Decolonization & Indigenization

The meaning of “decolonization” is complex and multilayered. The definition is contextual and understood differently according to people’s diverse histories, cultures, worldviews and lived experiences. We could offer a generalized definition detailing that to decolonize means to withdraw from a colony. However, this definition does not provide the depth this toolkit requires. So, below we will offer you three different perspectives of the term, from each collaborator of the toolkit. This will provide you with a greater understanding, so you are able to write your own definition of decolonization and explain what it means to you.

Decolonization from a Mount Royal Capstone Students Perspective

Decolonization has been a heavy topic of discussion during our undergraduate degree program. Throughout our years of schooling, our definition of decolonization has shifted as our understanding of the impacts of colonialism has deepened. “Decolonization is about shifting the way Indigenous Peoples view themselves and the way non-Indigenous People view Indigenous Peoples” (1). The goal is ultimately to achieve Indigenous sovereignty through the reclaiming of their cultural, psychological, and economic freedoms (2). Our journey towards decolonization has taught us the importance of listening to Indigenous voices, creating a space where Indigenous people can reclaim their worldviews, their languages, their ideas about culture and community, and the importance of recognizing Western worldviews and working to dismantle them. Decolonization is not Indigenization. Decolonization is not about reverting back to Indigenous traditions and ways of learning, it is about changemaking. The purpose of decolonization is to find an ethical space where western and Indigenous cultures can co-exist with shared values.

Decolonization from USAY’s Perspective

Darien Thira talks about colonization as a disease. He asks the question, “What is colonization and how do we ensure that we are not contagious - that we do not colonize those we strive to assist by accident?” (19). This is a key question to ask ourselves as we embark on decolonization journeys, how do we avoid spreading the illness of colonization? 

Darien Thira suggests that, “culture is the cure” (19), and to be decolonized we must integrate culture through four main ‘branches’:

  • Contributing Purpose

  • Cultural and Spiritual Meaning

  • Respectful Empowerment

  • Caring Connection

Each of these branches are based on traditional Indigenous values and rooted in culture. At USAY, it is known that taking part in a healing journey, as individuals (staff), family (USAY as an organization) and community (collaboration within our sector) is the path toward decolonization and a resurgence movement among our people. 

As such, USAY believes that Indigenous people can envision their own success, navigate pathways to achieve it and overcome colonization, understanding that it is a journey versus a singular act. USAY provides Indigenous youth with opportunities to engage with cultural and spiritual activities (Culture/Spiritual Meaning), positive Indigenous role models (Caring-Connection), activities that showcase or explore their individual strength (Respectful-Empowerment) and to be purposeful (Contributing-Purpose). 

USAY views this approach as one that leads to the ultimate goal of decolonization through instincts-led cultural attachment. As we are an Indigenous-led organization, and the people within our spaces are primarily Indigenous, this definition of decolonization and approach will look and feel different for those not within the community. However, to embrace ideas of contributing with purpose, respecting cultural and spiritual diversity, respectfully empowering one another and building caring connections are universal approaches to creating decolonized spaces, communities and hopefully nations.

Decolonization from WilderFutures Perspective

Decolonization is a complex term used to describe the dismantling and rejection of colonial practices. Before working towards decolonization, we must first understand what it means to colonize or be colonized. Eurocentric views are deeply rooted in North American society and reflected in our everyday practices, policies, and larger political structures. It takes time, effort and critical thinking to recognize these colonial systems and understand how they disadvantage some while simultaneously providing unearned privilege to others. 

We start disrupting colonialism only when we begin to ‘check-in’ with ourselves, rethink our assumptions and become curious about our worldviews.

Some areas where our team has recognized our colonial practices and sought to make a change:

  • Our board structure is now circular rather than hierarchical.

  • We identify our pronouns, social location, and relationship to the land before our job title when introducing ourselves.

  • We have diversified our bookshelves.

  • We practice decentring knowledge and work more collaboratively as a team

Activity

 

After reading the different perspectives on decolonization, please read:

  • Indigenization Guide: Decolonization and Reconciliation (3). In this excerpt, you will learn more about decolonization from an academic perspective. After reading this, please reflect on the following questions and record your ideas in your journal:

    • Why is decolonization the responsibility of everyone and not just Indigenous people?

    • Do you feel as though you need to learn more about Canadian history in order to fully understand the importance of decolonization? What areas do you need to research?

    • How is your mind already decolonized? What do you need to decolonize?

      • Think of your workplace, your home environment, your mindset, etc. 

What does decolonization mean to you? Write out how you define the term and compare it to the perspectives above.

What is Edgewalking?

