Historical Resources

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McGill's History with Indigenous Peoples

McGill must pursue an unedited truth about its historical and contemporary relationship with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples to meaningfully inform its goal of reconciliation.

As Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Report emphasized, reconciliation must begin with the truth. This must include proper and ongoing consultation with Indigenous peoples, and the recognition of the Indigenous traditional territory upon which McGill is situated.

This page will be updated with new information as McGill seeks to better inform the public about McGill's history with Indigenous peoples.

 

 

 Montreal Chronicles: Origins

Nicole O'Bomsawin shares some of the history of the First Nations that have been established in the Montreal area for centuries

In the video above, Nicole O’Bomsawin of the Abenaki First Nation shares some of the histories of First Nations in the Montreal area.

 

History of McGill and Indigenous Peoples

Suzanne Morton is a History and Classical Studies Professor at McGill who has produced works about McGill's history with Indigenous peoples. 

History of the Region

Kahnawà:ke is one of the eight communities of the Kanien:kehá'ka (Mohawk) Nation. It is also the Indigenous community located nearest to McGill. Visit the Kahnawà:ke website to learn about the community's history.

The Kanien:kehá'ka are one of the six nations who comprise the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Watch Haudenosaunee’s Legendary Founding Video below to learn more about the formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Historical Maps of the Region

A historical map of the village of Hochelaga, which was located near the mountain now known as Mont Royal.

This is a map of Hochelaga in New France, or "La Terra de Hochelaga Nella Nova Francia," clearly situated next to Mount Royal, or "Monte Real."

A historical map depicting the region of Kawenote Teiontiakon, or the Island of Montreal.

This is a map of Kawenote Teiontiakon, or the Island of Montreal, with Hochelaga indicated. 

A map from 1815 depicting the area of Kahnawake, or Sault St. Louis.

This is a map from 1815 of Kahnawake, or Sault St. Louis.

A current map of Haudenosaunee territory.

This is a map of Indigenous territories today. In the top right corner, you can see the area where Montreal is now situated.

Hochelaga Rock

At the left of the Roddick Gates stands the Hochelaga Rock, established by Parks Canada to commemorate the Iroquois settlement that stood on the land where McGill is now located.

For more information about Hochelaga Rock, visit the Hochelaga Rock webpage

History of Indigenous Peoples and Canada

Take a Free Class About Indigenous History

  • Indigenous Canada - a 12-lesson Open Online Course that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.

Reading Materials

  • The Canadian Encyclopedia Article -  "Indigenous Peoples in Canada,"  written by Zach Parrott, discusses demographics, history, and a list of Indigenous peoples in Canada, as well as providing educational guides. 
  • The Canada Guide Chapter - Chapter 7, entitled "The Aboriginal Peoples of Canada," provides a basic historical overview. This visually appealing guide offers information for all audiences.
  • Facing History and Ourselves Series - "Stolen Lives" is a program that walks students and teachers through an examination of the devastating legacy of Indian Residential Schools. 

Historical Timelines

  • The Canadian Encyclopedia Indigenous Timeline - This timeline presents key events and developments in Indigenous history in what is now Canada, from Time Immemorial to the present day. While no timeline can be exhaustive in its coverage, it provides a broad chronological overview.

Documentaries

Visit Education Resources for more. 

Podcasts

 

Before reaching out to Indigenous communities for guidance or research initiatives, McGill encourages students, faculty, and staff to learn about the land, colonialism in the past and present, and McGill's current and historical relationships with local communities.

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