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Course Description
This microcredential introduces anti-Indigenous stereotypes in North America, outlines how the brain develops and perpetuates stereotypes within North America's settler colonial context, and covers how to interrupt stereotypes when they arise. Including some foundational stereotypes and concepts that are essential to understand, this microcredential outlines the social and political functions of stereotypes and concludes by deconstructing two significant stereotypes - that the Canadian State is a benevolent entity and that Indigenous peoples get everything for free and are largely unemployed. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships to stereotyping are presented.

Who Should Take This Course?
Beginner level

Learning Objectives
  • Learn the definition of a stereotype.
  • Understand the process by which stereotypes are created and perpetuated.
  • Understand stereotypes in the context of North American settler colonialism.
  • Identify the relationships of power within stereotypes.
  • Create a foundation of knowledge with concepts and terminology to recognize and begin thinking critically about stereotypes found in images, media, and settler worldviews.
  • Learn about the stereotype of “Canadian benevolence” and its supporting role in colonial expansion and racism.
  • Describe the central ideas fueling European/North American sense of entitlement to Indigenous lives and lands.
  • Investigate how Indigenous industriousness was countered with policies that negatively impacted their wealth and livelihoods.

Course / Module Outline

  • Stereotypes: An Introduction
  • Who is Invested in Stereotypes about Indigenous peoples?
  • The Myth of Canadian Benevolence
  • Why do “Indians” get everything for free? Colonialism and Political Economies

Notes

Academic Lead:

Dr. Tasha Hubbard  

Course creators and instructors:

Molly Swain

Sara Howdle

Dr. Savage Bear

Recommendations

Textbooks

All material is available online and no textbooks are required.

Record of Completion

Printable certificate; non-credit transcript; digital badge  

Alumni Professional Development Grants help University of Alberta alumni achieve their career growth goals by removing financial barriers to high-quality, meaningful career education and personal growth opportunities offered by the UAlberta and its partners. Apply here.

CONTACT US

Email nsonline@ualberta.ca with any questions.

Testimonials

"Thank you so much for this course. I am an HR professional and the foundation that I received in this class will help me think critically about these issues. I hope to continue to learn more." - Anonymous

 

Applies Towards the Following Programs
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Coming Soon!

The sections for this course will be released on June 18, 2025. Sign up below to receive updates and a notification to register. Thank you for your patience.

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