Decolonization 101
This term describes the process of undoing the lasting impacts of colonialism. In other words… a pretty big group project. (Tuck & Yang, 2012)
What is decolonization?
The Canadian government “apologized” for what happened in residential schools, after closing them for good. Followed by the birth of the Truth and Reconciliation Commision of Canada. (Aquash, M, 2013)
Has the government done anything about the residential schools?
Wanting to decolonize your reading list? Learning from the people whose knowledge has historically been ignored.(Iseke-Bames, 2008) (Thurston, 2022)
Who are Indigenous authors, scholars, & voices?
These Canadian schools were supposed to educate Indigenous children but ended up being the exact opposite of what communities wanted. (Aquash, M, 2013)
What are Indian Residential Schools?
The most crucial part of the decolonization process, where colonized people are able to begin building a new social order. (Battiste, M., 2000)
What is dreaming?
This historical system involved Europeans arriving somewhere, claiming land that wasn’t theirs, and calling it “discovery.” (Tuck & Yang, 2012)
What is colonialism?
No, but if Indigenous people and the Canadian government could sit down and talk about possible ideas on how to start the process of decolonization they could debate their two sides of the process and find a solution. (Aquash, M, 2013)
Has a solution been found?
It can show up in the books you read, conversations you have, and the way you rethink what you thought you knew about history. (Iseke-Bames, 2008) (Thurston, 2022)
What is decolonization in everyday life?
A war where First Nations allied with Britain against the U.S. Basically North America’s version of a complicated group chat fight. (Aquash, M, 2013)
What was the war is 1812?
Decolonization involves raising awareness about the oppressive effects of colonization on First Nations communities. (Aquash, M., 2013)
What is increasing consciousness or awareness of oppression?
This concept means Indigenous peoples have the right to govern themselves instead of having outside governments make the decisions. (Tuck & Yang, 2012)
What is Indigenous sovereignty?
Sharing knowledge and teaching about Indigenous histories supports awareness of the culture that is true to the land Canada stole. (Aquash, M, 2013)
What is the first step to decolonization?
This involves recognizing that colonization did not magically end and that its systems still shape education, government, and society today. (Iseke-Bames, 2008) (Thurston, 2022)
How do you understand colonial systems?
Good education must give people this … something slightly better than “existential dread”. (Aquash, M, 2013)
What is a sense of purpose and positive identity?
Decolonization is learning about indigenous knowledge, language, culture, and identity. (Aquash, M., 2013)
What is rediscovery and recovery of indigenous culture and identity?
Many scholars argue that real decolonization cannot happen without the return of this extremely important thing. (Hint: it’s not just a polite apology.) (Tuck & Yang, 2012)
What is the importance of land in the process of decolonization?
Consulting the Indigenous people on changes of legal documents and new political decisions will support the decolonization process. But the process of making legal changes takes forever so maybe one day. (Aquash, M, 2013)
Can anything legal be done?
This practice reminds us that land is not just “real estate,” but part of a relationship between animals, plants, and the environment. (Iseke-Bames, 2008) (Thurston, 2022)
What is reconnecting with land and Indigenous worldviews?
This 1763 document told settlers not to take Indigenous land… which they unfortunately ignored like a Terms & Conditions page. (Aquash, M, 2013)
What is the Royal Proclamation of 1763?
Education played a central role in colonization, this area is seen as the key place for decolonization efforts are able to occur. (Aquash, M., 2013)
What is transforming and reclaiming education systems?
This term describes the creative ways settlers try to feel better about colonialism without actually giving up power or land. (Tuck & Yang, 2012)
What are settler moves to innocence?
Everything from the loss of culture to the policies in place that add restrictions on Indigenous people added to the colonization process. (Aquash, M, 2013)
What happened that we need to decolonize?
This act involves politely (or not so politely) correcting stereotypes, misinformation, or colonial ideas when they show up in everyday life? (Iseke-Bames, 2008) (Thurston, 2022)
What is challenging colonial narratives?
These schools run by the First Nations communities have not met many community aspirations. (Aquash, M, 2013)
What are Band Operated Schools?
This stage of decolonization allows individuals and communities to confront the injustices they faced and process grief caused by colonization. (Aquash, M., 2013)
What is the closure phase of decolonization?