Jessica Bolduc is an Anishinabe kwe from the Batchewana First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, traditionally known as Baawaating (5). Bolduc explains that edgewalkers are a group of leaders that have no patience for the status quo, and have a hunger to contribute to a better world (4). These people have learned from Canada’s dark past, and use their Indigenous knowledge and worldviews in collaboration with their knowledge of modern systems to shape future possibilities that benefit Indigenous Peoples. Edgewalkers are “actively involved in the process of rebuilding our economy and society to be more intentional, inclusive and inspired” (4).

For a more detailed explanation, please watch Edgewalkers | Jessica Bolduc | Walrus Talks (4). In short, “edgewalkers are people who walk between worlds and have the ability to build bridges between different worlds” (6).

Activity

 

Resources related to edgewalking to explore

  • Explore the 5 qualities of an edgewalker (7). While reading this, consider which qualities you embody. Which qualities do you need to develop further? 

  • Explore the 5 skills of an edgewalker (8). As you consider these skills, identify your most prominent skill, and your weakest. How can you develop your weaker skills to become an edgewalker?

  • Watch Allies and Edgewalkers recap (9) to see a summary of allies and edgewalkers from a community gathering on reconciliation hosted by the Calgary Foundation. You can watch the full conference recording (10) which is about two hours long. Watching this conference is optional, however, recommended as the conference talks about what decolonization and edgewalking are, and what the role of settlers is in supporting Indigenous peoples.

What is Indigenization?

If decolonization is the removal of colonial elements, then Indigenization can be understood as the addition of Indigenous cultural elements with guidance from indigenous people from the location you reside on (11). Indigenization is an intentional, culturally sensitive and appropriate approach to adding Indigenous ideas, concepts, and practices into educational, cultural, and social structures (12). Indigenization is a developmental approach to understanding Canada’s colonial history, and understanding the contemporary issues that impact Indigenous peoples. Indigenization requires engaging in critical conversations with Indigenous peoples and gathering their professional and/or personal perspectives on how to create a brave and ethical space for Indigenous knowledge, worldviews, and practices. 

It is important to recognize that Indigenization is not an “Indigenous issue”, and it does not solely benefit Indigenous peoples (13). Indigenization benefits everyone, as we are able to gain a richer understanding of the land that we are situated on through Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. It creates a shared understanding between Indigenous peoples and settlers, which in turn moves us from Truth toward Reconciliation. Indigenizing your organization or personal practices, ensures that you are appreciating and not appropriating culture. Please refer back to “Appropriation vs Appreciation” in allyship if you require a refresher on how to make this distinction.

The work of Indigenization, the work of linguistic revitalization, the work of ceremony, the work of land-based practice, the work of land-based defence... Indigenous people are holding it down. And that is the work of Indigenous people to do. That is not work for anyone else to pick up and start to appropriate and call their own. However, decolonization is work that belongs to all of us.

- Nikki Sanchez, Decolonization is for Everyone

Activity

 

Indigenization Journaling Activity

Now that you understand the term Indigenization and its importance, please take this time to complete a small journaling activity to reflect on your new understanding. 

  • How might you respectfully Indigenize your business or daily lifestyle practices? If you are unsure how, who could you reach out to for support?

    • Think of specific examples for this section.

  • How can you reposition Indigenization to be at the heart of your business and all things you do?

  • Have you created a land acknowledgement? How was that experience? 

  • When do you feel most connected to the land?

  • How does recognizing the land that you’re situated on help to Indigenize your business or lifestyle?

Key Terms

  • “The “ethical space” is formed when two societies are disparate; worldviews are poised to engage each other. It is the thought about diverse societies and the space in between them that contributes to the development of a framework for dialogue between human communities.”

  • “Edgewalkers are people who walk between worlds and have the ability to build bridges between different worlds. They have a strong inner life and are very grounded and effective in the everyday external world. This orientation looks to the future and is focused on openness to possibilities” (15).

  • Equity: “Equity, in its simplest terms as it relates to racial and social justice, means meeting communities where they are and allocating resources and opportunities as needed to create equal outcomes for all community members” (16).

  • “A changemaker is someone who imagines a new reality, takes action, and collaborates with others to bring that new reality into being for the good of others. Anyone – at any age – can be a changemaker” (17).

  • “Two-Eyed Seeing is an approach of inquiry and solutions in which people come together to view the world through an Indigenous lens with one eye (perspective), while the other eye sees through a Western lens” (18).

 

Knowledge Sharing Series

Change your mindset, change your perspective, change your world. In this phase, we explored the terms “Decolonization,” “Indigenization,” and “Edgewalking,” as they relate to the systems that shape our beliefs.

To counter systemic oppression, we must create systemic change. How does one begin to spark change when oppression has been so deeply ingrained into many of our trusted institutions? Is it possible for allies and accomplices to make a difference?

Tim Fox leads an an engaging discussion on what it takes to reshape and rebuild the spaces where we live, work, and play.

 

 Explore the next phase of the journey: Reconciliation & Action