Resource: Indigenous Ally Toolkit

The Indigenous Ally Toolkit is a resource created by one of our favourite partner organizations, the Montreal Indigenous Community Network. 

The Indigenous Ally Toolkit contains information about different terminology and definitions, and some key directions around thinking through why you or your organization is seeking ‘to be an ally’ to Indigenous peoples.

Our Learning

We were already familiar with the Kanien’kehà:ka word for Montreal (Tiohtià:ke), but one of the things we learnt from this guide is the Anishinaabeg word for “Montreal”: Mooniyaang, which roughly translates to “the first stopping place”. We also loved their guiding principles for allyship with Indigenous organizations:

• Listen to the Experts
• Ask what you can do
• Build relationships based on mutual consent and trust
• Research to learn more about the history
• Continue to support and act in meaningful ways

You can find a copy online or order printed copies from them directly.

Learning More

You can read more about COCo’s learnings on this topic in these blog posts:

• The Missing Murdered and Indigenous Women Report and NonProfits
• Land Acknowledgements 

We’ve also been reading recently from âpihtawikosisân’s post about going beyond land acknowledgements – check it out too!

Most importantly, the Network also offers workshops and events based on this toolkit, and you should definitely get in touch with them! More information can be found here.

Other Resources on Indigenous Allyship

The ally toolkit itself cites some really great sources which you should also check out!

• Opportunities for White People in the Fight for Racial Justice. (2016).
• As we have always done: Indigenous freedom through radical resistance. (2017)
• Accomplices Not Allies: Abolishing The Ally Industrial Complex. (2014).
• Guide to Allyship. (2016)
• Algonquin Territory: Indigenous title to land in the Ottawa Valley is an issue that is yet to be resolved. (2018).
• Turtle Island: The Original Name for North America. (2007).
• Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Issues in Canada. (2016).
• How We Find Ourselves: Identity Development and Two Spirit People. (1996).
• Inuit get federal apology for forced relocation. (2010)