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Nisto Consulting Inc. (Holly Fortier)

For the past ten years Holly Fortier (Cree/Dene from Ft. McKay First Nation, Alberta) has traveled across Canada facilitating Indigenous Awareness training courses for government agencies, major corporations, educational institutions and many other groups.

At the request of individuals who were unable to attend her classroom groups, she has created this comprehensive online course to accommodate those wish to educate themselves in Indigenous relations, cultural practices, and the historical impact of colonization.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • What canada and the first peoples looked like pre-contact.
  • The historical implications of colonization, indian reserves, treaties, and residential schools.
  • The proper protocol when working with indigenous communities.

Syllabus

Indigenous Canada: A History
Pre-Contact
Contact
First Nation, Métis, Inuit
Read more

Do Aboriginal People have the highest rate of Diabetes in Canada?

Harvard University looked at Indigenous Peoples moving forward through which of the following?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Guides professionals in promoting more ethical relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations
Provides context for understanding the present-day relationship between Indigenous communities and Canadian institutions
Offers insights into the historical and cultural complexities of Indigenous relations in Canada
Addresses current issues and challenges faced by Indigenous communities, such as health disparities and land rights
Suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their understanding and sensitivity towards Indigenous peoples and cultures

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Reviews summary

Essential canadian indigenous history & protocol

According to students, this course offers an essential foundation in Canadian Indigenous history and cultural sensitivity. Learners consistently highlight the instructor, Holly Fortier, as incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and capable of presenting complex and sensitive topics with grace and truth. Many found the course to be an eye-opening experience, deepening their understanding of colonization, treaties, and residential schools, and providing practical insights for respectful engagement. While the course is broadly praised for its comprehensive content, a few reviewers suggested more in-depth practical exercises or contemporary examples for advanced learners. Overall, it's considered a vital education for both personal and professional development.
Mostly lecture-based, but includes impactful elements.
"While the history is crucial, I was hoping for more practical exercises or group discussions..."
"I particularly appreciated the modules on treaties and residential schools, and the 'Talking Circle' was a profound experience."
"The resources provided, especially the Course Manual, are very helpful."
"It felt more like a lecture series than an interactive online course."
Equips learners with tools for respectful engagement.
"It gave me a much deeper understanding and tools to interact respectfully."
"This course not only educated me on the history but also equipped me with practical understanding for better engagement with Indigenous patients and communities."
"I feel much more informed and confident in engaging in discussions and actions related to reconciliation."
"The depth of historical information combined with the practical aspects of cultural awareness made it incredibly valuable."
Course provides a thorough historical and cultural overview.
"This course is absolutely essential for anyone living or working in Canada. ... It gave me a much deeper understanding..."
"The content is well-structured and covers a wide range of topics from pre-contact to modern issues."
"An eye-opening experience. This course provides an unparalleled perspective on Canadian history from an Indigenous viewpoint."
"I learned a lot about the historical impact of colonization and the Indian Act, which I previously knew little about."
Learners praise Holly Fortier's deep knowledge and engaging delivery.
