Page 296 - 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
was to learn the truth about the experience of residential school survivors and, in doing so, to create a historical record of and promote aware- ness and public education about the history and impact of the residential school system. See also residential school system.
two-eyed seeing. This term, coined by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, refers to an approach
of seeing the world through two perspectives, Indigenous and Western or European, to ad- dress issues or solve problems. The goal is for a balanced perspective that does not allow one perspective to dominate over the other but rather uses the strengths of both to find a solution.
two-spirited. An Indigenous person who pos- sesses both a masculine and feminine spirit. The term can also be used to identify gender, sexual, and spiritual identities outside of traditional Western definitions and binaries.
uluit (singular: ulu). Traditional knives used by Inuit. Uluit normally have curved or triangular blades with a handle fixed behind and parallel to the cutting edge.
umiaq. An open Inuit boat made of skin and propelled by paddle. It was designed for trans- porting people and goods but was also used for whaling expeditions.
unceded territory. Lands that have not been surrendered by First Nations or acquired by the Crown. First Nations title to unceded territory has not been extinguished.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in 2007, the declaration identifies a universal framework
of standards for the treatment of Indigenous peoples around the world and elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamen- tal freedoms, including, but not limited to,
those related to culture, language, health, and education.
visions. A term used in many Indigenous communities to describe dreams or sensory experiences that provide insight into future events, decision making, or truths and are provided by specific people in the community such as seers and shamans.
wampum belts. Beaded purple and white belts used as both a living record and mnemonic de- vice to pass on important information such as treaties, agreements, laws, practices, and protocols.
war bonnet. A feathered headdress that is gifted to a respected person in a First Nations com- munity and worn for ceremonial, political, or cultural purposes.
Waynaboozhoo (also Nanabush). An important figure in Ojibway creation stories and storytelling who acts as a trickster or shape-shifting figure. See also trickster.
White Paper, 1969. (Officially titled “Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian Policy”) A policy proposal to end the legal relationship between Indigenous people and the Canadian state by dismantling the Indian Act. The contro- versial proposal would have established legal equality for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, eliminating “status Indian” as a legal category. The proposal was dropped following opposition by many First Nations individuals and commu- nities, who saw it as an attempt to eliminate treaty rights and the responsibility of the Crown.
windigo. In Anishinaabe stories, a supernatural, cannibalistic creature or spirit who embodies greed and gluttony, and murders and eats its
victims. In the stories, a person can become a windigo as a result of either greed or starvation and isolation.
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