Indigenous Histories in Canada

Look back on the crucial stages of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham: context, preparation, siege of Quebec City and encounter.

A history of Indigenous communities in the land that became Alberta in the time before contact with Europeans.

Read a detailed history of Indigenous suffrage in Canada.

This timeline provides key dates in the history of Indigenous suffrage. The timeline moves from 1885 to 2016.

Learn about the history of Indigenous peoples in the prairies and their relationship with the government

The history and mythology of Clan Mothers of the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) and continued female leadership in the Confederacy.

Seneca faithkeeper Pete Jemison speaks on how the longhouse was constructed and what it means to the Haudenosaunee people.

This virtual exhibition looks at some facets of the history of Canada's Aboriginal peoples, underlining their fight for cultural survival and sharing many of their modern-day contributions.

Historical and contemporary objects, images, and documents vividly express the cultural diversity as well as the creativity, resourcefulness, and endurance of this country's First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

This guide details the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee people (aka Iroquois).

The Hiawatha wampum belt tells the story of the Haudenosaunee’s legendary founding and wampum’s power to heal.

Although he could not vote himself, the people of Haldimand County overwhelmingly voted to elect Mohawk Chief John Brant, as their first representative to the Parliament of Upper Canada in 1830.

This Heritage Minute tells the Iroquois story of Peacemaker. There is also a text version of the story.

Mohawk Chief John Norton and 80 Grand River warriors hold off American soldiers until reinforcements arrive.

Confident that the North-West Mounted Police will respect him and his people, the great Sioux Chief chooses to remain in Western Canada rather than return to the United States (1877).

A site that examines pre-contact Indigenous life in the landmass that would become Canada.

This 406-page digitized document reviews the importance of the horse in Blackfoot culture. It examines the social status, political organization, religion, and economic relations of the Blackfoot culture.

A PBS article about how the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy influenced the development of democracy in the United States.

First Nations peoples in Canada did not have human rights protection until 2008.

On this site, you will find images and descriptions of buildings and materials of a Mohawk Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) village.

This video by Heritage Canada documents the life of Olivia Poole, an Indigenous Canadian woman, who invented the Jolly Jumper.

The story of the Reserve 107 in Saskatchewan that was taken away from a Chippewayan tribe and how the community exists now.

An introductory essay on the role of salmon in Pacific Northwest First Nations groups. It includes several traditional stories on salmon

This article tells the story of Sitting Bull's decision to lead his people out of the United States.

This feature-length documentary traces the journey of the Haisla people to reclaim the G'psgolox totem pole that went missing from their British Columbia village in 1929.

An 8 minute documentary about the life if actor Tantoo Cardinal, likely the most recognizable Indigenous actress in North America, by director Nicole Dolloso.

A website by and about artist, Alex Janvier, one of the founding members of Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Images of some of his works can be seen here.

This short film tells the story of how actor, singer, producer, and activist Tom Jackson came to use his gift of song to contribute millions of dollars to the fight against poverty and homelessness.

An article that documents the beginnings of the "Idle No More" Movement in Canada.

This brief biographical article provides information about prolific west coast artist, Bill Reid

In this short documentary, Buffy St. Marie candidly discusses her hopes, creative vision and songwriting skills, as well as her role as an Aboriginal activist.

An article that examines the life of Mistahimaskwa, a Plains Cree chief who refused to since Treaty 6, tried to unite the Cree people, and led his band through many conflicts.

Although he could not vote himself, the people of Haldimand County overwhelmingly voted to elect Mohawk Chief John Brant, as their first representative to the Parliament of Upper Canada in 1830.

This Historica Heritage Minute, created in 2016, tells the story of Inuk artist Kenojuak Ashevak. It tells how she started creating her art which now hangs in galleries around the world.

This Heritage Minute tells the Iroquois story of Peacemaker. There is also a text version of the story.

Learn about Indigenous athletes in Canada that had a significant impact in sports.

In this 2:44 minute video, Blaire Russell shares his art and the influence that his culture and home have on his work. He is an artist and photographer, from the Blood Tribe, Kainai First Nation in Southern Alberta.

Learn about Josephine Mandamin, the water defender, who began walking around the Great Lakes to raise awareness about water pollution.

Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk was an Inuit author, teacher, and historian best known for writing the first novel in Inuktitut.

Olive Patricia Dickason changed the way that Canadians think about their history and Indigenous history in Canada

This video by Heritage Canada documents the life of Olivia Poole, an Indigenous Canadian woman, who invented the Jolly Jumper.

An article by the Canadian Encyclopedia about Robbie Robertson, an Indigenous Canadian musician who profoundly influenced the American music scene.

A biography of Susan Aglukark, an Inuit singer/songwriter, who blends traditional and modern traditions in her music.

Thanadelthur, the “Ambassadress of Peace,” was instrumental in negotiating peace between the Chipewyan and Cree people.

Mary Two-Axe Earley was a pioneer and architect of the Canadian women’s movement. Her political activism forged coalition of allies to challenge Canadian laws that discriminated against Indigenous women.

This short documentary serves as a portrait of Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, one of Canada's most important painters.