Indigenous learning products
Understanding cultures: let's talk
Under the themes of Recognition, Respect, Relationships and Reconciliation, Indigenous Learning provides access to resources, courses, workshops and events on the history, heritage, cultures, rights and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, as well as on their varied and long-standing relationships with the Crown.
The School offers a growing suite of resources that will help you increase your cultural skills and awareness of issues related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada, as well as the role and responsibilities of the Government of Canada towards these peoples.
Courses
Online foundational courses (self-paced)
Classroom courses
- KAIROS Blanket Exercise (IRA140)
The KAIROS Blanket Exercise will help public servants learn about and understand the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, including loss of Indigenous lands and cultural assimilation policies.
Virtual classroom courses
Courses for executives
- Reconciliation in Practice Program for Executives
This program guides executives through a structured journey that provides historical reflection, meaningful dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, and real-world project implementation.
- Reflecting on Canada's Colonial History (IRA170)
This course provides an overview of the key events that make up Crown-Indigenous relationships and that have historically had a negative impact on Indigenous populations.
- Supporting Indigenous Talent (IRA171)
This course for executives explores the barriers faced by Indigenous employees related to their recruitment, retention, well-being and career advancement within the federal public service.
Job aids
Job aids
- Learning Quest on Indigenous Cultures (IRA1-J26)
This job aid provides a structured framework to strengthen your understanding of Indigenous realities, while supporting growth in cultural awareness and inclusive practices.
- Learning Portal on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (IRA1-PA3)
This job aid provides public servants with an array of resources on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the historical context that led to its adoption, the legislation that frames its implementation in Canada, and the Action Plan that drives the achievement of its objectives across the federal government.
- Frequently Asked Questions About the UN Declaration and the UN Declaration Act (IRA1-J23)
This job aid provides answers to frequently asked questions about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
- Indigenous Learning: Learning Path (IRA1-J03)
This job aid compiles a suite of learning products available on the current realities, history, heritage, cultures, rights and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and their relationship with the Crown.
- Learning Roadmap for Managers of Indigenous Employees (IRA1-PA2)
This job aid provides managers of Indigenous employees with a collection of links to government resources designed to enhance their understanding of Indigenous realities, inclusive practices, recruitment and retention, and government action.
- Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
This job aid provides a comprehensive list of Indigenous and non-Indigenous resources on mental health and well-being.
- The Reconciliation Path (IRA1-J16)
Be part of the change by getting actively involved in reconciliation! This interactive job aid offers resources and practical ideas on how to be an active participant in the reconciliation process.
- Government Policies and the Impacts on Indigenous Peoples in Canada
This job aid is a comprehensive presentation of key policies and legislation that have had a significant impact on Indigenous Nations from the time of first contact to the present day.
- First Nations Storytelling
This job aid provides information on the First Nations worldview of storytelling. It contains general information on the importance of storytelling in the oral tradition and how it is maintained by passing the information along from generation to generation.
- Working with Indigenous Communities: A Guide to Cultural Protocols (IRA1-J07)
Designed to help public service employees understand the importance of existing protocols in Indigenous communities.
- The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in Canada: A Historical Timeline (IRA1-J01)
A learning tool that explores the history of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown in Canada.
- Indigenous E-Learning: Tools and resources
A list of tools and resources to support those looking to expand their knowledge of Indigenous Peoples, to better understand the realities of their lives, and the role of the public service in advancing reconciliation.
- Indigenous Languages in Canada and the International Decade of Indigenous Languages
This job aid draws attention to the critical loss of Indigenous languages in Canada and around the world and offers resources to help increase awareness of the urgent need to preserve, revitalize, and promote these languages.
- Reading List on Current Indigenous Topics
This reference tool provides a list of readings that support current understandings of the experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada.
- Reconciliation: The Fundamentals (Primer and Guide)
Both resources aim to equip public servants with a basic understanding of reconciliation, and to inform how they approach their work.
- Best Practices for Delivering a Territorial Acknowledgement (IRA1-J08)
This job aid shares best practices for acknowledging Indigenous territories when beginning a meeting or event.
- Timeline of Influential Indigenous Women (IRA1-J10)
Timeline of over 150 influential First Nations, Inuit and Métis women, recognizing the vital roles and contributions of Indigenous women to Canadian society.
Videos
Videos
- Senior Leaders on Reconciliation: A Conversation with Valerie Gideon (IRA1-V76)
This video features Valerie Gideon, President of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario and Deputy Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, who offers a thoughtful reflection on her journey towards reconciliation within the government, along with insights from her personal experiences.
- Red Dress Day 2025: Working Together to End Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People (IRA1-V75)
This event recording examines the history and significance of Red Dress Day, the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and the collective efforts to end gender-based violence in Canada.
- Enhancing Environmental Stewardship and Policy Development Through Indigenous Science (IRA1-V74)
This event recording explores how Indigenous science enhances environmental stewardship and informs public policy, highlighting Dr. Myrle Ballard's work in bridging Indigenous and Western knowledge systems across government, academia, and community.
