Truth and Reconciliation Reflection Tool
Etuaptmumk (Two eyed seeing) provides the gift of multiple perspectives, in braiding together Indigenous knowledge and mainstream science. While its importance is being routinely stated by universities, its application at all levels within institutions is inconsistent. In responding to the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action regarding reassessing educational practices, universities are in the process of figuring out what it means to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in science. Currently these efforts have been focused on indigenizing/decolonizing courses. While this is an essential step towards equity, it does not address how two eyed seeing will be integrated in the research environment. The Earth Science Experiential and Indigenous Learning (EaSEIL) team helps bridge this gap by creating workshops for science research labs focused on increasing participant knowledge of Indigenous cultures, diversity, and knowledge systems. They are designed to be led by anyone, allowing individuals to engage in these topics with their research group. Topics of these workshops include terminology, land acknowledgements, two eyed seeing, indigenizing vs decolonizing etc. These workshops are a model for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) training for current and future faculty, such as post docs, graduate students and professors.
The idea to create this resource was proposed by a Métis graduate student (Wylee Fitz-Gerald) who recognized a need for increased knowledge of Indigenous focused JEDI topics in the research environment. By creating Indigenous JEDI resources she hopes to not only improve the experiences of Indigenous students in universities, but everyone’s.
Lessons learned:
- Spearheading the workshop with terminology enables participant engagement
- Working through examples assists participants with self-evaluation of learning
- Historical context provides relevance as workshop material unfolds
- Infusing the workshop with a personal journey of learning creates a safe place for others to do the same
