Decolonizing and Indigenizing

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Overview


Welcome to the Decolonizing and Indigenizing Resource Page!


The Indigenizing and Decolonizing resource page aims to foster an interdisciplinary cross-pollination of approaches to Indigenizing and decolonizing initiatives at 星空传媒视频. Content on this page includes information about how to join an exchange forum for faculty and staff where we can share pedagogical resources and other information, an evolving list of related projects and organizations, and several Dawson contacts. These resources and links are offered as points of departure to reinforce our collective knowledge of Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogy and to support best practices for integrating Indigenous content in the classroom, engaging and encouraging students, and collaborating with colleagues to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.

By learning together, we can contribute to the growing community across Turtle Island committed to the process of decolonizing education.

The First Peoples鈥� Post-Secondary Storytelling Exchange: Introductory Video

Join the Dawson Discussion!


is a Microsoft Teams site open to all Dawson employees (sign-in to Microsoft 365 required). We invite you to join the forum as a space for discussion, resource sharing, support, and inspiration. Topics covered include:

  • Community Collaborations
  • Envisioning and Aspirations
  • Pedagogical Resources
  • Land-based Pedagogy
  • Research Projects and Initiatives
  • Seeking Dialogue or Specific Resources
  • Supporting Indigenous Students

Perspectives on Decolonizing and Indigenizing


  • “Decolonization is the process of deconstructing colonial ideologies of the superiority and privilege of Western thought and approaches. On the one hand, decolonization involves dismantling structures that perpetuate the status quo and addressing unbalanced power dynamics. On the other hand, decolonization involves valuing and revitalizing Indigenous knowledge and approaches and weeding out settler biases or assumptions that have impacted Indigenous ways of being. For non-Indigenous people, decolonization is the process of examining your beliefs about Indigenous Peoples and culture by learning about yourself in relationship to the communities where you live and the people with whom you interact.We work in systems that perpetuate colonial ideals and privilege Western ways of doing. For example, many student services use forms and procedures instead of first initiating relationships with students. This is a colonial process that excludes rather than includes. Also, how libraries catalogue knowledge is Western and colonial.Decolonization is an ongoing process that requires all of us to be collectively involved and responsible. Decolonizing our institutions means we create spaces that are inclusive, respectful, and honour Indigenous Peoples.”

Source:

  • “Decolonization is not 鈥渋ntegration鈥� or the token inclusion of Indigenous ceremony. Rather, it involves a paradigm shift from a culture of denial to the making of space for Indigenous political philosophies and knowledge systems as they resurge, thereby shifting cultural perceptions and power relations in real ways.”

Source:

  • “Decolonizing Pedagogies
    -help learners come to recognize and know the structures of colonization and their implications;
    -while engaging in activities that disrupt those structures on an individual and collective level;
    -result in the re-centring of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing;
    -facilitate engagement with possibilities for making change in the world;
    -particularly in the interests of supporting Indigenous self-determination.”

Source:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission


  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

In 2015, Dr. Marie Wilson, Commissioner for Canada鈥檚 Truth and Reconciliation Commission, delivered a compelling presentation at 星空传媒视频. This event was hosted by Inspire Solutions and Dawson鈥檚 First Peoples Initiative. You can watch Dr. Wilson’s powerful presentation in the video below.

Dr. Marie Wilson speaks at Dawson

Dawson Contacts

For inquiries or support regarding Decolonization and Indigenization efforts, please reach out to the following contacts at Dawson:

Land Acknowledgements

Useful Links

  • The Certificate of Decolonization and Indigenization Studies 鈥� Offers students the possibility of exploring Canada鈥檚 settler-colonial relationship to the diverse Indigenous peoples who have been here for millennia. They will also learn about the many ways that Indigenous peoples have continued to strengthen their cultures amidst the challenges of settler colonialism.
  • Journeys:聽 A First Peoples鈥� College Transition Program 鈥� An introduction to CEGEP designed for First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis students. This one-year transition program enables Indigenous students to earn prerequisites, obtain college credits, explore options, and settle into the city to pursue higher education.
  • First Peoples鈥� Centre 鈥� Provides comprehensive services, including academic, para-academic and cultural support, for Indigenous (First Nations, M茅tis, and Inuit) students. In addition, the First Peoples鈥� Centre provides access to Indigenous resources, college-wide. The Centre offers a peaceful, culturally sensitive environment where students can learn, study, socialize, and find community.
  • 聽鈥� Shares stories from Indigenous students with the goal of improving the postsecondary experience for future generations.
  • – Dawson Library Resources
  • 聽鈥� This network of curated boards contains online materials created by Indigenous individuals or organizations, or by organizations that work closely with and that centre Indigenous perspectives.
  • The Faculty Hub聽鈥� Provides academic-related news and information for Dawson faculty.
  • – From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
  • Their publication:

Note

Please contact Julia Lijer贸n with comments, suggestions or additional resources that could be added to this page.

 



Last Modified: November 29, 2024