Course Review: Indigenous Canada by University of Alberta (Coursera)
Learn about the history, culture, and present-day issues of Indigenous peoples in Canada through 12 easy-to-follow, expert-led modules.
Instructor: Dr. Paul L. Gareau
Course Overview
Indigenous Canada is a free online course from the University of Alberta. It explores Indigenous history, culture, and modern issues in Canada. Led by Dr. Paul L. Gareau, this 12-module course gives insight into treaties, land rights, law, politics, and Indigenous art. Designed for learners of all levels, it uses clear videos, readings, and short quizzes. You’ll learn from Indigenous voices and gain real-world understanding. It takes about 20 hours to finish and fits any schedule. Whether you’re a student, educator, or curious learner, this course helps build respect and awareness. A shareable certificate is included.
Duration: 20 hours (self-paced; about 3 weeks at 6 hours per week)
Modules:
- Worldview
- Fur Trade
- Trick or Treaty
- New Rules, New Game
- “Killing the Indian in the Child”
- A Modern Indian?
- Red Power
- Sovereign Lands
- Indigenous Women, Girls, and Genderful People
- Indigenous in the City
- Current Social Movements
- ‘Living’ Traditions – Expressions in Pop Culture and Art
Instructor: Dr. Paul L. Gareau
Pros & Cons
👍Pros
- ✔️ Taught by an Indigenous expert, offering real insight and lived experience.
- ✔️ Covers a wide range of topics, from history to art, with short and easy-to-follow videos.
- ✔️ Flexible and self-paced, making it easy to fit into any schedule.
👎Cons
- ❌ No live interaction or feedback from the instructor.
- ❌ May feel basic for those with deep prior knowledge of Indigenous studies.
- ❌ Heavy focus on Canadian context may limit relevance for global learners.
🧑🎓 Who is This Course Best For?
This course is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn about Indigenous cultures, history, and issues from a Canadian perspective. It uses simple language, expert teaching, and real stories to help learners build respect, understanding, and cultural awareness. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or just curious, this course offers something valuable for all.
- Students in social sciences or humanities: Get a strong foundation in Indigenous history, politics, and culture. It’s useful for school, research, or community work.
- Teachers and educators: Learn how to teach Indigenous content with more care, accuracy, and respect. The course gives stories, facts, and visuals you can use in the classroom.
- Government and policy workers: Understand Indigenous laws, treaties, and rights. This knowledge supports better decision-making and inclusive policies.
- Nonprofit or NGO staff: Gain the cultural insight needed for working with Indigenous communities. This helps build stronger, trust-based programs and partnerships.
- Artists and creatives: Discover how art reflects Indigenous identity and resistance. You’ll explore how culture and politics shape visual and written works.
- Canadians seeking reconciliation: Learn the real stories behind Canada’s past and present. It’s a key step toward empathy, action, and truth.
- Diversity and inclusion professionals: Improve your understanding of Indigenous perspectives. This helps guide more fair and informed workplace practices.
- Lifelong learners and global citizens: If you’re curious about culture, justice, or Indigenous rights, this course is a clear and respectful place to begin.
📘 What You’ll Learn
This course gives you a clear and honest look into the lives, history, and cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada. You’ll learn directly from Indigenous voices and explore how their past connects to today’s challenges. The lessons are simple to follow, and each one builds your understanding of key events, laws, and ideas. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to think critically, act with empathy, and engage with Indigenous communities in a respectful way.
Through videos, readings, and quizzes, you’ll gain knowledge that is useful for school, work, or everyday life. This course helps you grow not just as a learner, but as a more informed and thoughtful citizen.
- Understand Indigenous worldviews, storytelling, and teachings
- Explore pre-contact trade systems and the impact of the fur trade
- Learn about treaties, land claims, and historical agreements
- Examine the Indian Act and legal efforts toward assimilation
- Study the residential school system and its lasting effects
- Discover Indigenous political movements and resistance efforts
- Gain insight into land rights, ecological knowledge, and governance
- Understand the roles of Indigenous women and genderful people
- See how Indigenous life continues in cities and urban communities
- Explore Indigenous art, music, and storytelling in modern culture
❓FAQs
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