Day 4 ~ Weaving Knowledge

 As a result of the 2015 Report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the constructs of Decolonization, Reconciliation, Indigenization, and Resurgence among others, have become the parlance within all levels of education. Variations exist when trying to define, understand , articulate, and implement these constructs. 

Definitions of what constitutes Reconciliation abound, creating at times the perfect context for educators, parents, researchers, academics, and others, as they apply them within their own field. However, these same differences also instil confusion precisely due to a lack of unanimity in their meaning.

In the past few years, I have moved away from using words like 'infusion', 'inclusion', 'implementation', and integration' of Indigenous perspectives, and have favoured the concept of "Naturalizing" Indigenous knowledge based on Kainai scholar Leroy Littlebear's scholarship. While a specific definition is not given, his seminal paper (2009) describes ways in which Indigenous knowledges can live within educational contexts.

ACTIVITY

REFLECTION - TO WORK ON YOUR OWN

Read Leroy Littlebear's document, and choose five ways in which you would like to approach Naturalization in your own field of work and/or in your personal life. Try to select ways that are new to you or with which you don't have much experience.