Online Learning Resources - Indigenous Initiatives

Indigenous Learning Modules at Western

Western Libraries and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives provide access to two online learning resources designed to support foundational learning on Indigenous Peoples and Reconciliation in Canada. These modules were developed by external organizations and are available for use by faculty, staff, students, and leadership.

Both resources are hosted in OWL Brightspace and can be integrated into course sites or used for independent and group learning.

Accessing the Modules

These learning resources are available in OWL Brightspace.

To request access, please contact: aaman3@uwo.ca

Available Resources

Length: Approximately 3.5 hours

Format: Nine modules with additional video content

Developed By: First Nations University of Canada

Overview:
This course provides foundational knowledge of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It is designed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners and addresses key historical and contemporary issues, including the impacts of colonialism and pathways towards reconciliation.

Topics Included:

Colonialism and Indigenous-settler history
Treaties and the concept of being “Treaty people”
Residential Schools and the Indian Act
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
Reconciliation in the workplace
Indigenous contributions and cultural revitalization

Learning Outcomes:

Developing a foundational understanding of Truth and Reconciliation
Recognizing the ongoing impacts of colonial systems
Understanding the significance of Treaties
Identifying approaches to reconciliation in professional contexts

Key Features:

Sequential learning experience
Integrated quizzes and final assessment
Certificate generated upon completion
Additional video resources available after module completion
Modules must be completed in sequence

Length: Approximately 5 hours

Format: Modular and flexible

Developed By: NVision

Overview:
The Path provides an introduction to Indigenous cultural awareness, with a focus on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. The modules offer historical context as well as contemporary perspectives on relationships and Indigenous rights.

Topics Include:

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories and distinctions
Indigenous worldviews
Treaties and Indigenous rights
Historical and contemporary relationships in Canada
Terminology and communication practices

Learning Outcomes:

Identifying distinctions among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples
Understanding the historical evolution of relationships in Canada
Applying intercultural communication approaches in professional and academic contexts

Key Features/Considerations:

Flexible modules that can be used individually or together
Includes reflection questions for learners
Less comprehensive than 4 Seasons of Reconciliation
Some content may be dated or require contextualization

Intended Audiences

Both resources are suitable for:

Teaching and Learning

Instructors incorporating Indigenous content into course design
Students engaging in course-based or extracurricular learning

Professional Development

Staff, faculty, and leadership
Teams, committees, and communities of practice

Individual Learning

Self-directed learning for personal or professional development

Support

Support is available for selecting and implementing these resources, including guidance on integrating modules into courses or using them for group learning.

For assistance, please contact: aaman3@uwo.ca

Additional Learning Opportunities

The Department of Geography and Environment also offers Connecting for Climate Change Action, an online course that brings together Western and Indigenous sciences to support climate change learning and action.

Overview:
The course uses a storytelling approach to explore the causes and impacts of climate change while encouraging learners to examine systemic inequities and take meaningful action. It emphasizes dialogue, critical reflection, and community engagement.

Topics Include:

Climate change science and impacts
Indigenous and Western knowledge systems
Social and systemic dimensions of climate change
Climate change and engagement strategies

Learning Experience:

Fully online and experiential
Designed to encourage discussion and action
Open to learners from all backgrounds
Take online (no cost) or take for credit (GEO 2133A)

For full course details, including modules, instructors, and registration, please visit the Department of Geography and Environment’s webpage.

Created by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Wester, this unique online education series is geared toward university instructors with the goal to increase their understanding of the colonial roots of the academy, the movement to transform universities to be more inclusive of Indigenous peoples, and to inspire them to move toward decolonizing their pedagogies.

Topics include:

Decolonize the Academy
Towards a Decolonizing Pedagogy
Indigenous Students, Indigeneity and Experience in Universities

This learning series does not generate a certificate of completion. For full course details and access to the module videos, please visit the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s webpage.