"Holly Fortier is an incredibly knowledgeable and engaging instructor. She presents complex and often painful history in a way that is accessible and deeply impactful."
"Holly's delivery is sincere and her personal anecdotes add so much value."
"Holly is an excellent communicator, and the way she tackles sensitive topics like residential schools and dispelling myths is incredibly powerful."
"Amazing course by a truly inspiring instructor."
Some desired more practical exercises or advanced case studies.
"My only minor critique is that some sections felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked more detailed case studies on applying the cultural protocols..."
"I was hoping for more practical exercises or group discussions to apply the concepts. ... I feel I'll need further training to be truly 'sensitive'."
"While the subject matter is undeniably important, I felt this course didn't live up to its 'cultural sensitivity' promise for a professional context. ... lacked deeper dives into practical, nuanced interaction protocols."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Canadian Indigenous History and Cultural Sensitivity with these activities:
Review key concepts from Canadian History
Improve comprehension of the course's historical content by reviewing fundamental Canadian history concepts.
Show steps
  • Read a summary of Canadian history from pre-contact to present day.
  • Watch a documentary or video about a significant event in Canadian history.
  • Create a timeline of important dates and events in Canadian history.
Read "The Inconvenient Indian" by Thomas King
Gain insights into Indigenous perspectives and experiences through the writings of a renowned Indigenous author.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of "The Inconvenient Indian".
  • Read the book.
  • Reflect on the book's themes and arguments.
  • Write a review of the book.
Learn about treaties and their impact on Indigenous communities
Gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework governing Indigenous-Crown relations by following guided tutorials on treaties.
Show steps
  • Follow an online tutorial on the history of treaties in Canada.
  • Read a legal analysis of a specific treaty.
  • Participate in an online discussion forum about the impact of treaties on Indigenous communities.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Participate in a peer discussion group on Indigenous issues
Engage in critical discussion and exchange perspectives with peers to deepen understanding of Indigenous issues.
Show steps
  • Find a peer discussion group focused on Indigenous issues.
  • Attend and participate in the discussion group.
  • Share your own perspectives and listen to the perspectives of others.
Volunteer at a local Indigenous organization
Enhance understanding and build empathy by volunteering in an Indigenous community setting.
Show steps
  • Research local Indigenous organizations.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend a volunteer orientation.
  • Participate in volunteer activities.
Contribute to an open-source project related to Indigenous issues
Make a tangible contribution to the Indigenous community by participating in open-source projects.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project related to Indigenous issues.
  • Read the project's documentation.
  • Make contributions to the project.
Create a presentation on a topic related to Indigenous relations
Solidify knowledge and understanding by creating a presentation that synthesizes information from the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to Indigenous relations that you are interested in.
  • Research your topic and gather information from credible sources.
  • Create a presentation that is clear, concise, and engaging.
  • Present your presentation to a group of peers or colleagues.
Develop a proposal for a project that addresses an Indigenous issue
Apply knowledge gained in the course by developing a proposal that tackles a real-world Indigenous issue.
Show steps
  • Identify an Indigenous issue that you are passionate about.
  • Research the issue and develop a project proposal.
  • Present your project proposal to a group of peers or colleagues.

