Decolonizing and Indigenizing

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 Dawson College. 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’ Post-Secondary Storytelling Exchange: Introductory Video

Join the Dawson Discussion!

The Decolonizing and Indigenizing Community Exchange 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

Join the The Decolonizing and Indigenizing Community Exchange

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: Pulling Together: A guide for Indigenization of post-secondary institutions. A professional learning series

“Decolonization is not “integration” 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: From Unsettling the Settler Within – Indian Residential Schools, Truth Telling, and Reconciliation in Canada (By Paulette Regan)

“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: From Decolonizing Pedagogies Teacher Reference Booklet (By Heather E. McGregor)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Reports

In 2015, Dr. Marie Wilson, Commissioner for Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, delivered a compelling presentation at Dawson College. This event was hosted by Inspire Solutions and Dawson’s 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:

Mark Beauchamp – Faculty History
Tiawenti:non Canadian – Coordinator First Peoples’ Centre
Cindy Cantin-Starzenski – Faculty Physical Education
Pohanna Pyne Feinberg – Faculty Fine Arts
Kanerahtiio Hemlock – Pedagogical Counsellor – Indigenous Pedagogy, Office of Academic Development
Elliot Kerr – Faculty Sociology
Julia Lijerón – Faculty Hub Coordination, Pedagogical Counsellor
Brian Mader – Faculty Biology
Pauline Morel – Co-coordinator of Journeys, Faculty English
Diana Rice – Pedagogical Counsellor, Peace Centre and Sustainability
Francesca Roy – Co-coordinator of Journeys, Faculty French
Laura Shea – Faculty Sociology
Jennifer Smith – Coordinator Decolonization and Indigenization Studies Certificate, Faculty Anthropology
Natalie Turner – Faculty, Nursing

Land Acknowledgements

Useful Links

The Certificate of Decolonization and Indigenization Studies – Offers students the possibility of exploring Canada’s 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.

Dawson Library – Created by First Peoples Booklist

Journeys: A First Peoples’ College Transition Program – An introduction to CEGEP designed for First Nations, Inuit and Métis 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’ Centre – Provides comprehensive services, including academic, para-academic and cultural support, for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) students. In addition, the First Peoples’ 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.

First Peoples’ Initiative

First Peoples’ Postsecondary Storytelling Exchange – Shares stories from Indigenous students with the goal of improving the postsecondary experience for future generations.

First Peop les’ Research Guide – Dawson Library Resources

Intercollegiate Decolonization Network (IDN) – 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.