B.C.'s Energy College

Apply Now
FNST 051 - Provincial First Nations of the Upper Peace: History and Customs

This Provincial level course briefly looks at the physical locations of the six main First Nations language families and their many principle tribes in the Upper Peace River Region of British Columbia. Beginning with the development of the Indian Act during the mid to late 1870's, the course examines the politics and policies used by the Federal Government when dealing with First Nations groups to the present day.


Hours: 120 (Lecture Hours: 6)


Total Weeks: 20



Grade 11 reading level,
OR permission of instructor


Non-Course Prerequisites:




Course Content:
Advanced First Nations Political History
- Frequently Encountered Terms
- First Nations History in Canada - Pre-contract
- First Nations of the Upper Peace
- Local History
- Racism
- Development and History of the Indian Act
- Residential Schools
- Inside the Reserves: Community Health in Crisis
- Aboriginal Justice
- Adoption Policies
- Damaging Effects of Hydro Projects
- Kanesatake
- Aboriginal Women
- BC Treaty Process / Treaty 8
- Current Events

- Languages and Customs


Learning Outcomes:
The learner will be able to:
- Define words associated with First Nations Studies and demonstrate understanding of the new vocabulary
- Locate six main First Nation Language groups on Canada map
- Describe various theories and policies behind racial domination and how racism has affected First Nations cultural identity
- Describe reasons behind the development of the Indian Act
- Explain how government policies were related to residential school policies and the impact the schools had on Aboriginal communities
- Compare and contrast European and Aboriginal styles of justice
- Describe the culture effect of current adoption polices and trends on Aboriginal communities
- Describe the effect of dislocation on community, culture, and traditional lifestyle
- Explain the political and environmental conflict surrounding diamond mining in the north
- Explain the political and environmental conflict surrounding oil and gas exploration and development in the Upper Peace Region
- Describe how media influences public perspectives
- Explain the role of Aboriginal women in the advancement of Aboriginal rights in Canada
- Describe the treaty negotiations process in British Columbia
- Describe the affect European cultures has had on local culture
- Discuss current issues and events from a First Nations perspective

Course Goals:

- Through essays, papers, oral debate and class discussion, the student will demonstrate understanding of the politics and policies used by the Federal Government prior to 1999, when dealing with First Nations groups. Emphasis will be placed on demonstration of growth of understanding as it relates to the responsibility for all people to work to change policies and procedures to improve the lives of First Nations groups.
- Through written work, oral debate and class discussion, students will compare and contrast various political and public perspectives that have affected First Nations groups culturally, economically, and spiritually. The goal is to create a positive approach to dealing with these perspectives, both external and internal, such that the students are equipped to more effectively communicate and resolve personal and community issues


- Students will be expected to write and speak to the Grade 11 level to achieve success in this course.


Grading System: Letters


Passing Grade:  D (50%)


Percentage of Individual Work: 90


Percentage of Group Work: 10


Text Books: