Course details
This course is an introduction to understanding Indigenous governance, Indigenous law(s), and treaties from an anishinaabe and nehiyaw perspective. The course will examine how the land, ceremonies, and Creation stories inform Indigenous laws and governance structures. Students will gain an understanding of "natural law" and how this is central to everything that governs an Indigenous existence, including how treaties were made with the settlers that arrived on Turtle Island. Focus will also be given to how Indigenous Treaties were made using Indigenous law(s) that are held in various ceremonies, such as the Law Lodge, the mitêwikamik (teaching lodge), the Sundance, and other ceremonies. Students will also learn about how government law(s), policies, and actions impacted Indigenous governance systems by removing Indigenous people away from their original instructions and governance systems, and imposing foreign systems of laws upon them. Students will also be introduced to some of the founding legal and policy constructs that created the Indigenous and non-Indigenous political and legal relationship that exists today. This course is unlike any other course offered on the subject, since it focuses on the oral traditions and ceremonial teachings of Indigenous governance, laws, and treaties. This course will include a land-based practicum practicum to Jasper National Park where students will solidify what they have learned in class, by connecting how these teachings are reflected in asinîy waciyak (the mountains), and review key concepts taught during the class.