What does it mean to be Indigenous? On the surface, the answer may seem simple, but in reality, it is complex and deeply nuanced.

In this era of Truth and Reconciliation, understanding what it means to be Indigenous is essential to healing, relationship-building, and policy-making. Indigenous Nations across Canada hold an extraordinary diversity of cultures, languages, governance systems, and traditions.

While progress is being made, many Canadians still lack a clear understanding of the depth and diversity of Indigenous identities. At L’ikol, our mission is to foster recognition, expand education, and support reconciliation through approaches that honour this diversity.

Our mission at L'ikol is to educate and advise all Canadians and Canadian institutions, about the diversity, history, issues, traditions, and values of all Indigenous peoples. There is great diversity in these areas between Canada’s three Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Metis, Inuit), and even greater diversity within these groups! A pan-Indigenous approach to learning is not enough for reconciliation, true understanding must come from specific and nuanced learning.

Indigenous peoples are not a monolith. Every Nation and community has its own histories, governance systems, languages, and traditions, shaped by place, experience, and resilience. These differences matter, and they deserve recognition.

General awareness of Indigenous peoples is only the beginning, meaningful reconciliation in Canada requires tailored, in-depth education.