“Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Sovereignty, Governance, and Treaties… and Were Afraid to Ask”Canada’s Tragedy in 4 Acts – The Day Before Treaty, The Day of Treaty, Days Well After the Treaty, and Now Tomorrow!
Kapawe’no First Nation – Osâwâpiskâw Asapap (The Golden Thread) a Grade 10-12 program, delves into the complex interplay of inherent rights, sovereignty, treaties, and legal agreements that have historically framed and continue to influence Indigenous-settler relationships in what is today called Canada.
Osâwâpiskâw Asapap covers a wide range of pivotal events and documents, providing students with a thorough understanding of their significance and ongoing impact. These include the Two Row Wampum (1613), the Royal Proclamation (1763), Treaty of Niagara (1764), Dene and Cree Peace Treaty (1781), North-Western Territories Order (1870), the Historic Numbered Treaties 1-11, Treaty 8 (1899), Natural Resources Transfer Act (1930), Harold Cardinal’s “The Unjust Society” (1969), the Constitution Act (1982), the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and recent Supreme Court rulings regarding Indigenous sovereignty.
Structured into interactive modules, Osâwâpiskâw Asapap engages students deeply in the process of learning. Each module consists of an introduction, learning objectives, discussion topics, and practical assignments or activities. The program prioritizes incorporating the Seven Sacred Grandmother and Grandfather teachings, using them as guiding principles throughout the course. There’s a strong emphasis on interactive learning methods, including sharing circles and discussions, allowing students to explore the material in a way that aligns with their personal research style and presentation preferences.
Osâwâpiskâw Asapap places a special focus on integrating Kapawe’no First Nation’s codes and laws into every aspect of its curriculum, establishing these teachings and perspectives as fundamental to understanding each module’s content. This integration ensures the consistent application of Nêhiyawak life and legal frameworks across all modules, highlighting the practical relevance of these laws and principles in various contexts. Students continuously engage with these teachings, aligning them with contemporary issues and discussions.
This program represents a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex and evolving dynamics of Indigenous and settler relationships in Canada, anchored in respect, wisdom, and an appreciation of nêhiyawak miyo pimacihowin.
By Boh Kubrakovich-Kiniw, In Memory of Our Great Friend Rarihokwats, In Partnership Teaching with Aaron Courtorielle
Last modified: March 11, 2024
