Essential Indigenous Concepts and Historical Figures

Key Indigenous Concepts and Terminology

• Indigenous Historical Consciousness: The understanding of relationships between past, present, and future from an Indigenous perspective.
• Historicity: The idea that history is actively made and revolves around Indigenous peoples.
• Historical Recognition: Acknowledging the full and accurate historical narratives of Indigenous peoples.
• Sites of Pedagogy: Specific locations or contexts that serve as places of learning.
• Indigenousness: The holistic way of being, encompassing the deep connection between land and people as a whole.
• Sovereignty: The inherent right to self-governance and full rights for Indigenous nations.
• Métissage: The interweaving or separation of histories, often referring to cultural mixing or distinct historical paths.
• Dadibaajim: Oral narration or storytelling.
• Mino-Bimaadiziwin: The concept of living a good life or a life in balance.
• Midewin: A spiritual pathway, often associated with achieving Mino-Bimaadiziwin.
• Mawesha Anish Key: Refers to listening to past times or ancestral teachings.
• Bzindaamowin: The development of deep listening skills.
• Pastahowin: The act of breaking a promise or agreement.
• Miskasowin: The process of finding or discovering oneself.
• Tapwewin: Speaking the truth or truth-telling.
• Pimachiowin: The ability to make a living or sustain oneself.
• Pimatisiwin: The land as a fundamental source of life.
• Miyo-Wîcêhtowin: The principle of good relations and peaceful coexistence.
• Witaskewin: Living together in harmony.
• Kihci-Asotamatowin: A sacred promise or covenant.
• Wahkohtowin: The laws of relationality and kinship, emphasizing interconnectedness.
• Witaskiwin: Living in peace.
• Linguistic Imperialism: The social privilege and dominance of a colonial language over Indigenous languages.
• Ethnography: The study of a specific culture through immersive research.
• Salvage Ethnography: Research conducted based on the perceived disappearance or decline of Indigenous cultures.
• Babaamiziwin: Confidentiality or discretion.
• Aadasookaanan: Sacred narratives or traditional stories.
• Waawimbaajimowin: A discreet form of communication used to protect community members.
• Gikendamaawizwin: Inner discernment or intuitive understanding.
• Autoethnography: Ethnographic research conducted on one's own community or cultural group.
• Spatialized Justice: The examination of fairness and unfairness as they manifest in physical spaces.
• Respectable Space: A safe and welcoming place for community members.
• Degenerate Space: A contaminated or unsafe space, often associated with negative influences.
• Colonial Geographies: The organization and control of land by colonial powers to subjugate Indigenous peoples.

Prominent Historical Figures and Leaders

• Poundmaker

  A Cree Chief known for his efforts to maintain peace and non-violence during the Northwest Resistance, particularly around Battleford.

• Big Bear

  A Cree Chief who advocated for peace and resisted signing Treaty 6 until 1882, based near Fort Carlton.

• Louis Riel

  A Métis leader who played a pivotal role in the Red River Resistance and the Northwest Resistance, notably at Batoche.

• Wandering Spirit

  A Cree war chief who was a leader alongside Big Bear during the Northwest Resistance.

• Edward Ahenakew

  A First Nations priest who assisted with Treaty Schools and documented significant historical information.

• Ruth

  An editor whose work may reflect a particular bias.

• Chief Thunderchild

  A Cree Chief who established a school and notably did not sign a treaty in 1879.

• Charles Eastman

  A Dakota physician, writer, and reformer who emphasized the importance of Indigenous protocols and sacredness.

• William Warren

  An Ojibwe historian and legislator who stressed the reliability of community-based historical sources.

Representations and Stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples

• "Indian"

  A term often used as a settler construct, defined and imposed through a white gaze.

• Doomed Warrior

  A stereotype portraying Indigenous men as physically strong but inherently weak, wild enough to be exciting but sufficiently "civilized" to be acceptable.

• Wise Elder

  A stereotype that emerged during the 1960s and 1970s counterculture, embracing Indigenous people as purveyors of wisdom and knowledge.

• Indigenous Women

  Often unnamed in historical narratives, frequently stereotyped as a "princess" or a derogatory slur, and commonly depicted in association with white men.

• Tekahionwake Pauline Johnson

  A prominent Mohawk poet from Six Nations, often referred to as the "Mohawk Princess."

• Pamelia George

  A mother from Sakimay Nation, 28 years old, who was tragically murdered in 1995 in Regina by Steven Kummerfield and Alex Ternowetsky.

• Poet George Elliott Clarke

  A University of Regina professor who delivered a lecture on reconciliation but faced controversy due to his connections with Steven Kummerfield.