Indigenous Cultural Identity

Indigenous cultural identity in Canada spans across three distinct groups:

• First Nation
• Inuit
• Métis

Each group has a rich diversity of languages, histories, and cultural ways of knowing, being and doing. Despite this diversity, there are shared values and identity elements, though their expressions can vary greatly.

Along with self-declared membership in one of the three distinct groups, aspects of Indigenous cultural identity include:

• Many generations of extended family lineage/links to land base and family sites
• Community membership/history of the community and region of origin
• Indigenous languages spoken/current state of language preservation
• Artistic and sacred expressions of culture in art, songs, dances and stories
• Creation stories of the home Indigenous group
• Traditional land base/traditional territory occupied and used by the community historically and currently
• Sources of food and shelter
• Ceremonies, cultural gatherings, roles of Elders, knowledge keepers and ceremonialists and related protocols
• Traditional Knowledge, skills and practices shared orally or in writing
• Impacts of colonization and work in cultural revitalization

Mainstream Definition of Cultural Identity

An evolving process that changes with social, cultural and life experiences. The strength of a person’s cultural identity is linked to their own sense of connection to their culture and cultural values, beliefs and practices; their social links as a member of that culture and where they fit in the community and their relationships with family and community members. Cultural identity may involve other aspects of identity such as location, sex, race, history, language, sexuality,

Indigenous Cultural Revival

The journey of Indigenous Cultural Revival is a testament to resilience in the face of colonization, which sought to sever the transmission of culture across generations. Indigenous languages and cultural practices were prohibited, with severe punishments imposed on those who dared to defy these edicts. The introduction of Residential Schools and certain child welfare practices further disrupted the ability of Indigenous children to learn and practice their cultural heritage, leading to widespread trauma.

Current efforts towards Indigenous Cultural Revival among the three distinct groups include:

• Investing in Indigenous governments and organizations as the leaders and primary contributors to cultural revival
• Language preservation through early childhood immersion programs, youth and adult language learning programs and work to record language speakers
• Deepening understanding of how language carries culture and is essential to cultural continuity and development
• Understanding the role of culture and land-based activities in healing and recovery from addictions, trauma as well as mental health and physical health problems
• Active rebuilding of connections to Indigenous art, songs, stories, dances, and ceremonies while respecting protocols and keepers of specific sacred knowledge or traditions
• Supporting the resurgence of Indigenous spirituality and connections with the land
• Traditional knowledge research in mapping traditional territories and documenting use and occupancy
• Implementing the specific Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice
• Work to recognize the Numbered Treaties (1-11) across Canada
• Negotiation of modern treaties including the Yukon land claim and self-government agreements

Indigenous Cultural Revival efforts are a significant stride towards decolonization and reconnection to traditional practices. In the words of Inuit Nunangat writer Lori Tagoona:

“It’s a tribute to the resilience, self-reliance, and ingenuity of Indigenous Peoples that we are in a period of Indigenous cultural and political resurgence in the North. This is an act of decolonization where Indigenous communities are reconnecting with their traditional cultural practices. At the forefront of this movement are Indigenous-led organizations. These organizations are focused on increasing community-based culture and language resurgence programs to increase fluency in Indigenous languages, advocating for policies that protect and amplify Indigenous culture and languages, and promoting cultural ways of knowing and being.”

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