Indigenous Canadian References and Cultures
By no means comprehensive. This document is meant to aggregate and collect all our knowledge of Native Canadian Cultures, References, Folklore, Research, Info, etc.
(Western) Plains Cree
The prominent community in Alberta.
Basic Info
Wikipedia
The Cree are the largest group of First Nations in Canada, with 220,000 members and 135 registered bands.[24] Together, their reserve lands are the largest of any First Nations group in the country.[24] The largest Cree band and the second largest First Nations Band in Canada after the Six Nations Iroquois is the Lac La Ronge Band in northern Saskatchewan.
Given the traditional Cree acceptance of mixed marriages, it is acknowledged by academics that all bands are ultimately of mixed heritage and multilingualism and multiculturalism was the norm. In the West, mixed bands of Cree, Saulteaux and Assiniboine, all partners in the Iron Confederacy, are the norm. However, in recent years, as indigenous languages have declined across western Canada where there were once three languages spoken on a given reserve, there may now only be one. This has led to a simplification of identity, and it has become “fashionable” for bands in many parts of Saskatchewan to identify as “Plains Cree” at the expense of a mixed Cree-Salteaux history. There is also a tendency for bands to recategorize themselves as “Plains Cree” instead of Woods Cree or Swampy Cree. Neal McLeod argues this is partly due to the dominant culture’s fascination with Plains Indian culture as well as the greater degree of written standardization and prestige Plains Cree enjoys over other Cree dialects.[13]
Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cree#In_Canada
Gaian’s Thoughts: Very interesting that there’s Woods and Swamp Cree subgroups/languages. My family has a property outside of Edmonton that’s 90% swamp. I have to admit that I’m personally piqued by that subgroup as I’d imagine folklore, combat, and general living is significantly different in Swampy Cree culture. Would love to know more about that.
Folklore and Mythos
Ghost stories, monsters, and lessons.
Inuit
Basic Info
Wikipedia
Taken from the “Urban Inuit” page of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas:
“About 30 per cent of Inuit in Canada now live outside Inuit Nunangat. The trend toward urbanization among Inuit is growing, yet Canadian cities are not fully prepared to facilitate this transition from northern hamlets and communities to large southern urban areas. Many cities in Southern Canada have organizations established with First Nations in mind; however, the needs and realities of Inuit are unique among Indigenous populations.”
“The infrastructure and capacity built to facilitate the transition of First Nations moving to the urban environment needs to be replicated and supported to meet the specific needs of Inuit. Governments frequently make programs available to “Indigenous people.” This “pan-Indigenous” approach is felt to be simply a short form for First Nations, causing Inuit to continue to be treated as First Nations in program delivery. Inuit, a unique people with their own culture, language and history, are often forgotten. There must be Inuit-specific funding and program delivery, as Inuit often feel uncomfortable using pan-Indigenous facilities. Inuit are frequently not able to obtain funds due to this pan-Indigenous approach, as available funds are often distributed on a per capita basis. Since Inuit are the smallest population of Indigenous Peoples in urban settings, they are frequently given a very small portion of available funding allocated to Indigenous Peoples. This pan-Indigenous approach in services and programs delivery is simply not working.”
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada: https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/section/inuit/
Gaian’s Thoughts: I never realized how significant the difference is between First Nations and Inuit Cultures. I definitely felt it was worth identifying in this doc first and foremost. The notion that “pan-Indigenous” perspectives cause lack of support or blind spots in caring for people’s needs and cultures definitely shocked me. Especially since currently we are trying for a blanket “Northern Indigenous” Fantasy theme. We can definitely do better and properly frame different cultures through the different regions/peoples already planned in the game world. In the way that the Vorku and Vaki are distant relatives that’ve branched away from each other we can have tribes of varying races representing different reaches of cultures and regions. It won’t be perfect, but it’ll be a good start to work towards. It would be great to communicate with any organizations that may exist in Edmonton regarding Inuit support organizations, as well as Cree.
Folklore and Mythos
Ghost stories, monsters, and lessons.