Indigenous Canada Course: Insights for Executives and Business Leaders

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of attending the Workforce Forward conference in Calgary, a significant gathering of professionals dedicated to advancing Indigenous workforce participation and leadership. A special thanks to Rod Miller and CPHR Alberta for supporting this impactful event, which brought together approximately 1,000 attendees for an important dialogue on reconciliation, economic growth, and capacity building.

Our intent is to amplify these voices and encourage ongoing reflection and meaningful engagement with the histories and cultures that shape this land. If you would like to discuss how these insights can support your organization’s journey towards reconciliation and inclusion, please feel free to connect.

Elevate Talent Solutions operates on the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Métis, and Inuit peoples within Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territories in Alberta. We honour the ancestors whose footsteps have marked these lands since time immemorial and recognize the continuing relationships and contributions of the Indigenous peoples to the vitality of this region. We are grateful to live and work in this welcoming place, where people from around the world share Western Canada as their home.

In the spirit of continued learning, we want to share a brief overview and highlights from a recommended knowledge base - the foundational University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada course*. This free or by donation, 20+h, 12 module open learning resource provides important insights into the histories, cultures, and contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

*Please note that this article is shared in the spirit of learning, allyship, and respect.. with deep gratitude to the Indigenous scholars, leaders, and community members who have contributed to the Indigenous Canada course, including Dr. Savage Bear, and many others who work tirelessly to bridge cultural understandings and share this critical knowledge.

Exploring the Indigenous Canada Course

As we continue to deepen our understanding and strengthen our connections, this overview of the Indigenous Canada course offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples. These lessons, grounded in respect, resilience, and relationships, also provide a valuable foundation for building meaningful partnerships and more inclusive organizations.

Module 1: Worldviews

Indigenous worldviews are at the heart of understanding the relationships between Indigenous peoples and settler newcomers. This module emphasizes the importance of language, story, and connection to the land. It explores the deep significance of creation stories, such as the Haudenosaunee Sky Woman narrative, which illustrates the interconnectedness of all living things. This worldview stands in contrast to the often hierarchical and resource-extractive mindset of settler societies. Understanding these fundamental perspectives is crucial for leaders seeking to build authentic relationships and foster reconciliation in their organizations.

Module 2: The Fur Trade

The fur trade, a cornerstone of early Canadian economic history, fundamentally reshaped the political, social, and economic landscapes of Indigenous nations. This module traces the early pre-contact trade networks, the rise of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the emergence of the Métis Nation. It highlights how these trade relationships were not merely economic but deeply rooted in kinship, diplomacy, and mutual obligation. For business leaders, this is a powerful reminder of the long-term impacts of commercial ventures on cultural and social structures.

Module 3: Trick or Treaty?

Treaty-making in Canada has a long and complex history, often marked by divergent understandings between Indigenous nations and settler governments. This module examines early agreements like the Two Row Wampum, which emphasized mutual respect and non-interference, and contrasts them with later treaties that reflected a more coercive approach to land and resource control. It also addresses the critical gaps in interpretation that continue to fuel legal disputes and political tensions today. It highlights the importance of trust, honour, and reciprocity in building lasting partnerships, essential values for leaders committed to ethical business practices and meaningful Indigenous engagement.

Module 4: New Rules, New Game

The imposition of European legal systems dramatically altered Indigenous governance structures. This module discusses the Royal Proclamation of 1763 (aka the Indian Act), and other legislative measures that sought to undermine Indigenous sovereignty. It highlights the resilience of Indigenous legal traditions, which prioritize collective well-being, restorative justice, and environmental stewardship. We can draw valuable lessons from these approaches as they seek to build more inclusive and socially responsible organizations.

Module 5: Killing the Indian in the Child

This deeply moving module addresses the devastating legacy of residential schools in Canada. It explores the systematic efforts to erase Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities through forced assimilation. It also highlights the ongoing impacts of intergenerational trauma and the need for truth and reconciliation as a foundation for healing. Leaders should be particularly mindful of this history when designing workplace policies, engagement strategies, and community partnerships. This history serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and respect when it comes to building relationships.

Module 6: A Modern Indian

As the buffalo disappeared.. Indigenous peoples transitioned from traditional economies to wage-based labour, they faced profound social and cultural changes. This module examines the economic shifts that accompanied colonization, including the rise of Métis women as economic leaders and the adaptation of traditional skills to modern markets. It also discusses the ongoing challenges of economic exclusion and the importance of supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic sovereignty in today's interconnected global economy.

Module 7: Red Power

This module explores the political resurgence of Indigenous nations in the 20th century, including the Red Power movement and the push for self-determination. It highlights the critical importance of political sovereignty, cultural survival, and nation-to-nation relationships. This serves as a powerful reminder of the need to respect Indigenous governance structures and engage in authentic, equitable partnerships.

Module 8: Sovereign Lands

This module focuses on the deep connections Indigenous peoples have with their traditional lands and the legal battles fought to secure land rights and title. For Indigenous peoples, land is not just a physical space but a sacred connection to ancestors, history, and future generations. It highlights landmark cases like Calder, Delgamuukw, and Tsilhqot’in, which have fundamentally shaped Aboriginal land rights in Canada. Leaders should recognize the importance of land to Indigenous identity and culture and consider this in their strategic planning and community engagement efforts.

Module 9: Indigenous Women, Girls, and Genderful People

This module celebrates the strength and resilience of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people, while also addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and gendered violence. It underscores the importance of centring Indigenous voices in discussions of equity and social justice, highlighting the critical role of Indigenous women as leaders, knowledge keepers, and community builders.

Module 10: Indigenous in the City

Urban spaces are not merely places of disconnection but vibrant centres of Indigenous resurgence and cultural power. As over half of Indigenous peoples in Canada now live in urban centres, this module explores the complexities of urban Indigenous identity and the unique challenges faced by these communities. It highlights the importance of culturally relevant support systems and the need for innovative approaches to service delivery and governance in urban settings. It challenges the myth of “authentic” Indigeneity as rural, instead celebrating the dynamic and evolving realities of modern Indigenous life.

Module 11: Current Social Movements

From Idle No More to Water Protectors, this module examines the powerful grassroots movements that continue to shape Indigenous political landscapes in Canada. It emphasizes the role of collective action, digital storytelling, and community resilience in advancing Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

Module 12: Living Traditions

Art, music, storytelling, and ceremony are the lifeblood of Indigenous cultures, carrying the voices of ancestors into the present and future. This concluding module celebrates the vibrant artistic, cultural, and intellectual contributions of Indigenous peoples today. It highlights the role of knowledge keepers in preserving traditions while also reclaiming narratives and pushing creative boundaries to express the enduring spirit of their peoples.

Final Thoughts

For executives, professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers, understanding these foundational histories is essential for building stronger, more ethical organizations. I highly recommend investing the time to engage with this course as part of your ongoing professional development. It will deepen your understanding of the complex histories that shape Canada today and provide critical insights into building more respectful and impactful relationships with Indigenous partners and stakeholders.