Page 292 - 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
michif. The language spoken by the Métis people across the Métis homeland in Canada and the United States.
Mother Earth. A term reflecting a widespread spiritual belief in the centrality of the earth or environment and in the earth as a mother figure.
Nanabush. See Waynaboozhoo.
nation. A particular group that has its own territory, culture, and government and is independent from other nations or countries. Indigenous communities are sovereign nations that continue to seek affirmation of their nation- to-nation relationship in which their sovereignty and their rights to control their own people, lands, and resources are recognized and res- pected. See also nation-to-nation relationship.
nation-to-nation relationship. A relationship that acknowledges and respects Indigenous sovereignty and is based on recognition, rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership between nations.
non-status. A term commonly used to refer to individuals who identify themselves as “Indians”, and who may be members of a First Nation, but who are not entitled to inclusion on the Indian Register pursuant to the Indian Act. The Indian Act and its amendments define who is and is not an Indian under Canadian law. See also Indian Act.
North-West Resistance. A series of battles in Saskatchewan between the Métis, led by Louis Riel, and their allies against the Canadian
government. The resistance sought to secure Métis land and political rights during a time of increased immigration by European settlers to the Western provinces.
Nuliajuk. Also known as Sedna, a sea spirit responsible for sea mammals in traditional Inuit stories.
Numbered Treaties. Agreements made in the years 1871–1921 between the Crown and First Nations and Métis peoples, the Numbered
Treaties cover parts of British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and northern Ontario. The treaties are numbered 1 to 11.
on-reserve. A term referring to First Nations people who live on a reserve. It can also refer to services that operate within the reserve.
oral stories. A traditional way of transmitting knowledge that is commonly used by Indige- nous peoples throughout the world. Stories carry important life lessons about the environ- ment, morality, cultural values, and world views, and encourage reciprocity and relationships between the listener and storyteller.
pass system. An informal administrative policy that restricted the movement of First Nations individuals by requiring that they obtain a pass from an Indian agent in order to leave the reserve. See also Indian agent.
patrilineal. A patrilineal society is one in which kinship is based on the father’s line.
peace pipe. A pipe used for ceremonial purposes, including to send prayers, solidify agreements, or solve disputes. Each nation has its own teachings about the pipe and its uses.
potlatch. A gift-giving ceremony and feast practised by Northwest Coast First Nations to celebrate important events and acknowledge a family’s status in the community. Potlatches were actively suppressed through amendments to the Indian Act and other policies, beginning in the late nineteenth century.
powwow. A spiritual and social gathering that takes place among First Nations and includes songs, dances, rituals, ceremonies, and/or com- petitions. In Canada, powwows were outlawed by the federal government from the late nine- teenth century until the 1950s.
Project Surname. A project initiated in 1970 by the Canadian government to assign surnames to Inuit families who had previously been assigned disc numbers. See also disc number system.
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