The First Nation Peoples’ Experience Past, Present, and Future

1. The First Nation Peoples’ Experience Past, Present, and Future Beyond Bows and Arrows By Thomas P. Sullivan

2. Seminar/Workshop Overview: • Introductions to web-sites designed to give a First Nation peoples perspective. WWW.earth-treaty.com • Historical overview of the First Nation People of this land, now called the Americas. • Cultural development will be examined through the context of society, human relations, social problems, patterns of societal oppression and resiliency to them. • Social, political, educational, economic, and traditional belief systems will be examined through oral traditions as well as a supporting cultural anthropological perspective. • Differing social, philosophical, historical and educational foundations of First Nation People will be examined. • We will examine the legal and protocol elements of these international engagements and their effects on nations today.

3. Workshop objectives • Obtain knowledge of First Nation Peoples and instill an appreciation for the richness of culture. • To give an understanding of cultural factors such as families, gender roles, community structures, customs, rituals, governing and religious practices, both traditional and non-traditional. • Describe contemporary conflicts among and within the differing nations and strategies used to resolve differences. • Analyze specific strategies that demonstrate respect for, interest in, and sensitivity toward, the First Nation People of this land. • The workshop provides an opportunity for professionals to increase their understanding and respect for the First Nation People. By having knowledge of the history, culture, and values of the people, it will increase their own effectiveness in serving and interacting.

4. Lectures, Discussion and Debate • Both participants and presenters will experience a variety of learning and educational techniques from guest speakers, videos/CDs, readings, field trips, web-sites and other demonstrations. • A historical overview of First Nation people that covers original theories along with migration and settlement patterns will be included in the study. • What are the historical actions that support genocide and the contemporary laws, policies, and attempts to control threats to sovereignty. • We will investigate contemporary challenges such as recognition of sovereignty, taxation, land claims, international civil rights, health, and quality of life issues will all be included in the study. • This landmark educational program will cover the many facets of culture, including religion, customs, rituals, mythology, education, outlook, social taboos, social structure, familial relations, governing practices, economic conditions, and means of livelihood.

5. CONTRACT, PORTFOLIO, AND EVALUATION: • Purpose of a Contract, Portfolio and Specific Topics is for the students wishing to obtain college credit or certificate. • For every one-hour lecture, it is expected that there will be 4 or 5 hours of research, readings, field trips, etc. • Project/Paper/Oral presentations: must be adult work at the junior or senior college level. • All work must be written in suitable style and form and attempt to integrate and critically consider the body of ideas and thoughts abstracted from readings, lectures, discussions and field trips. • An evaluation is by your Mentor and three Assessment Committee members who must come to understand that you have an essential grasp of the subject from a conceptual and factual point of view.