Non-Indigenous educators are encouraged to take responsibility to acknowledge our lack of knowledge, learn about Indigenous history, and take action. But it has to be done in the right way. We are often reminded that mistakes will happen and that fear shouldn’t stop us. Susan Dion talks about appropriation. I believe this means adopting elements of one culture by members of another culture. Susan also discusses teachers being empathic, which is good, but it has its limitations. She brings out interesting points in this video series. A few things that stood out for me included (Lakehead University, 2021):
- Teachers need to teach from the position that they occupy.
- If you live on this land, then you are in a relationship with Indigenous people.
- We all share this country’s history.
- We feel most comfortable talking about the past. This is troubling because Indigenous people are not just people of the past.
I encourage you to watch this video series. Is there anything that Susan brings out that would help make you feel more comfortable with the Indigenization process as a non-Indigenous educator?
Reference:
Lakehead University. (2021). Exploring Indigenous education: A video series. Teaching Commons. https://www.lakeheadu.ca/teaching-commons/indigenous-pedagogies-epistemologies/exploring-indigenous-education-a-video-series
Hi Emma,
I really liked that we both shared a common topic this week! 🙂 You have added really thought-provoking questions regarding allyship, and I feel that the videos that you have shared with us are really helpful. To have someone’s input, like Susan Dion, an educator who has seen how the last 25 years have led to teachers growing awareness of the Indigenous culture, and how the inclusion of Indigenous content which truly reflects the Indigenous peoples lived experiences is much more available today than before. To read a book written by an Aboriginal author, to see visual representations of Indigenous culture in schools and to speak with teachers who desire to become an ally, wanting learn more about the history, culture and current issues that affect the Indigenous peoples, all do indicate a good change of direction.
Thank you for sharing this Emma.
-Selene