Indigenous Allyship Resource Guide
How to be a better Indigenous Ally
Being an ally is a process of continuous learning.
Did you know that June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada?
This is an opportune time to recognize the rich history, heritage, diversity and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This Aboriginal Allyship Resource Guide highlights the importance of allyship and what we can do to support these members of our community.
These online resources are available for the general public and are educational tools for anyone who would like to be involved as a meaningful ally.
How to be an ally to Indigenous Peoples in Canada
CBC Kids News contributor Isabel DeRoy-Olson explores what it means to be an ally on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). What are allies, anyway? Watch as Isabel speaks to two experts, Larissa Crawford and Cindy Blackstock, to ask them what an ally means, what allies do and how we can all be better allies to Indigenous people.
Indigenous Ally Toolkit
Created in 2019, the Montreal Indigenous Community NETWORK’s Indigenous Ally Toolkit aims to educate non-Indigenous individuals and groups on how they can use their privilege to listen, shift power dynamics, and take concrete steps towards (Re)conciliation-Action. It provides tools for those who really want to engage in a process of becoming (better) allies, accomplices, or co-resisters and includes steps for acting proactively in alliance, a glossary of terms to use and avoid, and other important resources.
Indigenous Peoples in Canada
If you are looking for a valuable overview of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, these series of articles from The Canadian Encyclopedia provides insight into the history, society, culture and experiences of various First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
National Indigenous History Month
The Government of Canada has a variety of resources available about National Indigenous History Month (which happens every June) including how you can participate, learning resources and the reconciliation journey. To access these resources, please visit the link below.
The Survivor’s Flag
This exhibit from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation from the University of Manitoba, is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour the residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Each element depicted on the flag was carefully selected by Survivors from across Canada, who were consulted in the flag’s creation. View this powerful exhibit and read what Survivors have said about the significance of the flag to them.
Website: The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (University of Manitoba)
Educational and Inclusion Guides
These Educational and Inclusion Guides from the Canadian Centre for Inclusion, covers some of the most topical conversations and initiatives happening around diversity and inclusion in the Canadian workplace. These concise subject matter reading materials are intended to help individuals gain a better understanding and become more proactive on matters of diversity and inclusion.
Indigenous resources include:
Canada Day: Learning and engaging with Indigenous communities
Indigenous Resources for Allies
The Museum of Toronto has compiled a list of resources including reports, courses, documentaries, books, podcasts, organizations, and articles about various topics surrounding Indigenous peoples in what is currently known as Canada. It is meant as a starting point for learning, unlearning, and reflecting about the history of Canada and the historic and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples as a consequence of colonialism.
Cultural Teachings
The website ‘Create to Learn’ allows you to learn about the different cultural teachings from Indigenous makers as they share their knowledge with you through their art forms. These free online learning resources are in partnership with imagineNATIVE and the video tutorials on digital skills and traditional knowledge using digital tools are all created by First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists and media makers to share their skills.
Indigenous History Month at The Hamilton Public Library
The Hamilton Public Library’s catalogue features Indigenous reads for Adults, Teens, Kids and Early Years, as well as Staff Picks. As well, during June’s Indigenous History Month, there are special programs to celebrate Indigenous musicians, authors and illustrators. For more information, please visit the link below.
Land Acknowledgments: 5 Step Guide
The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance for speakers, business leaders, community organizers, teachers, and facilitators who want to thoughtfully recognize the Indigenous Nations upon whose territory they are working or holding events. This step-by-step guide outlines key considerations and provides examples to take the territorial acknowledgement from a recitation to a sincere and heartfelt moment of reflection and commitment.
Assembly of First Nations
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) advocates for the rights and quality of life of First Nations people in Canada. Their work includes: rights and justice, community services, environment and lands, and economy and infrastructure. To learn more about their work and how you can be a part of the team committed to driving change for First Nations in Canada, please visit the link below.
Allyship is all about meaningful and authentic action to support, amplify, and advocate with others… without expecting anything in return.
The term ally has been around for a long time, yet recently many critics say that it has lost its original meaning. Unfortunately, instead of being used to identify one’s role within a collective struggle, it has come to symbolize a token identity - a kind of “badge of honour” that people (and brands) wear to show they are one of the “good guys” However, seeking to be an ally is an ongoing journey, and this list simply represents a starting point. Please continue to seek out, share and practice ways that you can be an ally to the Indigenous Peoples of this land we call Canada. Only then can we actively make the change we wish to see in this world - where all people are treated equally.
Whatever it is, we’re here for you.
Life is uncertain. Jobs are stressful. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And sometimes, love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s okay to ask for some help.
