Before I begin to examine the how of my inquiry question I believe it important to make clear the assumptions behind my question. As with every question my question makes some key assumptions that should be made clear to aid in my own understanding of the perspective/approach I will taking to this inquiry process.
Assumption 1:
Colonization was and still is a contributing factor in the lack of success Indigenous learners currently have in the Western academic classroom.
Assumption 2:
Indigenous learners are not currently achieving satisfactory success in the academic classroom. There is a great deal of research that would indicate this but I intend to question that research at a later point. One of my key points of questioning will be around how exactly success should be defined in the context of Indigenous learners. This will require me to grapple with ideas of validity and the trope of “giving ‘them’ their best chance.”
Assumption 3:
That decolonization and/or Indigenization are capable of closing some of the current gaps that currently exist between Indigenous and Non-Indigneous learners.
Every question we ask is formed through our unique lens. Every person’s lens is shaped and changed by their experiences and learning. My particular lens has been heavily shaped by my lived experience as an Indigenous person in a colonial country. Some of the more influential people in my life are radical Indigenous rights activists. They believe that to truly achieve decolonization the system must be rebuilt. It must be indigenized.
The online edition of the Oxford English Dictionary defines indignization as follows:
“indigenization, n.
The act or process of rendering indigenous or making predominantly native; adaptation or subjection to the influence or dominance of the indigenous inhabitants of a country; spec. the increased use of indigenous people in government, employment, etc.”
This definition seems narrow and limiting. While indigenizaiton is a process it is not a process of dominance. It is clear that this definition comes from the same culture that asserted its dominance over Indigenous cultures all over the world. I am not surprised that a culture that created colonization would view indigenization in this way.
Another definition that comes from Camosun College’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning says
“Indigenization is the process of infusing Aboriginal knowledge and perspective into the structural layers of an institution.
The goal is to create a more inclusive environment through the presentation of a different world view, and to enhance and enrich the educational and cultural experience of the educational community. This does not mean the institution is Indigenous-centred, but it does mean that consideration of Aboriginal issues comes ‘naturally’.”
This definition is more in line with what my understanding of indigenization is. Firstly, it hits the nail on the head with idea of this being an institutional process. Indigenization needs to occur at the systems level for there to be any real impact. It was cultures, beliefs, values, and systems that created colonization and it’s horrific legacy. It is these things that need to change to undo that legacy. While it still holds out some reserve when it comes to the institution being Indigenous centered, it is better. This reserve probably comes from a place of wanting to remain inclusive to diverse communities but I question why it is assumed that an Indigenous centered institution cannot be inclusive all diverse communities.
You have clearly explained your interest and inquiry focus in this blog and clarified assumptions, terms, thoughts and questions. I am very interested in your continued pursuit of this topic and the other ideas and questions it might lead to as you research and discuss this topic with peers, influential people in your life, other staff and perhaps some of the aboriginal workers in Delta. This is a strong, well thought out beginning to your inquiry.