This article is written by Mark Aquash from UBC in 2011, focusing on stengthening processes of decolonization and community development. According to Aquash, indigenous intellecuals and communities are facing some challenges. They are:
- Dealing with the legacies of Canada’s colonial history
- Working towards the decolonization of Canadian legislation and realtions with the First Nations
- Decolonizing the colonial mindset and educational systems as well as the First Nations identities and communities.
He explains that decolonization requires learning about who they are in relation to their ancestors and healing in their life. It also requires confronting on-going challenges and efforts to assimilate into both their communities and mainstream communities.