Course created by the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies. This course can be taken for free via Coursera.
“From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.”
Aboriginal Worldviews and Education
This course was developed by the University of Toronto and can be taken for free via Coursera.
“Intended for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learners, this course will explore Indigenous ways of knowing and how they can benefit all students. Topics include historical, social, and political issues in Aboriginal education; terminology; cultural, spiritual and philosophical themes in Aboriginal worldviews; and how Aboriginal worldviews can inform professional programs and practices, including but not limited to the field of education.”
Reconcilation Through Indigenous Education
This course was developed by the University of British Columbia and can be taken for free via edX.
“In this course, reconciliation emphasizes changing institutional structures, practices, and policies, as well as personal and professional ideologies to create environments that are committed to strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples.”
Land Back is an open online course offered by the Yellowhead Institute. “In this course, you will learn about the scope of land dispossession in Canada, historically and in the present, as well as examples of resistance that result in the enforcement of Indigenous models of consent. The course also considers the future of the Land Back movement with reference to climate activism and solidarity with non-Indigenous communities.”
This is a four-part workshop offered virtually via kinSHIFT. This is a paid course. The workshops aim to deepen participants’ understanding of colonization’s impacts, help them unlearn implicit biases, understand power and privilege, and envision how embracing shared responsibility can aid us in moving forward.
Truth and Reconcilation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
The 94 Calls to Action in a PDF version.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in a PDF version.
They Came for the Children is a book developed by The Truth and Reconcilation Commission of Canada that provides a thorough history of the residential school system in Canada. The link will provide the PDF version of the book.
Strong Nations is a giftwares and bookstore that operates out of Snuneymuxw territory in British Columbia. They have an incredible collection of books that are by Indigenous authors or present Indigenous topics. We recommend browsing the “Indigenous Awareness” and “Residential Schools/Reconcilation” categories to find books to aid on your learning journey.
We recommend checking the availability of the books on your reading list at your local library!
This interactive map allows users to explore Indigenous land around the world via its traditional territories, languages, or treaties.
The Indigenous Peoples Experience is an amazing immersive exhibit at Fort Edmonton Park. The Indigenous Peoples Experience is open to visit year-round. Confirm opening hours an ticket purchasing procedures on the Fort Edmonton Park website prior to your visit.
Part of the Victoria District National Historic Site, Métis Crossing is a cultural experience, events venue, and lodge. Visitors can explore Métis cultural exhibits situated on traditional Métis river lots, book signature experiences, attend a variety of workshops, or join Métis Crossing for their robust events calendar.
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Blackfoot Crossing is part of a National Historic Site that is full of history. Situated where Treaty 7 was signed the museum primarily interprets Blackfoot history and culture. The park also contains the Cluny Earthlodge Village, the Crowfoot Cemetary, and walking paths. Check the website for events, workshops, and opening hours.
