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INST 369 is a three-credit course that introduces students to the “major themes in the political, social, and economic history of Canada’s first peoples from 1830 to the modern era.” The course focuses on the “conflicts between government and First Nations objectives and worldviews. Among topics approached are the conflicting views of governments and Native peoples regarding the meaning of treaties, the conflict between European-Canadian goals of economic development and First Nations efforts to maintain control over their traditional lands, and political and cultural efforts of Native peoples over time to asset their rights within Canada.” It is recommended students to have taken a three-credit course in Canadian history or Native/Indigenous studies prior to taking this course, however, is not required. It is important to note, this course is cross listed under HIST 369. The course is available for challenge.
Who Should Take This Course and Why
For this course, we had the opportunity to interview AU student, Jessica, who recently completed this course. Jessica is a non-program student with AU taking courses that interest her. When we asked Jessica why she took this course she stated, “Being a Canadian, I’ve always felt it was important for me to understand the history of Canada’s first people. This course interested me as it gave me the opportunity to understand and learn the various perspectives along with the political, social, and economic history of Canada’s first peoples.”
We also had the opportunity to interview Dr. Eric Strikwerda, an associate professor with AU. When we asked Dr. Strikwerda who he recommended this course to, he stated, “In the context of responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) ‘Calls to Action,’ this course, together with its sister course INST 368, offers historical context for many aspects of Indigenous-Newcomer relations in the present day. As such, I recommend this course to everyone. Importantly, and in contrast to earlier histories of Canada, INST 369 puts Indigenous peoples and their experiences at the centre of the story.”
Course, Assignments and Final Exam Details
The course itself consists of six units covering the topics of Colonialism and Natives of Western Canada from the 1830 to 1900, Residential Schools, Native Women’s Agency in the Fur Trade and under Colonialism, Colonialism and Native Peoples of the North, Central Canada, and the Atlantic Region from the 1830 to 1900, Native Peoples Confront Twentieth Century Canada, and finally, Native Resistance and Ongoing Struggles.
The course consists of two assignments each worth 30% and a cumulative online final exam worth 40%.
How to Be Successful in the Course
Course Coordinator’s Advice for the Course
Dr. Eric Strikwerda is the Course Coordinator for the course, he is a settler-Canadian historian who has written about the Great Depression in western Canada, nutrition policy in Canada, and western Canadian politics. At present he is writing a history of western and northern Canada after Canada’s acquisition of the territory in 1870.
When we asked Dr. Strikwerda for his advice for the course, he stated, “As this is a history course, it is important for students to fully grasp the complexities of each unit before moving on the next in order to take account of continuities and changes, as well as the contingency of the past.”
Student’s Advice for the Course
When we asked Jessica for her advice for the course she stated, “Like many University level courses, time management is key. With the number of readings, it is important to stay on top of readings to ensure you have time to process and understand the material.”
When we asked Jessica about her experience with the course tutor she mentioned, “I had an overall positive experience with my course tutor. They answered my questions promptly through email whenever I emailed them.”
Questions?
If you have any further questions regarding the course, please do not hesitate to contact the Course Coordinator at erics@athabascau.ca. Happy learning!
