A Journey of Understanding: Our Approach & Welcome Message

Welcome. We are honoured that you are here to join us in learning.

The National Research Institute for Democratized Learning is committed to the ongoing journey of reconciliation. We believe that true learning cannot happen without first building respectful, reciprocal relationships with the First Peoples of this land.

This space is not an attempt by our institute to explain Indigenous cultures. Instead, this section is a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and knowledge of First Nations, shared in their own words and from their own perspectives. Our role is to be a respectful ally and partner, using our resources to support communities in sharing their truths with a wider audience.

We see ourselves as learners on this path, and we invite you to learn alongside us.

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that the work of our national institute takes place on the traditional and ancestral territories of hundreds of distinct First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples from coast to coast to coast. We honour the enduring presence and stewardship of the Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands since time immemorial.

We recognize the historic and ongoing importance of the treaties—both historic and modern—that bind us all as peoples. We also acknowledge that much of the land on which we operate remains unceded. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and learn on these territories and are committed to upholding our responsibilities as treaty people.

Our Guiding Principles

To ensure this section is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and authenticity, our work is guided by these core principles:

  • All cultural content featured here is created, guided, and approved by the First Nations communities it represents. We work directly with Elders, knowledge keepers, artists, community leaders, and Indigenous creators to ensure that stories are told authentically and respectfully. Our role is to facilitate, not to interpret or appropriate.

  • This initiative is built on forming long-term, collaborative relationships. We understand that Indigenous knowledge is a profound gift, not a resource to be extracted. We are committed to fair and just compensation for all Indigenous partners who contribute their time, wisdom, and creative work to this platform.

  • There is no single "First Nations culture." We are committed to showcasing the vast diversity of Indigenous peoples across Canada, each with its own unique language, governance, spiritual traditions, history, and worldview. We will never present these distinct cultures as a monolith, but rather celebrate the richness of their individuality.

  • Reconciliation and relationship-building are continuous processes. This section of our website is not a static encyclopedia; it is a living, breathing space that will grow and evolve as we build more relationships and earn the trust of more communities. We are committed to this work for the long term.

  • We invite you to engage with this content with an open heart and a curious mind. You may learn histories you were not taught in school and encounter perspectives that challenge your own. We believe this is an essential part of democratized learning—listening deeply, questioning our assumptions, and making space for truths that have long been silenced.

    Thank you for joining us on this important journey. We extend our deepest gratitude to the First Nations, communities, and individuals who have generously shared their knowledge with us, and with you.