Workshop
September 30 | 6 p.m.
Workshop – Understanding the Lesser-Known Impacts of the Indian Act
Paid activity | Space limited, reservation required
On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Jessica Nanipou will lead a participatory workshop that invites participants to deepen their understanding of the history and ongoing impacts of the Indian Act of 1876. For nearly 150 years, this legislation has profoundly shaped the lives of First Nations peoples and continues to influence many aspects of the relationship between the Canadian state and First Nations today.
Through discussion, interactive activities and group reflection, participants will explore how the Indian Act has been used to regulate and restrict many aspects of First Nations life, including governance, identity, mobility, cultural continuity and the exercise of rights. The workshop will also examine how many enduring misconceptions and stereotypes about Indigenous Peoples can be traced back to colonial policies embedded in the Act and the systems it created.
No prior knowledge is required. This workshop is an opportunity to develop a more informed and nuanced understanding of Canadian history and its lasting impacts. In a spirit of listening, dialogue and shared learning, Jessica Nanipou will guide participants through an essential reflection on the legacy of this legislation and the paths toward more respectful, informed and equitable relationships between peoples.
Information
- Paid workshop, in French, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Location: J. Armand Bombardier Theatre
Admission
- General admission: $5
- Members of Indigenous communities: Free
Biography
Jessica Nanipou
Jessica Nanipou is from the Innu community of Pessamit and recently moved to Montreal. She is a partner at Uashashkutuan, an organization that supports workplaces and organizations in creating safe, caring and accountable environments that foster recognition of First Peoples’ knowledge and promote meaningful relationships through workshops and training on Indigenous realities. She is also co-founder of the Centre d’amitié autochtone de la Manicouagan.
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Indigenous Cultures Programming
The McCord Stewart Museum honours the cultures and traditions of First Peoples through its permanent exhibition and a series of activities open to all audiences. Engage with Indigenous perspectives through experiences that foster discovery, dialogue, and reflection.
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