- Indigenous Inclusion and Well-Being in the Federal Public Service (IRA1-V73)
This event recording explores the topics of inclusion and well-being in the federal workplace, ongoing barriers, and solutions underway that specifically support the inclusion of Indigenous employees.
- Addressing Microaggressions Towards Indigenous Peoples (IRA1-V70)
This video follows the story of Noah, a fictional public servant who unintentionally commits a microaggression towards his Indigenous colleagues, and the repercussions it has on the entire team.
- A Conversation with Natan Obed About the Inuit Nunangat Policy (IRA1-V71)
This video presents a conversation with Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, about the key principles of the Inuit Nunangat Policy, the obligations of public servants, and how they can advance reconciliation by integrating these obligations into their daily work.
- The Shared Responsibility of Implementing the Inuit Nunangat Policy (IRA1-V57)
This video provides participants with a brief history on the co-development of the Inuit Nunangat Policy, its elements, and intent.
- Call to Action 57: A Duty of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples for All Public Servants (IRA1-V40)
Under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 57, all federal public servants have a duty to learn about the history and reality of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This short video explains why and how your involvement as a public servant can help the reconciliation effort.
- Video Testimonials: Indigenous Employees (IRA1-V41)
This new video platform offers short testimonials from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis public service employees. Our colleagues share with us their cultures, their challenges, their languages, their dreams, and their perceptions as Indigenous persons and public service employees today.
- How to Deliver a Respectful Territorial Acknowledgement (IRA1-V42)
This video explores why and when to include a territorial acknowledgement and how to make it respectful and meaningful.
- Finding Health Equity for First Nations Children
In this video, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Ph.D., Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, and Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the International Institute for Society and Health, discuss the pursuit of equity for First Nations children in the context of Jordan's Principle and the Pan American Health Organization's recent report Just Societies: Health Equity and Dignified Lives.
- Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is now recognized as a federal statutory day of commemoration. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the tragic history of residential schools and honour their Survivors by engaging in reconciliation activities within our communities. Guest speakers share their thoughts and insights on what those experiences mean for Indigenous Peoples in Canada and for us all as we continue the journey towards truth and reconciliation.
- Celebrating Louis Riel Day: Métis Realities (IRA1-V45)
Learn about the current issues, challenges and opportunities facing Métis communities as they build constructive relationships and support reconciliation efforts with other Indigenous Peoples.
- Elder Talk: Exploring Identity (IRA1-V47)
Elder Gerry Oleman, a member of the St'at'imc Nation in British Columbia talks about how identity is formed both collectively and for each individual, how identity is imposed on us, and how we can also create our own identities. (Event held on January 13, 2021)
- Indigenous Leaders Panel (IRA1-V21)
Indigenous leaders discuss how the public service should be approaching its mandate for reconciliation.
- Indigenous Learning Series Trailer (IRA1-V06)
A collection of video clips of Indigenous leaders and public servants discussing the meaning of reconciliation.
- Many Eagle Set Sundance Song (Michif Song) (IRA1-V26)
This is the story of the "Many Eagle Set Sundance Song" as told by Folklorist and Author Nicholas Vrooman.
- The Memoirs of Russell Moses, Residential School Survivor (IRA1-V30)
John Moses speaks about his father Russell Moses' childhood experiences in a residential school.
- The Path of Reconciliation (IRA1-V03)
A collection of video clips of Indigenous leaders and executives of the Public Service of Canada discussing the path of reconciliation.
- Reconciliation Through the Arts (IRA1-V10)
Video clips of artists, Indigenous leaders and public servants discussing the role of the arts in the reconciliation process.
- Truth and Reconciliation, with the Honourable Murray Sinclair (IRA1-V01)
The Honourable Murray Sinclair discusses the legacy of the Canadian government's policy towards Indigenous people, and the path towards reconciliation.
- What Does Indigenous Mean? (IRA1-V02)
From 'Indian' to 'Indigenous': the historical pursuit of one umbrella term that applies to all.
- Why I Joined the Public Service (IRA1-V35)
Indigenous public servants share their experiences and advice with Indigenous youth new to the public service.
- Introduction to Procurement Obligations in the Nunavut Settlement Area (FON1-V15)
This video introduces the Directive on Government Contracts, Including Real Property Leases, in the Nunavut Settlement Area and the government-wide approach to providing Inuit firms with fair and reasonable opportunities to submit bids on government contracts.
- Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Indigenous Procurement (IRA1-V46)
This event recording addresses the importance of strengthening the relationships between the federal government and Indigenous businesses and describes ways to create mutually beneficial contracting arrangements.
- Understanding Indigenous Realities: Revitalization and Reconciliation (IRA1-V59)
This video addresses the injustices endured by Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including the residential school system, forced relocations, and the ongoing repression of Indigenous rights, while also highlighting how courage and determination have catalyzed the reconciliation movement of today.
Our Cultural Centre
Indigenous Learning courses delivered in person are offered at our Cultural Centre (Canada Room), located at 111 Sussex Drive in Ottawa.
Connect with us
Contact the Indigenous Learning Team for questions or comments. Tell us what topics you would like to see and how we can best help you by emailing: ils-saqa@csps-efpc.gc.ca.
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