Christianity and Indigenous Peoples in Canada

The presentation of Christianity to the Indigenous peoples of Canada, and their response. vaned in complex ways, depending on the nationalities involved on both sides, the denominations of the missionaries and settlers, personalities, geography, and the political, military, and economic contexts, among other things. This diversity has often been obscured by grand narratives, which began to be created immediately on contact and in turn influenced perceptions and realities on the ground. This course will explore this history, in three steps (1) Historiographical and other methodological issues in this field will be explored. (2) A survey history of the encounter between Indigenous peoples in Canada and settlers will be sketched, focusing on the place of Christianity in the relationship. (3) Several themes, to be determined by the class, will be considered in greater depth.