Page 288 - THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9 to 12 | First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies

THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9–12 | First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies
school. Nevertheless, survivors of the day school system experienced emotional, physical, psychological, sexual, and spiritual abuse similar to that of residential school students. See also residential school system.
decolonization. The ongoing process of recog- nizing and actively deconstructing colonial power and frameworks. Indigenous peoples may decolonize by giving centrality to the traditional ways of knowing, living, and being of their communities. See also colonization.
DEW Line. The Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line was a series of radar stations that were set up in the Arctic during the Cold War to provide notice of attacks on North America by missiles or aircraft.
disc number system. Also known as the “E-number” system, a system instituted by
the federal government in 1941 that assigned alpha-numeric codes to Inuit, who did not use surnames, for identification purposes. The codes were stamped on discs that were sewn into clothing or worn around the neck. See also Project Surname.
doctrine of discovery. A concept embedded in a 1493 papal bull, the doctrine stated that any lands inhabited by non-Christians could be acquired on behalf of Europe. The doctrine
of discovery became a key foundation for European claims to lands outside of Europe.
duty to consult. A federal and provincial legal obligation to consult First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit individuals or communities if a decision affects Aboriginal or treaty rights.
Eagle Staff. A cultural item of honour and sig- nificance that is usually carried by respected community members such as veterans or Elders.
ecological knowledge. See Indigenous ecological knowledge.
Elder. An Indigenous individual whose wisdom about spirituality, culture, and life is recognized and affirmed by the community. Not all Elders are “elderly”. Indigenous communities and
individuals will normally seek the advice and assistance of Elders on various traditional, as well as contemporary, issues.
environmental advocacy. Work done by groups and/or individuals with the goal of protecting the environment, as well as protecting the pub- lic from environmental problems, through lobbying, policy change, and other activities.
environmental stewardship. A responsible approach to the natural environment that balances protection, preservation, and conser- vation efforts with other human activities.
ethno-cultural group. An ethnic group with a distinct culture.
ethnogenesis. The process by which an ethnic group is formed and becomes a distinct people.
Ewing Commission. A commission set up by
the Alberta government in 1934 to investigate conditions facing the province’s Métis. The commission recommended the establishment
of Métis colonies and other actions to benefit the Métis. The recommendations contributed to the provincial Métis Population Betterment Act of 1938, which provided land for Métis settlement. See also Métis Population Betterment Act, 1938.
extinguishment of title. The termination of Aboriginal title to lands that have been surren- dered to or acquired by the Crown.
fiduciary duty. A legal term that refers to the responsibility of an individual or body to work in good faith in the best interest of a beneficiary. In the context of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
in Canada, this can refer to the responsibility of the federal government (representing the Crown) to work in the interest of Indigenous people, to recognize Indigenous rights and honour the responsibilities undertaken in treaties or other agreements, and to consult Indigenous peoples on issues that affect or concern them.
First Nations. The term used to refer to the original inhabitants of Canada, except Inuit. The term came into common usage in the 1970s to
286