Indigeneity and Decolonization

The enrichment of curriculum and pedagogy through greater inclusion of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, knowledges, languages and worldviews within academic programs is one of many goals of Indigenization. There are many learning opportunities available on campus through the Indigenous Student Centre. An opportunity to broaden your personal practice is to Acknowledge the Land. 

An example land acknowledgement for the Guelph campus:

The University of Guelph resides on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.  We recognize that today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and acknowledging them reminds us of our collective responsibility to the land where we learn and work.

Recognizing Indigenous lands and reflecting on our relationship to the land is significant, however, it is important to not stop there.  The Truth and Reconciliation Commission outlines numerous calls to action related to education. Some useful links that can be utilized in the process of decolonization and indigenization of teaching practices and the curriculum are curated below:

• The Indigenous Student Centre
• Dr. Kim Anderson, an indigenous faculty member in CSASH talks about indigenizing the curriculum 
• Dr. Brittany Luby, an Anishinaabe faculty member in COA talks about Serving Indigenous Community-Oriented Scholars in the Ivory Tower
• Nikki Sanchez talks about indigenizing the academy in this SFU TedX video