Indigenous Communities

WITS acknowledges that we live on the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples that have cared for this land we call Canada, since time immemorial. We acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples of this country and we recognize our duty to work for Indigenous rights.

WITS is committed to reconciliation, Indigenous allyship, and ongoing cultural safety learning. This includes understanding how colonialism, racism, and other systems of power shape bullying, exclusion, belonging, and safety in schools and communities. WITS supports Indigenous communities and people in many ways:

• WITS subscriptions are free for Indigenous schools and eligible Indigenous community programs, including off-reserve programs, Friendship Centres, Métis and Inuit organizations, and other Indigenous-serving youth programs.
• We endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (commonly called UNDRIP).
  • Read the full UNDRIP declaration in this PDF, or
  • share this UNDRIP for Indigenous Youth PDF with your students.
• Past and current program development is informed by Indigenous educators, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.
• With a community-led approach, WITS Programs are adapted with local Indigenous schools, Nations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, families, and community programs, reflecting the distinct histories, languages, and protocols of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.
• Information about WITS is available in Cree ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐏ. and our flagship children’s book, Walrus Gift, was translated into SENĆOŦEN, a Coast Salish language.
• WITS staff and board participate in ongoing learning connected to cultural safety, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and anti-racism.
• Representatives from our team attend the FNESC Indigenous Education Conference.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Naut’sa mawt Resources Group, an Indigenous-led business of the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council.

Classroom Resources

WITS Book lists include a number of suggestions and lesson plans for books written by Indigenous authors and discussing Indigenous experiences, knowledge, and cultures. Subscribed schools (free for Indigenous schools) can access our store to purchase books and download lesson plans for the classroom.

WITS is reviewing its Indigenous-themed books, lesson plans, videos, graphics, and training materials to ensure authentic voice and respectful use. Indigenous stories, teachings, languages, and cultural knowledge belong to people, families, Nations, and communities. They are not generic content. If you see a WITS resource that needs correction, context, review, or removal, please contact us and we will listen and make changes.

Orange Shirt Day is a growing national movement that encourages education about, recognition of, and support for survivors of the residential school system. To help your students understand why your school honours Orange Shirt Day, check out the resources for teachers on the Orange Shirt Day society website.

Land Acknowledgement

WITS Programs are delivered throughout Canada, and thus take place on the territories of the many Indigenous peoples – First Nations, Inuit, and Métis – who have made their homes on this land for millennia.

Those close to the WITS head office work, play and benefit from living in the unceded territories of the Lkwungen (Songhees) & Wyomilth (Esquimalt) peoples of the Coast Salish Nation, and commit to continued learning and to acts of reconciliation and justice.

WITS in Indigenous Communities & Schools

Many Indigenous communities have started WITS Programs. Most schools in the Northwest Territories use our WITS Program, as do Indigenous schools in the other two territories and most provinces in Canada. We are proud to have strong relationships with Qu’utsun Smuneem School of the Cowichan Tribes in BC, Joe A. Ross School of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Manitoba, and many others. WITS supports Indigenous communities and people with the greatest of respect.

Little Pine First Nation, Saskatchewan, started WITS in 2012. See their experience in this CBC News story

The photo below features a Dene elder speaking to children about WITS in Kalemi Dene School, Yellowknife, NT:

RECONCILIATION