Career center

Learners who complete Canadian Indigenous History and Cultural Sensitivity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 35 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Canadian Indigenous History and Cultural Sensitivity.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the international legal framework for Indigenous rights, as well as a detailed analysis of the role of the United Nations in promoting and protecting Indigenous rights.
This commentary provides a detailed analysis of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the legal and political significance of the Declaration.
The comprehensive final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, covering the history, impact, and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
A firsthand account of the horrors of residential schools in Canada, written by a survivor.
Kendi argues for an active approach to dismantling racism, moving beyond simply not being racist to actively being antiracist. The book combines ethics, history, law, and science with personal narrative to provide a comprehensive understanding of racist ideas and policies. This must-read for engaging with contemporary topics of cultural sensitivity and social justice.
Complete and unique overview of international law in relation to indigenous peoples, drawing on both international law and comparative constitutional law. It provides a thorough examination of the concept of 'indigenous peoples', overviewing the main contemporary debates.
A critical analysis of the residential school system in Canada, focusing on the experiences of Indigenous women.
This classic work presents a framework for understanding national cultures based on dimensions like power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, and masculinity vs. femininity. It provides a solid foundation for analyzing cultural differences in various contexts, particularly in business and organizational settings. It is often used as a textbook in academic programs.
Written as a letter to his son, Coates reflects on the history of race and racism in the United States and the realities of being Black in America. This powerful memoir offers a deeply personal perspective on the impact of systemic racism and provides valuable insight into contemporary cultural issues. It highly acclaimed and impactful read.
Alexander argues that the US justice system acts as a contemporary system of racial control, similar to Jim Crow laws. provides a critical historical and sociological analysis of race and the كارceral state. It is essential reading for understanding systemic inequality and its impact on cultural dynamics in the United States.
Focused specifically on the healthcare setting, this guide provides practical information and strategies for providing culturally competent care to diverse patient populations. It addresses specific cultural considerations relevant to healthcare interactions. This highly relevant resource for students and professionals in the medical field.
Based on extensive research, this book explores the critical role of belonging in creating truly diverse and inclusive workplaces. It provides insights and strategies for fostering a sense of belonging among employees. This highly relevant book for HR professionals, managers, and anyone interested in contemporary DEI topics.
Examines the reactions of white people when confronted with the topic of race and racism. It delves into the concept of white fragility and how it can hinder productive conversations about racial inequality. This crucial read for deepening understanding of contemporary issues in cultural sensitivity, particularly in the context of race relations in the United States.
A classic in the field of intercultural management, this book presents a model of culture based on seven dimensions. It provides insights into how cultural differences impact business practices and offers guidance for working effectively across cultures. This valuable resource for business students and professionals operating in a globalized world.
Provides a comprehensive overview of key theories and concepts in intercultural communication. It includes contributions from various scholars in the field, covering topics such as intercultural competence, adaptation, and ethics. It serves as a strong academic resource for undergraduate and graduate students.
Offers a strategic approach to implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within organizations. It provides frameworks and practical guidance for creating more inclusive workplaces. This relevant resource for professionals in leadership, HR, and diversity and inclusion roles.
A powerful indictment of the residential school system in Canada.
Considered a foundational text in intercultural communication, this book introduces the concept of culture as a form of communication. It explores how non-verbal cues, time, and space convey meaning differently across cultures. This is essential background reading for gaining a broad understanding of cultural sensitivity.
Offers a practical, step-by-step approach to developing intercultural sensitivity and managing cultural differences effectively. It includes exercises and models to help readers understand their own cultural background and navigate interactions in a multicultural environment. This useful resource for anyone looking for actionable strategies to improve their cultural sensitivity.
Delves into the concept of implicit bias and how it affects our understanding and interactions with others. It highlights the disconnect between our conscious values and unconscious biases. Understanding implicit bias is crucial for developing cultural sensitivity, making thvaluable read for all audiences.
Molinsky provides a practical guide for individuals navigating new cultural environments. He focuses on the challenges of adjusting one's behavior while remaining authentic. is particularly useful for professionals on international assignments or working in multicultural teams.
Emphasizes the importance of individual competence in navigating diversity, rather than just focusing on cultural differences. It offers a practical approach to developing diversity competence in various contexts. This useful resource for professionals and individuals seeking to enhance their skills in diverse environments.
Examines the law of reservations to treaties. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and the practice of states in relation to reservations.
Collection of reports and studies by the International Law Commission on the law of treaties and other sources of international law. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the law on these topics.
Examines the relationship between treaties and customary international law. It argues that treaties can play a significant role in the development of customary international law and that customary international law can be used to interpret and supplement treaties.
Examines the role of non-state actors in the law of treaties. It argues that non-state actors can play a significant role in the formation, interpretation, and implementation of treaties.
Examines the law of treaties in India. It provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant case law and scholarship and analyzes the unique features of the Indian treaty system.
A guide for survivors of residential schools and their families.
A well-researched and comprehensive analysis of the history, impact, and aftermath of residential schools in Canada.
A comprehensive overview of the history, impact, and legacy of Indian schools in the United States, including residential schools.
Explores the relationship between the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC/Paris Agreement) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and how indigenous rights are positioned and understood within climate change governance.
A polemical account of the history and impact of cultural genocide against Native Americans, including the role of residential schools.
This commentary provides a detailed analysis of the Native Title Act 1993, which landmark piece of legislation that recognizes the native title rights of Indigenous peoples in Australia.
This comprehensive volume provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Indigenous American law, covering a wide range of topics, including historical treaties, tribal sovereignty, and natural resources.
A critical examination of the boarding school experience for American Indian students, focusing on the cultural and psychological impact of assimilation policies.

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