This course provides an overview of the history and contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories are in what is now known as the settler state of Canada. Prior to first contact, Indigenous peoples had their own formal systems of governance, spiritual practices, economies, kinship systems, laws, systems of conservation, and ways of living in relationship with the land that sustained all life. Colonial settlement impacted Indigenous ways of life in many ways. Indigenous peoples resisted oppressive colonial tactics. Through readings, multi-media sources, films, and critical analyses, students will strive to connect historical issues of colonization with the contemporary relationships. Content will challenge students to consider the role of the church in the colonization of Indigenous peoples, and to consider what role they might play in reconciliation. Other course content may include Indigenous worldviews and identity, cultural and spiritual teachings, the Doctrine of Discovery, Treaties, the Indian Act, Residential Schools and 60’s Scoop and generational impacts, Indigenous self-determination, socio economic/political/justice issues, RCAP, TRC #94 Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and various Indigenous justice campaigns including MMIWG2S+.

About the Instructor: Rev. Tanis McLeod Kolisnyk is a Red River Metis sessional instructor at the University of Winnipeg and worked at UW for 21+ years in student services, primarily supporting Indigenous students at the University of Winnipeg.

University of Winnipeg Degrees; MA Theology 2015, Management Studies Certificate 2008, BA Music 2000. Teaching areas include Religion/Culture, Indigenous Studies, Indigenous/Chrisitan Spirituality and Theology at the UW and various institutions.

Rev. Tanis was ordained as a Deacon in 2013 in the Anglican Church of Canada, serving at Epiphany Indigenous Anglican Church Wpg and St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church Wpg Beach. The Elders Circle of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land entrusts Rev. Tanis to Coordinate Rupert’s Land Wechetowin efforts and designates her as a Knowledge Keeper (Carrier) for the Anglican Indigenous community.

Metis roots are to McLeod /Harper /Irving /Swain /Cumming /Fidler families in East Selkirk/Tyndal here in Red River. MMF Kinew Metis Council involvement continues. Tanis’ board work included the Louis Riel Institute Board of Directors, Kinew Local, ANCR Board, LMB Wpg.

Dates: April 28 – May 2, 2025

Days & Times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 12:00pm

Requirements: A requirement will be to critically engage with Indigenous ways of knowing, understanding, and experiencing the world that will often challenge/critique Western systems and beliefs.

Books to purchase: Readings will be provided by the professor.

Fee: $275.00

Format: In-person only

Please note: This Continuing Education program is non-credit, meaning it cannot be counted toward a degree or diploma, and will not be transcripted. Continuing Education registrations are refundable until 7 days before a program commences, minus the Eventbrite processing fee. After that time, fees are non-refundable.

Questions? Please contact:

Lydia Hood, Continuing Education Coordinator, at lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca

For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indigenous-culture-history-tickets-1242136586969?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1