Indigenous Resurgence
Truth and Reconciliation Trail| Marker 8
Today, many Indigenous People are reclaiming all that was taken away from them through the Indian Residential School system and other violent and assimilative Canadian policies.
Indigenous resurgence
Now is an exciting time for Indigenous People across Turtle Island who are resurging their ways of being, knowing, and doing in both traditional and contemporary forms. Despite historical and continual attempts of assimilation, Indigenous Peoples are reclaiming their stories, songs, traditions, teachings, and values through various forms of storytelling, art, politics, and much more. Today, we see a resurgence of Pow Wows, celebrations, ceremonies, languages, sexualities, traditional roles, community responsibilities, governance structures, and more. Although there is still so much work to be done, we are beginning to see a reclamation of that which was taken away – Indigenous rights, treaty rights, hunting and fishing rights, and in some instances, even the land itself is being returned to the stewardship and jurisdiction of Indigenous People.
Indigenous resurgence is taking place all over Turtle Island. This is a reminder that, although the impacts of the Indian Residential School System are still felt today, it was also a total failure.
As you find your way to the end of the trail, think of it as a new beginning: where truth is honoured and relationships can be reconciled, and Every Child Matters.
Reconcili-ACTION
To learn more about local Indigenous resurgence through diverse mediums, navigate through the different headings. After you do so, seek out other forms of Indigenous resurgence that can be found all around Turtle Island.
Art
- Chief Lady Bird (Nancy King), Artist, Rama First Nation
- Kyle Sauve, Quillwork Artist, Rama First Nation
- Emily Kewageshig, Artist, Saugeen First Nation No. 29
Business
- Mariposa Market – Barrie, ON
- Ribbon and Roots – Barrie, ON
- Noopimiing Creations – Midland, ON
Music
- Evan Redsky, Singer/Songwriter, Mississaugi First Nation
- Julian Taylor, Singer/Songwriter, Kahnawake
- Aysanabee, Singer/Songwriter, Sandy Lake First Nation
Activism
- Sarain Fox, Activist, Batchawana First Nation
- Autumn Peltier, Water Protector, Wikwemikong Unceded Territory
- Jeff Monague, Leader, Beausoleil First Nation
Language
- Georgian College, Indigenous Studies: Anishnaabemowin and Program Development: 2-year diploma
- Georgian College, Indigenous Studies: Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language): 1-year certificate
- Rama First Nation’s immersion daycare: Waasa Enaabijig
Literature
- Drew Hayden Taylor, Author/Playwright, Curve Lake First Nation
- Waubgeshig Rice, Author/Journalist, Wasauksing First Nation
- Cherie Dimaline, Author, Georgian Bay Metis Nation
Read about all trail markers
What to learn more about Indigenization at Georgian?
Contact information
Sandi Pallister-Gougeon
Academic Program and Support Officer
Indigenous Studies/Services
249.388.0701
Email Sandi