Trent University - Continuing Education

This course is aimed at teaching adult students about Indigenous clan representations and the relationship between cultural imagery, technology, and transportation, in and around this heart of Turtle Island (but not limited to the Nogojiwanong Region), through the past 11,000 years. Topics such as mythology, petroglyphs, pictographs, language insights, ceremonial possessions, tools, portage route descriptions and insights will be covered. Through these historical topics, students will be offered an opportunity to understand modern Aboriginal and Indigenous Peoples.

Week 1 – Language Insights

One of the best ways to learn about a culture is to learn about their language. There will be historical and modern examples of how language is central to Indigenous culture.

Week 2 – Introduction to Imagery

Introduction to petroglyphs, pictographs and Aboriginal symbolism of the natural world and the spirit world both in form and colour.

Week 3 - A Deeper Look at Imagery and Symbols

A more spiritual view of the symbolism as related through the stories of personal experiences of the instructor.

Week 4 – Portage Routes and Descriptions

We imagine the Champlain bushwhacked through a vast wilderness as he “explored”, when the truth is he was never off the beaten track. An expansive system of roads which were used for trade was already well established and covered all of Turtle Island.

Week 5 – The Clan Systems

The clans are a critical part of Aboriginal culture and responsibilities for governance were one of the purposes of the clan system. The other purposes of the clan system will be explored.  Next to language, the clan system is arguably the most important aspect of the preservation of Indigenous life.

Week 6 – Tools for Survival

Materials used from nature which exemplify the Ingenuity, resourcefulness and seamless integration and entanglement of Aboriginal People to their world.

Week 7 – The Indigenous Ability to Adapt

An essential part of survival is not measured by fitness but rather the ability to adapt to change. Indigenous People have not only survived but thrived with small or monumental change, and slow and rapid change. 

Week 8 – Today’s Indigenous People

The similarities and differences between modern Indigenous Peoples are explored in relation to their views living in today’s world.