Join us for a thought-provoking historical walking tour exploring the history of Indigenous Peoples and colonialism in what is now the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

This tour examines the history of contact between the Algonquin and settlers, and the subsequent struggles over land use, ownership and control. The 250-year history of Algonquin resistance to settler occupation and claims of ownership provides the context for examining broader settler-colonial strategies developed by British and Canadian governments.

Visiting a number of key sites in central Ottawa, the tour will explore important moments of Indigenous resistance to colonialism, the evolving strategies of colonial governments, and the ways in which Ottawa remembers, and sometimes forgets, important events in the Indigenous-colonial relationship.

Topics will include:

The Department of Indian Affairs and the creation of the residential school system
The Red Power movement of the 1970s
The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s 1982 Constitution
The Algonquin land claim in Eastern Ontario, including Ottawa and Parliament Hill
Movements and protests including Idle No More, Free the Falls, Unsettling 150 and Cancel Canada Day

Since PIPSC’s own research has revealed the union’s complex history and involvement in colonial institutions, policies and programs that adversely affected Indigenous peoples, PIPSC has a responsibility to help its members understand this history in its full context, the harms that continue to be felt today, and the ways in which public servants can, often without fully recognizing it, contribute to the implementation or perpetuation of harmful state policies and practices. This effort is essential to enabling PIPSC members to understand how their work intersects with this history, to critically examine the policies and institutions in which they work, and to recognize and resist harmful practices in the future.

WALKING TOUR DETAILS

DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2026
TIME: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
MEETING POINT: 700 Sussex Drive, in front of Milestones Restaurant

Your tour guide will be Brian McDougall, a former public servant, university teacher and long-time labour and political activist in Ottawa. This event is organized by NCR Region volunteers. 

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, sunscreen and an umbrella as appropriate.

Please note: This historical walking tour will be conducted in English.
Veuillez noter : Cette promenade historique sera en anglais.

REGISTRATION

Space is limited to ensure that the tour remains safe, engaging and accessible for all participants.

Please RSVP early and register no later than September 21, 2026.

Register by completing this registration form. Registrations by email will not be accepted. Those selected will receive a confirmation email confirming their attendance.

We hope you’ll join us for this opportunity to explore the history of Indigenous resistance, colonialism and the continuing struggle over land and sovereignty in Canada’s capital.

Best regards,

Stéphane Audet
Steward and member of the NCR Executive
Email: saudetpipsc.ca