Canada is home to diverse cultures, languages, and histories. Learning about Indigenous Peoples is an important part of understanding the country many newcomers now call home.  

Indigenous means the first people to live in a place. In Canada, Indigenous Peoples lived on these lands for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. 

Every year on August 9, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrates Indigenous cultures, histories, knowledge, and contributions. It is also a reminder that learning, respect, and reconciliation are ongoing commitments that continue throughout the year. 

For many refugees, arriving in Canada means beginning a new chapter while learning about a country with deep histories. Understanding Indigenous Peoples helps us better understand the communities, lands, and relationships that shape Canada today. 

What Refugees and Indigenous Communities Can Learn From One Another 

Although their histories are different, refugees and Indigenous Peoples often share values that create opportunities for meaningful connection. 

Many refugees understand what it means to rebuild after displacement, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and preserve language, culture, and traditions while creating a new future. Indigenous communities continue to protect their cultures, languages, and identities despite the lasting impacts of colonization. 

These experiences are not the same, but they can create opportunities for empathy, mutual respect, and learning. By listening to Indigenous voices and understanding Canada’s history, newcomers can become stronger community members while contributing to a more inclusive Canada. 

Understanding Indigenous Peoples 

According to the 2021 Census, more than 1.8 million Indigenous people live in Canada, representing 5% of the country’s population. These communities include more than 1 million First Nations people, over 624,000 Métis, and more than 70,000 Inuit, each with their own distinct cultures, traditions, languages, and histories.  

Indigenous Peoples have called these lands home for thousands of years, long before Canada became a country. The Constitution of Canada recognizes three distinct Indigenous groups: 

• First Nations – Diverse Nations with unique languages, cultures, and traditions across Canada. 

• Inuit – Indigenous Peoples of Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland spanning northern Canada. 

• Métis – A distinct Indigenous people with their own culture, language, and history that emerged through relationships between First Nations and European settlers. 

Understanding Indigenous history also means acknowledging difficult chapters, including the impacts of colonization and the residential school system. These experiences continue to affect Indigenous families and communities today, making education a big part of reconciliation.  

Language is another important part of Indigenous identity. Canada is home to more than 70 distinct Indigenous languages, showing the diversity of Indigenous cultures. While many languages have been affected by colonial policies, communities across the country continue to make important efforts to preserve them for future generations.  

Understanding Treaties 

Many people hear the term Treaty territory but may not know what it means. 

Treaties are agreements made between Indigenous Nations and the Crown that established how land, resources, and relationships would be shared. These agreements continue to have legal and cultural significance today. 

Wherever you live in Canada, you are likely living on the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples and, in many regions, on Treaty land. Learning about the Treaty territory where you live is one meaningful way to better understand your local community and Canada’s shared history. 

Ways to Learn and Show Support 

Learning about Indigenous cultures does not have to begin in a classroom. There are many accessible ways to continue learning throughout the year: 

• Read books by Indigenous authors such as Thomas King, Michelle Good, Bob Joseph, Cherie Dimaline, Waubgeshig Rice, and Robin Wall Kimmerer. 

• Watch Indigenous-created films and documentaries, including Indian Horse, Beans, Night Raiders, Bones of Crows, and documentaries from CBC Indigenous. 

• Attend Powwows, cultural celebrations, museum exhibitions, and community events that welcome the public. 

• Support Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and authors by purchasing their products and sharing their work. 

• Listen to Indigenous voices through podcasts, community organizations, Elders, educators, and cultural centers. 

The most important step is approaching these opportunities with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen. 

Learning Together 

At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, we believe that building inclusive communities begins with understanding one another. Many people arrive in Canada eager to learn about the people, cultures, and histories that shape their new home. Taking time to learn about Indigenous Peoples helps strengthen that connection. 

By reading Indigenous stories, supporting Indigenous businesses, attending community events, and learning about the Treaty territory where we live, we can all play a small part in building stronger relationships and a more inclusive Canada.