Tag Archives: authentic

Module 1 Post 4 – Authentic Indigenous Voices

Are you a fan of CBCs Cross Country Checkup? You may recall a lively conversation they had a few years back about treaties, reconciliation and Indigenous history in Canada (CBC, 2017). There’s concern about Indigenous knowledge being lost and many myths are out there about Indigenous people. It is important that authentic Indigenous voices be heard. One way of doing this is by bringing guest speakers into the classroom. They need the opportunities to share their stories. As an educator, I briefly touched on Indigenous history in class. The conversation was very superficial and lacked meaning. Fortunately we had a wonderful guest speaker join us who was able to make the history come alive. Suddenly the knowledge had more meaning and purpose.

Reference:

CBC. (2017 April, 26). Treaties, reconciliation and Indigenous history in Canada [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9KJM3pjvKg

Module 1 Post 2 – nonindigenous educators taking action

The University of Saskatchewan held a conference around Indigenization and Open Educational Resources (OER) in 2018. Kory Wilson was the keynote speaker and discussed Indigenizing and opening the academy through the actioning of reconciliation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpYIhLXZ72k

Are you a nonindigenous educator? If so, do you wonder what role you play in Indigenization? Are you concerned about authenticity? Kory sheds light on how nonindigenous educators can take action. I found this video worthwhile to watch and Kory’s passion made the hour fly by. Here are a few take always about taking action (GMCTL UofS, 2018):

  • We need to know and understand the truth about Indigenous history, even though it’s difficult.
  • Know our own family history and how it relates to Indigenous history.
  • But what do we do with the knowledge about Indigenous history? We must do something with the information we’ve learned. We need to make sure our research will make change.
  • Humility. Open heart and mind. Honest. Transparent Ask genuine questions. Authentic. Accountable.
  • Distribute power, empower others.
  • We can have a university degree in Indigenous studies but it doesn’t mean we are an expert. We need authentic, lived experiences.
  • Providing space – Give space for nonindigenous people to learn. Allow Indigenous people to share their authentic lived experiences.
  • We are stronger together, diversity of voices and opinions. More voices = more inclusion.
  • Listen more, speak less. Ask the community what they want. Avoid dictating and telling what Indigenous people have to do.
  • Start by asking yourself: why am I engaged in this? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my limitations?
  • Indigenization is about relationship building and this takes time.
  • Give up the romantic version of Indigenous people.

Reference:

GMCTL UofS. (2018, May 28). TLT 2018 – Keynote speaker Kory Wilson – Becoming an ally: Moving beyond bias and privilege [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpYIhLXZ72k