Indigenous FAQs
Questions answered by our Indigenous community members and UCalgary's Office of Indigenous Engagement
Territorial land acknowledgement
Ideally, at every meeting. It can be verbal or thoughtful to yourself, but it acknowledges the history of the land and helps you understand your relationship to the land (relationality). This understanding of the true history is important to give an authentic land acknowledgement and pays respect to traditional peoples.
In Indigenous cultures, we have a connection to everything and the learning never ends. We are all interconnected.
Resources:
- Territorial Land Acknowledgement, Office of Indigenous Engagement
- Doctrine of Discover: In the Name of Christ
You have a duty to consult the traditional peoples of the land and apply your own humility to it to avoid performatism.
Positionality is important and being a “guest” doesn’t mean that you don’t belong. This acknowledges that the land has been cared for before you and that you have a responsibility and accountability to the land and recognize and respect the truth. The Indigenous perspective believes that there is no ownership of the land, we share the land, and it’s about understanding that worldview.
This also acknowledges where you come from and respects your ancestors.
“The longest journey you’ll take is from your mind to your heard.”
What should societies who have jurisdiction across Canada do for land acknowledgement? Specifically something that could be put on a website as a sign of society's respect.
It isn’t recommended because there are more than 600 Indigenous Peoples across what we now call Canada and it’s important to understand the history of your space and place.
Example: Engineers Canada: A guide to acknowledge First Peoples and traditional land
Cultural protocols
Cultural protocols are about reciprocity, respect and honouring the relationship you have with someone. Every nation has their own protocols, practice and guidelines so it’s important to ask the nation and Elder and be mindful of their energy.
Introduction is customary to understand who we are and builds a foundation to the exchange.
Resources:
- Jagged Worldviews Colliding by Leroy Little Bear
- Cultural Protocol, Office of Indigenous Engagement
Tobacco is a universal protocol that recognizes the exchange that is being made and protects the individual from spiritual harm. You can also give blankets, sweetgrass or artwork that supports Indigenous artisans.
Smudging is done to start off in a good way, to cleanse intentions and thoughts, and bring the Creator into the space and conversation. It has a spiritual component that was initially outlawed in the Indian Act.
Elders are consulted on the UCalgary Advisory Council and the Office of Indigenous Engagement meets with them once a month. We need to be mindful of their time and energy, so they need a few weeks notice if asked to attend an event.
Language
There are many languages spoken in Treaty 7. There is a richness to it that is usually lost when translating to English. Language is now being revitalized as Indigenous Peoples weren’t allowed to speak, following the Indian Act.
Resources:
Terminology
The term “Indigenous” is global, universal and inclusive of all. However, there are many different nations and different terms are used in language to refer to oneself.
Resources:
Events
Anyone and everyone can attend a powwow. Everyone is welcome and invited. They are inclusive celebrations of culture, song and dance.
There are two types of powwows: traditional and contemporary. Contemporary powwows are more competitive with prizes.
Participate in events on campus and in the community.
Resources: