{"id":2799,"date":"2025-09-14T05:34:40","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T05:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/?page_id=2799"},"modified":"2026-04-30T19:19:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T02:19:01","slug":"canadas-indigenous-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/canadas-indigenous-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Living On Indigenous Lands \ud83c\udf3f"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-aaf23be70af23f11c1cfc6d84c053bd2\"><em>WINS LIP IS  grateful for the guidance shared by the Qayqayt First Nation in reviewing this content.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52f3365b153d84e05f03b40c4935cc6c\" id=\"INDIGENOUSLANDS\" style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong><em>Honouring the Truth of Ancestral Territories<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77b9ec361417bd37bbd4ba42f6bc48f9\" style=\"font-size:18px\">As you settle into your new home, it\u2019s important to know that the land you now live on has been the ancestral home of Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. For Indigenous Peoples, the land is alive. It is not something to own or control, but something to live with, care for, and be in relationship with. Their cultures, languages, and ways of life flow from this deep connection to the land\u2014it shapes who they are and how they live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a037f8579e9e05dc2ccc28ea0541666d\" style=\"font-size:18px\">WINS LIP&nbsp;invites everyone to learn about Indigenous histories, land, and reconciliation. We especially welcome&nbsp;newcomers and immigrants, who may not have had access to this knowledge before arriving in Canada.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75b57689ab760d67dbf8619268e4e8b6\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>This is a shared journey\u2014and understanding the truth about indigenous history, helps us all build respectful relationships and a more inclusive future.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b863caff5353e59408252443bffe9bf2\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-121a737d\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-121a737d\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong>The Relevance<\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-121a737d\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group superb-accordion-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4fc8b083ec7c3b50d57446d9ace1be61\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Many newcomers arrive in Canada without the colonial history context because their education, settlement programs, or prior experiences may not have included the history of Indigenous Peoples, treaties, or the impacts of colonization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6615a4249a4f7f8e50aebc8edf98fc90\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Colonization severed Indigenous Peoples\u2019 relationships with the imposed society in many ways, including the creation of reserves, residential schools, displacement from their lands, and laws and policies that sought to erase their cultures and traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5e11fde865b7c64e5c4df346795f490a\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Despite systemic oppression, Indigenous Peoples continue to nurture their lands, cultures, languages, and traditions. Some lands remain unceded, while others were affected by treaties often signed under pressure or misrepresentation. Today, these lands remain deeply connected to Indigenous Peoples<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34a9e32594032c48cb9f121bd901fcf9\" style=\"font-size:18px\">The&nbsp;Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)&nbsp;was created to&nbsp;document the history and impacts of residential schools&nbsp;on Indigenous Peoples. Its goal is to&nbsp;share the truth, educate Canadians, and guide actions toward healing and reconciliation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-945e0bc4b775ea0ad945c7f6b9e4af60\" style=\"font-size:18px\">The TRC issued&nbsp;94 Calls to Action, which are practical steps for governments, organizations, and individuals to&nbsp;address past harms, respect Indigenous rights, and build a more just and inclusive Canada<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8392afcdd27cfadef10462d5e59cdffa\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-7da6ac9a\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-7da6ac9a\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong>Who Are Indigenous Peoples?<\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-7da6ac9a\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group superb-accordion-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90317484bb124c2bf53848c41bfd57ef\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Indigenous Peoples are the original inhabitants of Canada and have lived on this land for thousands of years. They are&nbsp;diverse and vibrant, with many different cultures, languages, and traditions. Canada has classified them in 3 main groups in Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74de4afad8485b8dcb4ab5b2a7be7bd6\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>First Nations<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Over 600 communities, each with its own history, culture, and language.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d43d3b1eb741f3688d4751ce0bc88a29\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Inuit<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Indigenous peoples living mostly in the Arctic, with unique ways of life adapted to northern climates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-830dcf59d7e3a2e3b0443d564197dc3d\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>M\u00e9tis<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 People of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry who developed their own distinct culture, language, and identity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4fb956e8242ab0bc46b7b5d87562f61b\" style=\"font-size:18px\">There are&nbsp;<strong>hundreds of Indigenous languages, spiritual practices, governance systems, and cultural traditions<\/strong>. Indigenous Peoples are not a single group, but many nations with unique identities, histories, and contributions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-982de8acc152cf864b71a07d2bb83874\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-d9f4d40a\" style=\"font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-weight:700\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-d9f4d40a\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong>Turtle Island<\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-d9f4d40a\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group superb-accordion-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group superb-accordion-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"384\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-13-at-10.10.26-PM-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2840 size-full\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-13-at-10.10.26-PM-1.png 400w, http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-13-at-10.10.26-PM-1-300x288.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-be07461ab47f56f106d298410acc572c\" style=\"font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-weight:100\">Turtle Island is the Indigenous name for the land now called Canada.<br>Indigenous Peoples have lived here for over 10,000 years.<br>Turtle Island&nbsp;is the name many Indigenous Peoples use to describe the land now called&nbsp;North America, including Canada. The term comes from&nbsp;creation stories&nbsp;shared by several Indigenous Nations, especially among the&nbsp;Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Anishinaabe, and Lenape.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happened with the Crown and Indigenous Land?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:17px\" class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-833379b4c9bf6b5af4c9e9b76bd69b12\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a73e40c50564a95fc23ef3cff88331c6\" style=\"font-size:17px;font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">In Canada, the Crown refers to the&nbsp;British Monarchy&nbsp;and later the Canadian Government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-1ecd8bd364922182eb46bc31f003e164\" style=\"font-size:17px;font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">When treaties were signed, they were made&nbsp;between Indigenous Nations and the Crown\u2014not with individual settlers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-4276322814120d9f32ab9737ce1e5267\" style=\"font-size:17px;font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">In British Columbia, most land was never part of a treaty,&nbsp;<strong>, <\/strong>meaning the Crown took control without agreement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a804dd1238dc05a187a6a223661fa871\" style=\"font-size:17px;font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">This is why much of BC is called&nbsp;<strong>unceded territory<\/strong>\u2014land that still rightfully belongs to Indigenous Peoples.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5d0fa5c95bc68357e0cd0c57bd051469\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-5607e36f\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-5607e36f\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong><strong>What&nbsp;Truth &amp; Reconciliation Means for Newcomers?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-5607e36f\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"382\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/TRC_Canada_Logo.svg_.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2800 size-full\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/TRC_Canada_Logo.svg_.png 1024w, http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/TRC_Canada_Logo.svg_-300x112.png 300w, http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/TRC_Canada_Logo.svg_-768x287.png 768w, http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/TRC_Canada_Logo.svg_-850x317.png 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ce1833e6dfb2e062dbd7ac7f045709e8\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\u2013 To cultivate relationships built on respect with Indigenous peoples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3715f9acc876cbf07c0b3a3ef576e361\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\u2013 To learn the full history of the land, including treaties, past and ongoing effects of colonization, and the legacy of residential schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1a601860d580c3662a9b858427953ae0\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\u2013 To understand that treaties are legal agreements that affect everyone living here.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17570e3385e993f3b86e9b65e5bb00b3\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-d6b2c98b\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-d6b2c98b\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong>What Are Treaties?<\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-d6b2c98b\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b1cf137cfd403119cefa6751af7baad9\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Treaties&nbsp;are formal agreements between&nbsp;Indigenous Nations&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Crown&nbsp;(the British or Canadian government).<br>They were meant to&nbsp;share land and resources, not to give them away.<br>Treaties often promised things like education, healthcare, and protection\u2014but many were broken or ignored.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-028f3bb93b2604d090f2fbe42c3b6d17\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-2bb4ba9b\" style=\"font-size:18px;text-transform:capitalize\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-2bb4ba9b\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong>What Can Newcomers Do?<\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-2bb4ba9b\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group superb-accordion-content-wrapper is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e881c25683520d51d0bad9bea4f26861\">\n<li>Learn about the Indigenous Nation whose land you live on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d876ec1c423e11c19a4ebcea0e81e712\">\n<li>Attend Indigenous events and listen to stories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5d3502aeaa43559077bcbd5be488c466\">\n<li>Support Indigenous businesses and artists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3898c03dae0d5eec2cfdde734a3e02c0\">\n<li>Get involved, become an Ally: newcomers can help build meaningful relationships and contribute to teconciliation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-659b7808a0aea5a2f761ae1e40a8c866\" style=\"text-transform:none\">For more Information, guidance, and ways to get involved, explore the resources below and connect with local indigenous organizations such <a href=\"https:\/\/sotcs.ca\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/sotcs.ca\">Spirit of the Children Society <\/a>(in New Westminster) cultural centres, and Elders for guidance and collaboration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ey Swayel\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MSNEigc8G5s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Nikola and Elijah are from the community of Cheam which is part of the Pilalt Tribe of St\u00f3:l\u014d Nation singing a song is called &#8220;\u00c9y swayel, tel siy\u00e1ye&#8221; in Halq&#8217;em\u00e9ylem which means &#8220;Good day, my friends&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d9eb636ab939e8747998c9349f4fa996\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-f6f51c74\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-f6f51c74\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong>Resources to Explore<\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-f6f51c74\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group superb-accordion-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95c8eff625cac67da0ef48425a213050\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>National Newcomer Collective for Truth and Reconciliation (NNCTR):<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nnctr.ca\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">https:\/\/www.nnctr.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-01049c60a2f3a39f824471df16b4ad66\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Government of Canada \u2013 TRC Calls to Action:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nctr.ca\/about\/history-of-the-trc\/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada-calls-to-action\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">https:\/\/nctr.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c27c3cfafd35b7880487fb4dec9ac246\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Ask your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ircc.canada.ca\/english\/newcomers\/services\/index.asp\">settlement worker<\/a>&nbsp;for guidance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4d5316373dd4bcf0070c9d69692917bc\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Read the Indigenous Book Recommendations<\/strong>&nbsp;by&nbsp;<strong>Ernie Cardinal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2ca28f1c09df2b1c699a36903d4cbd42\" style=\"font-size:16px\">A Cree Knowledge Keeper and Elder in Residence,&nbsp;<em>Ernie\u2019s Picks<\/em>&nbsp;is a powerful collection of books that help readers understand Indigenous perspectives, colonization, reconciliation, and healing. Each recommendation is paired with Ernie\u2019s personal reflections and storytelling <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cI hope these books touch you and teach you as much as they did me.\u201d<br>\u2014 Ernie Cardinal, B.A. CYC<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a35e6379ee834539c626af0d45c2067c is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Click here for Ernie&#8217;s Picks<\/summary>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-to-New-West-Reconciliation-Brochure-Website-3.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of New to New West Reconciliation Brochure (Website).\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-589bd223-478f-4c9f-a88a-b09eed76f155\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-to-New-West-Reconciliation-Brochure-Website-3.pdf\">New to New West Reconciliation Brochure (Website)<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-to-New-West-Reconciliation-Brochure-Website-3.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-589bd223-478f-4c9f-a88a-b09eed76f155\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bdde3d1b8584d21ad7128198e1a208c3\"><strong>National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nctr.ca\/nac\/nac-resources\/\">NAC Resources &#8211; NCTR<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8b10b4c6aea26f849691d3abc97d99d3\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-e078d5a3\" style=\"font-size:18px;text-transform:capitalize\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-e078d5a3\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong>Truth and Calls to Action Relevant to Our work&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-e078d5a3\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>TRC Call #<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Brief Explanation<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>#93<\/strong><\/td><td>Include Indigenous history and Treaties in newcomer education and citizenship materials.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>#94<\/strong><\/td><td>Ensure newcomers understand the history and legacy of Indigenous Peoples.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>#57\u2013#61<\/strong><\/td><td>Promote education about Indigenous culture and contributions in community programs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>#92<\/strong><\/td><td>Educate public servants and professionals about Indigenous histories.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>#45\u2013#47<\/strong><\/td><td>Encourage community engagement with Indigenous Peoples.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key Commitments for WINS LIP under National Calls to Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b6d9c0e462597db6250b6fe4a36c097c\" style=\"font-size:18px;text-transform:none\"><strong>Inclusive Settlement Materials<\/strong><br>We commit to ensuring newcomers receive orientation materials and programs that include Indigenous histories, treaty relationships, and contemporary Indigenous realities. (TRC Call #93)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a862f41e142d5d940bccd26dc2899692\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><strong>Civic Participation and Oaths<\/strong><br>We support efforts to make citizenship and civic participation more meaningful by acknowledging Treaty responsibilities in ceremonies, oaths, and public engagements. (TRC Call #94)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9f288bcb0afaa29cda12b100989c6543\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><strong>Partnership &amp; Cultural Guidance<\/strong><br>We will partner with Indigenous organizations, Elders, and knowledge keepers to inform how our programs are designed and delivered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0be8d43d2d0e187f27e58e5c57fa34b4\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><strong>Education &amp; Public Resources<\/strong><br>We will produce or host resources (guides, workshops, cultural introductions) that help newcomers understand Indigenous Peoples\u2019 cultures, perspectives, languages, and rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-323471f27d304354d05c2fa3aa937840\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><strong>Safe Spaces &amp; Dialogue<\/strong><br>We will facilitate events, storytelling, and dialogue circles where Indigenous and newcomer communities can meet, learn from each other, share histories, and build solidarity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-superb-addons-accordion-block\" data-accordion-id=\"superb-accordion-be104248\"><div class=\"superb-accordion-header\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-be104248\"><h4 class=\"superb-accordion-title\"><strong>Glossary, understanding new terms<\/strong><\/h4><span class=\"superb-accordion-icon\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"superb-accordion-content-superb-accordion-be104248\" class=\"superb-accordion-content\" style=\"display:none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group superb-accordion-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Understanding Terminology with Care<\/strong><br>This glossary includes terms that are still used in Canadian law, policy, and history, such as &#8220;Indian&#8221; and &#8220;Aboriginal&#8221;. While these words are outdated or sound harsh to some, they continue to appear in official documents like the Indian Act and in legal definitions such as Indian Status. It is important to understand their meaning and context, especially when working with government systems or historical records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Many Indigenous Peoples prefer terms like First Nations, Inuit, M\u00e9tis, or Indigenous, which better reflect their identities, cultures, and self-determination. Using respectful and current language is part of building understanding and supporting reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>This glossary aims to help newcomers and community members learn about Indigenous histories, rights, and cultures in Canada, while recognizing the importance of language in shaping relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aboriginal (adj)<\/strong> As per above , we recommend the use of the term <strong>Indigenous<\/strong> instead of Aboriginal.<br>Indigenous refers to the first peoples who have lived in a place or country from the earliest times or before colonists. In Canada, this term includes three distinct groups: First Nations, M\u00e9tis, and Inuit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ancestral Territory<\/strong> Land that has been occupied and cared for by Indigenous Peoples for generations, often overlapping with &#8216;traditional territory&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Assimilate \/ Assimilation<\/strong> When people become part of another group by adopting its culture, often losing their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Band \/ Indian Band<\/strong> A group of status First Nations people defined by the Canadian Government. Each band has an elected council and chief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Calls to Action<\/strong> Recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to guide reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chief<\/strong> The leader of a First Nation or band. May be elected under the Indian Act or recognized in a traditional system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Colonization<\/strong> When settlers took control of Indigenous land, governance, and resources, often through violence, laws, and forced assimilation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Constitution<\/strong> In Canada, the highest law, first written in 1867.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Crown<\/strong><br>The British monarchy and later the Canadian government, which claimed authority over Indigenous lands and signed treaties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Cultural Revitalization<\/strong><br>Efforts to restore Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural practices suppressed by colonization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Decolonization<\/strong> The process of undoing colonial systems and restoring Indigenous ways of knowing, governing, and living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Doctrine of Discovery<\/strong> A historical legal concept used by European powers to justify taking Indigenous lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Elder<\/strong> A respected Indigenous person recognized for wisdom, experience, and cultural knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First Nation<\/strong> A group of First Peoples in Canada united by language and culture, not identifying as Inuit or M\u00e9tis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First Peoples<\/strong> Another term similar to First Nations, referring to Indigenous Peoples in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Heritage \/ Indigenous Knowledge<\/strong> Traditional stories, teachings, and ways of life passed down through generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Indian \/ Indian Status<\/strong> A legal identity defined by the Canadian government under the Indian Act. Should only be used as a legal term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Indian Act<\/strong> Federal legislation that governs First Nations people with &#8216;Indian status&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Indian Residential School<\/strong> Government- and church-run schools where Indigenous children were forced to abandon their languages and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Indigenous Sovereignty<\/strong> The inherent right of Indigenous Nations to govern themselves and make decisions about their people, land, and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Intergenerational Trauma<\/strong> The lasting impact of historical injustices passed down through generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Inuit<\/strong> Indigenous Peoples who live in the Arctic regions of Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kinship<\/strong> A system of relationships and responsibilities among family and community members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Land Back (n.)<\/strong>  A movement led by Indigenous Peoples to restore their relationship with the land. It means returning control of traditional territories to Indigenous communities so they can care for the land, make decisions about it, and live according to their own laws and values. Land Back also calls for justice, healing, and recognition of Indigenous rights after generations of land being taken without consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Land Claim<\/strong> A First Nation\u2019s legal demand for control over their traditional territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marginalization<\/strong> Being pushed to the edges of society and denied full participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Medicine Wheel<\/strong> A symbol and teaching tool representing balance and interconnectedness in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>M\u00e9tis<\/strong> People of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry with their own culture, language, and history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nation-to-Nation Relationship<\/strong> A respectful political relationship between Indigenous Nations and the Canadian government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Orange Shirt Day<\/strong> A day of remembrance for survivors of residential schools, held on September 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potlatch<\/strong> A formal ceremony used by First Nations on the northwest coast for education, celebration, and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pow Wow <\/strong>A cultural gathering with dancing, singing, drumming, and celebration of Indigenous identity. (not practiced in teh past in British Columbia)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protocol<\/strong> A system of rules about correct behavior on official occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reconciliation <\/strong>The process of repairing relationships and addressing harms caused by colonization.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reserve \/ Reservation<\/strong> Land set aside by the government for First Nations communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Residential Schools<\/strong> Institutions where Indigenous children were taken from families and forced to abandon their cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sacred Sites<\/strong> Places of spiritual and cultural importance to Indigenous Peoples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Self-determination <\/strong>The right of a people to govern themselves and choose their government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Settler Colonialism<\/strong> A form of colonization where settlers permanently occupy and control Indigenous lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Seven Sacred Teachings<\/strong>  Core Indigenous values: <strong><em>Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Smudging \/ Sacred Medicine<\/strong> A ceremonial practice using smoke from sacred plants to cleanse and purify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Storytelling<\/strong> A traditional way of teaching and sharing knowledge through oral stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Systemic Oppression <\/strong>Discrimination and inequality built into laws, policies, and institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Time Immemorial<\/strong> The beginning; a time before memory or record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tradition \/ Traditional <\/strong>Ways of doing things passed down through generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traditional Territory<\/strong> Land that a First Nation has lived on or used since time immemorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Treaty<\/strong> A formal agreement between Indigenous Nations and the Crown about land and rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Truth and Reconciliation Commission<\/strong> A national commission that collected stories from residential school survivors and issued<strong> 94<\/strong> <strong>Calls to Action.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Turtle Island<\/strong> The name many Indigenous Peoples use for North America, based on creation stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Two-Spirit<\/strong> A term used by some Indigenous Peoples to describe gender-diverse identities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unceded Land<\/strong> Land that Indigenous Peoples never gave up or signed over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Urban Aboriginal People<\/strong> First Nations, Inuit, and M\u00e9tis peoples who live in cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Urban Indigenous Organizations<\/strong> Community-based groups that support Indigenous Peoples living in cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wet\u2019suwet\u2019en<\/strong> An example of a hereditary governance system in BC central to land rights discussions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WINS LIP IS grateful for the guidance shared by the Qayqayt First Nation in reviewing this content. Honouring the Truth of Ancestral Territories As you settle into your new home,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3556,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2799","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"featured_image_url":{"thumbnail":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM-150x150.png","medium":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM-228x300.png","medium_large":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM.png","large":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM.png","1536x1536":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM.png","2048x2048":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM.png","post-thumbnail":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM-300x395.png","membershiply-grid":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM-350x230.png","membershiply-slider":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM.png","membershiply-small":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-30-at-7.17.20-PM-300x180.png"},"post_author":"Maylen Crespo","assigned_categories":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2799","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2799"}],"version-history":[{"count":85,"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2799\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3404,"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2799\/revisions\/3404"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wins-lip.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2799"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}