Tommy George Prince Military Medal and Silver Star Recipient

The story of Thomas "Tommy" George Prince, Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldier, is inspiring and tragic. It also underscores the inequality that Indigenous soldiers experienced upon returning home after risking their lives to fight under the Canadian flag.

Tommy George Prince, born in 1915 on the Brokenhead Reserve in Manitoba, came from a long line of men who were distinguished in battle - family members fought for the Crown in the Red River Resistance in 1870, led the Nile River Voyageurs in 1885, and fought in World War I.

Read More

The Day I Met Joe Gosnell

First and foremost, on behalf of myself and my father, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, O.B.C., O.C, I want to give my condolences to the Gosnell family and the Nisga’a Nation for the loss of a great leader, Mr. Joe Gosnell. We would like to express our gratitude and admiration for the work that he did. We believe that the nation was better because Joe was here. 

Read More

National Indigenous Peoples Day  21+ Important Indigenous People to Celebrate

To celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21 we have compiled a list of 21+ important Indigenous people from all walks of life. It is a random list of inspirational Indigenous leaders, artists, activists, journalists, veterans, musicians, comedians, authors, documentarians, athletes and “just plain folk” whose determination, and commitment to their passion and beliefs have, and continue to, improve Canada’s culture and social wellness. This is by no means a complete list - that would take a lifetime to compile - it is however a compilation of names that should, in this era of reconciliation, be familiar household names.

Read More

A Tribute to the Late Chief Beau Dick

Chief Beau Dick, or Gigame’ ‘Walas Gwa’yam, was born on November 23, 1955, and passed away, far too soon, on March 27, 2017.

He was a world-renowned Indigenous artist and Indigenous rights advocate who made significant contributions to family, friends, community, and the culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw. His contributions were immeasurable, his reputation immense, and his humility legendary.

Read More

Reflections in 2017 on the 1967 Centennial Speech of Chief Dan George

By Bob Joseph

Photo: Too Tall Paul, Flickr

As Canadians from coast to coast to coast prepare to mark Canada’s 150th birthday on July 1, 2017, I wanted to revisit and reflect on the late Chief Dan George’s speech “Lament for Confederation” made on the occasion of Canada’s 100th birthday. I thought it would make a good measuring stick to see how things have changed for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Read More

Chief Robert Joseph Appointed to Order of British Columbia

On June 15, 2015, I, along with my sisters, had the great honour of witnessing our father, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, be appointed to the Order of British Columbia by Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon. To say I was proud would be an understatement.

Read More

Aboriginal Athletes Abound

Photo: Shutterstock

We recently received a comment on our blog about Aboriginal athletes - why there aren’t more and why there aren’t any competing in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. We just wanted to share a snapshot of some of the outstanding Aboriginal athletes - both of professional standing and amateur - although there is nothing amateur about the professional attitude of an Olympic athlete!

Read More

Elijah Harper: The Man With a Feather Who Changed the Course of History

Photo: Shutterstock

"Aboriginal people are not against the right of Quebec as a distinct society within Canada. […] Of course they are a distinct society. So are the aboriginal people."

Elijah Harper

Read More

Louis Riel - Métis Visionary? Father of Manitoba? Rebel? Martyr?

Louis Riel statue in front of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. Photo: Joe Passe, Flickr

In Manitoba, Louis Riel Day is the third Monday in February and is a provincial holiday (first celebrated in 2008) - this date does not coincide with a memorable event in the life of this most controversial of Canada’s historical figures. The date was chosen to break up the long period between New Year’s Day and Good Friday, and the name of the holiday was chosen in a competition amongst school children.

Read More

The Haida Leader Guujaaw - great job and best wishes

by Bob Joseph

Read More
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
Covenant House logo, photo of Trevor Snider - Commemorating a Reconciliation Ally - Donate today!

About this Blog

Let this blog be your guide to Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples®. We have hundreds of articles loaded with tips, suggestions, videos, and free eBooks for you. Happy reading!

Subscribe to the Indigenous Relations Newsletter

Recent Posts

Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., provides information on this blog for free as a resource for those seeking information about Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Readers looking for more detailed information, or who have questions, can sign up for our fee-for-service training. Also, ICT encourages everyone who reads this information to use their best judgment given their own circumstances, vulnerabilities, and needs, and to contact a consulting or legal professional if you have more specific questions. Join the conversation over on our Linkedin page.