Take a look at our curriculum and chapter breakdown.
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Course Description
In collaboration with the First Nations University of Canada, 4 Seasons of Reconciliation provides a comprehensive online learning course with captivating multimedia components, including award-winning reconciliation documentaries.
In this foundational course we cover:
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- An introductory overview of truth and reconciliation
- Call to Action #92
- Economic reconciliation and examples of solutions
- The historical and contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples
- The importance of treaties and what is meant by: 'we are all Treaty people'
- Historical and contemporary contributions of Indigenous Peoples
- Truth and reconciliation in the workplace
- The ongoing impact of colonialism, the Residential School System, the Indian Act
- Positive stories of partnerships, hope, and Indigenous cultural revitalization
- Terminology
This course aims to assist the workplace in attracting and retaining Indigenous employees, executives, and stakeholders by providing learning tools towards a better understanding of Indigenous people and their place in Canada’s history. This unit will help you and your organization meet some of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in particular, 'Call to Action #92' for the workplace.
This online unit is meant to enhance (not replace) local Indigenous knowledge. We hope that it will provide a bridge that facilitates direct learning relationships with Indigenous Peoples, Nations, and organizations, as a result of this heightened awareness.
Each short module can be completed at the learner’s pace and provides a mix of learning tools including slideshows, videos, films, and quizzes. A certificate of completion is provided by the First Nations University of Canada, and a bonus video library for ongoing learning is available at the end of the course.
The course content is authored by Indigenous Peoples and represents the bite-size version of the more extensive reconciliation certificate provided by the First Nations University of Canada (a 40-hour certification). Course content includes chapters detailing the Colonial Lens of History, Pre-Contact, Treaties, the Residential School System, Restitution, and Reconciliation.
Chapter List & Summary
Module 1: Film from the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Documentary Series
Learning Outcomes:
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- View one of the films from the award-winning documentary series
- Explore themes of economic reconciliation and the reality of Third World conditions in Canada
This module includes a pre-quiz to assess students' base knowledge, and a documentary film.
Module 2: The Colonial Lens of History
Learning Outcomes:
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- Identify possible cultural biases shaping Canada’s historical narratives and how they recount its history.
- Explore historical events shaping the Canadian landscape of which you may not have been aware.
- Realize that most history books are written for and by dominant societies and rarely include Indigenous worldviews.
- Understand that Canada is inherently a colonial state.
This module includes a slideshow and 6 minutes of video content, followed by a short quiz.
Module 3: Pre-Contact
Learning Outcomes:
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- Identify the Indigenous worldview towards land and peoples.
- Identify the European worldview towards land and peoples.
- Identify possible cultural biases shaping Canada’s historical narratives and who authored that history.
- Evaluate the need to honour Indigenous worldviews in modern-day as well as the contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
This module includes a slideshow and 5 minutes of video content, followed by a short quiz.
Module 4: Treaties
Learning Outcomes:
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- Learn about Treaties and the reconciliation teachings found in the Wampum treaty.
- Explore the origins and importance of treaty-making for Indigenous Peoples.
- Identify the relevance of upholding the Treaties to this day.
- Understand that the formation of Canada was influenced by three Nations: Indigenous, French, and English, not only French and English, as is often taught in schools.
This module includes a slideshow and 6 minutes of video content, followed by a short quiz.
Module 5: Residential Schools
Learning Outcomes:
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- Identify the creation and implementation of the Residential School System in Canada.
- List the physical and psychological trauma experienced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit children in residential schools.
- Understand the impact of intergenerational trauma on Indigenous communities caused by residential schools.
- Learn from the first-hand accounts of survivors of the Residential School System.
- Learn about an international landmark settlement and the contribution of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
This module includes a slideshow and 11 minutes of video content, followed by a short quiz.
Module 6: UNDRIP
Learning Outcomes:
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- Identify what constitutes the definition of Indigenous Peoples.
- Identify the origins and creation of UNDRIP.
- Explore the key rights of Indigenous Peoples outlined by the document.
- Examine the lack of implementation of UNDRIP within Canada compared to other countries.
This module includes a slideshow and a short video, followed by a short quiz.
Module 7: Indigenous Relations
Learning Outcomes:
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- Identify certain appropriate terms and protocols when working with Indigenous Peoples.
- Explore how non-Indigenous individuals and organizations might improve their interactions with Indigenous Peoples.
- Examine the implementation of the 'TRC Calls to Action' in your workplace.
This module includes a slideshow and 4 minutes of video content, followed by a short quiz.
Module 8: Reconciliation
Learning Outcomes:
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- Identify what reconciliation is and the forms it could take.
- Examine the steps learner may take to be a part of this reconciliation shift.
- Describe the key elements from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
This module includes a slideshow and 13 minutes of video content, followed by a short quiz.
Module 9: Restitution
Learning Outcomes:
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- Identify what restitution is and the expressions it may take.
- Examine the possible steps one may take to be a part of the reconciliation movement.
- Describe the key elements from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
- Identify meaningful ways to incorporate reconciliation in the workplace.
This module includes a slideshow and 8 minutes of video content, followed by a short quiz.
Module 10: Final Quiz
Learning Outcomes:
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- Learners receive a certificate from the First Nations University of Canada upon successful completion of the final quiz
This module includes the final quiz and access to the bonus content library.
About Certificates
Your official certificate affirms that you have completed 3.5 hours of professional development training in reconciliation education and Indigenous awareness.
Once you’ve successfully completed the final quiz (the final module of the course), you will receive your certificate by email. Certificates are only generated upon completion of the course with a passing grade on the final quiz.