The SLPC celebrates, honours, and recognizes the diversity of culture, history, rich traditions as well as the outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We are committed to doing our part to achieve meaningful and lasting reconciliation. This page of resources is an opportunity for SLPC staff members to take some time to learn about inspiring Indigenous peoples who have helped shape Canadian history. Start your learning journey with the curated collection below to expand your knowledge.

Film / Video

Heritage Minute: Chanie Wenjack – 2016

Time: 1min

The story of Chanie "Charlie" Wenjack, whose death sparked the first inquest into the treatment of Indigenous children in Canadian residential schools. The 84th Heritage Minute in Historica Canada's collection. 

Film / Video

We Were Children – 2012

Time: 1hr 22min

Warning: This film contains disturbing content and is recommended for audiences 16 years of age and older. Parental discretion, and/or watching this film within a group setting, is strongly advised.

In this feature film, the profound impact of the Canadian government’s residential school system is conveyed through the eyes of two children who were forced to face hardships beyond their years. As young children, Lyna and Glen were taken from their homes and placed in church-run boarding schools, where they suffered years of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, the effects of which persist in their adult lives. We Were Children gives voice to a national tragedy and demonstrates the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

Full Movie: Available on a variety of platforms including CBC Gem, Amazon Prime, and the National Film Board (fees may apply).

Podcast

Unreserved

 Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous community, culture, and conversation. Host Falen Johnson takes you straight into Indigenous Canada, from Halifax to Haida Gwaii, from Shamattawa to Ottawa, introducing listeners to the storytellers, culture makers, and community shakers from across the country.

Available on most of your favourite podcast platforms.

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Unreserved podcast cover image

Podcast

The Indian Act

Time: 44min

The Secret Life of Canada - What is the Indian Act and why Canada still have it on the books? The Secret Life team looks at the roots of this complicated policy, which after 143 years is still embedded in Canadian identity, from the policy that led to the Act to how it still impacts Indigenous identities today.

Available on most of your favourite podcast platforms.

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The Indian Act Podcast Cover Image

Podcast

Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo

Time: Multi Episode

Season 2 (8 episodes): Where is Cleo? - Taken by child welfare workers in the 1970’s and adopted in the U.S., the young Cree girl’s family believes she was raped and murdered while hitchhiking back home to Saskatchewan. CBC news investigative reporter Connie Walker joins the search to find out what really happened to Cleo.

Available on most of your favourite podcast platforms.

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Podcast cover image of missing little girl Cleo