Indigenization is a challenging word to define. At Camosun College we want to be thinking about Indigenization and decolonization as action words which center Authentic Indigenous Voices in curriculum content and in our pedagogical approaches.
If we think about decolonization as the un-doing or unsettling of colonial power and structures and ways of learning and teaching, then Indigenization can be seen as the re-doing or reaffirming of education to include Indigenous ways of knowing, thinking, feeling and being. It involves elevating the voices of Indigenous peoples, elevating traditional, and cultural knowledge, and intentional inclusion of Indigenous ways of teaching and learning to form and create pedagogical approaches. ~Queen's University, Defining decolonizing and Indigenizing
If you are having a difficult time imagining Indigenization then try to imagine the absence of Indigenization. What does that absence look like, feel like? Once you have this in your mind, you can consider how Indigenization looks and feels.
Integrating Indigenous ways of knowing and being as well as Indigenous laws and protocols are all part of this reimagining in the academy. As Bill Montgomery, Haida educator, succinctly stated in his presentation, ensure this work is "about us, by us." This approach, centering Indigenous voices, goes beyond Indigenization as inclusion. (It is often stated, 'nothing about us without us', which is inclusive but does not de-center colonial worldviews nor is inherently anti-racist.) (2022 National Gathering for Indigenous Education program link)
Making space, practicing deep listening, respecting ourselves and our students are all aspects of Indigenizing post-secondary.
The Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning offers and supports a number of guided workshops.
For more information or to register for upcoming offerings, please see our EVENTS CALENDAR.
