Decolonization
The dismantling of colonialism, where Indigenous peoples reclaim sovereignty over their land, culture, and political systems.
What is Decolonization?
A white settler actively relearning, reflecting, and asking meaningful questions, which allows settlers to understand policies, histories, and the harm that has been caused and continues to be caused. Overall, developing a meaningful relationship with Indigenous people and their communities.
How can white settlers become Indigenous allies?
This approach helps early childhood educators recognize that education systems in Canada were historically shaped by colonial ideas and that Indigenous knowledge was often ignored.
What is understanding the colonial history of education?
In a quote from Nikki Sanchez from the TEDx Talks, she says, "The history is not your fault, but it is absolutely your responsibility." A quote that represents acknowledging the past, and to decolonize the present and the future, alongside Indigenous people.
What does Decolonization mean for non Indigenous People?
Viewing the world critically can challenge settlers to see the world through a non-colonial lens. As well as calling out individuals who carry and speak racist and harmful views about Indigenous people.
How is Decolonization supported in everyday life?
Decolonization encourages educators to respect and include this type of knowledge in learning environments, especially knowledge that connects to land, culture, and community.
What is Indigenous knowledge?
The actions and processes for incorporating Indigenous knowledge into approaches recognize the value and importance within the university system. Stemming from the TRC's call to action, universities should include and promote Indigenous perspectives and knowledge.
What is Indiginization?
In an article titled "Land acknowledgements and tokenism," some view Land acknowledgements as tokenism because some only do them because they have to, rather than for land recognition. The author argues that actually supporting decolonization means shopping at Indigenous-owned businesses, attending Indigenous events and seminars, or donating to Indigenous non-profits, as these are more actionable and productive.
What are meaningful actions that engages decolonization beyond land acknowledgements?
Reading stories written by Indigenous authors helps children learn about culture in a meaningful way.
What is an authentic representation through literature?
Locating yourself, values, beliefs, and stereotypes, making yourself uncomfortable to challenge colonial beliefs. Acknowledge the privilege given as a white person, and begin the process of unlearning.
Where does the process of Decolonization begin for a white settler?
Developed by 3 Indigenous Women, and 1 white settler ally who protested against Bill C-45, a 2012 act that made government and businesses able to bypass environmental laws and diminish Indigenous authority for projects to be created. Gained global attention through rallies and flash mobs.
What is Idle No More?
This national report called on educators to include an Indigenous perspective in education as part of reconciliation.
What is Truth and Reconciliation?
Monica, an Anishinaabe woman on Treaty 9 territory and PhD candidate in Queen's University Biology program, explores Decolonization and associated terms and definitions, and she says that increasing Indigenous enrolment and hiring is important for representation, but some Indigenous people feel it is a form of assimilation and forcing Indigenous people to succeed under colonial educational regimes.
How does an Indigenous Scholar view Indigenous Inclusion as a step towards Decolonization?
Learn to be an amplifier, rather than the main voice. Learn about your own history, heritage, and traditions, rather than adopting those of another culture. Ensuring learning and involvement are continuous and active, not tokenism or a trend.
How to engage in decolonization without cultural appropriation?
Educators should integrate Indigenous perspectives, practices, and celebrations into daily learning rather than confine them to specific holidays or celebrations, ensuring they are not tokenistic.
What are cultural events or themed days?