DAY 1: A Paradigm To Reframe Our Work
Section outline
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A paradigm is a model, a perspective, a frame of reference through which one makes meaning of the world or an experience. Paradigms can assist us in gaining depth and understanding. Before we start, I would like to pose a few questions for self-reflection that can help situate ourselves in the various contexts we occupy: the place where we live, where we work, and where we aspire to contribute to a respectful and equitable future for Indigenous people and their communities.
The model below * reflects the ways in which our positionality is influenced by our context, our experiences, and our identities or sense of self. Take a moment to study this paradigm and think back to a time when you first learned or heard a land acknowledgement. Think of a time when you first learned about Residential Schools. Reflect on a time when you were greeted and welcomed in an Indigenous language.
Now, think of the place you were at in each of these experiences. Try to remember how you felt or what you thought. Who was there? What were you like, then?
Now take a deep breath, and read the questions below the paradigm. Respond to the questions in an honest way; these answers are only for you.
CONTEXT
Where do I position myself vis-à-vis my contexts, my colleagues, and my experiences? What opportunities or challenges do these enable? In other words, what is my awareness like, depending on my context(s)? (i.e., I have power over; I act differently depending on each context; I am not liked by some colleagues; I am the oldest/youngest; I am the only male/female; etc.)
EXPERIENCES
Has this position changed in the past two/three years? How has it changed? (i.e., I have overcome stereotypes; I argue less and listen more; I have learned to dialogue instead or reacting; etc.)
- How does my worldview, my language, and my choice of words influence/affect the world around me? (i.e., my values are aligned with some Indigenous values; I tend to use euphemisms when speaking; etc.
IDENTITIES
How do my social identities and my experiences (including age/privilege/ oppression/ poverty;/living status/ etc.) affect how I see and understand the world?
After responding to the questions take a deep breath, and keep some of those memories and reflections with you. You will be asked to come back to these answers later in the week.
* SUPLEMENTARY RESOURCE:
Strimel, M. , Francis, G., & Due, J. (2023). Understand where you're coming from: Positionality and higher education disability resources. New Directions For Higher Education, pp. 45-62
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Now, look at 3 representations of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations worldview (from the Canadian Council on Learning, 2007). Even though they share similarities, they are unique and distinct. As a way to respect and honour those unique qualities and characteristics, the provincial government has developed an approach framework called "Distinctions-based Approach", where the government :
"... recognizes First Nations, the Métis Nation, and Inuit as the Indigenous peoples of Canada, consisting of distinct, rights-bearing communities with their own histories, including with the Crown. The work of forming renewed relationships based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership must reflect the unique interests, priorities, and circumstances of each people."
Further, the Province is committed to a distinctions-based approach. This requires that the Province’s dealings with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples be conducted in a manner that acknowledges the specific rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of each, while respecting and acknowledging these distinct Peoples with unique cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments”.
Study these paradigms in as much detail as possible, paying attention to the values and beliefs within each model. Which do you think would be the most adaptable to your context, and which ones would be the most challenging to implement or operationalize in your field of practice?
Write a brief reflection on the Day 1 Forum in answer to these questions.
REQUIRED READING:
A DISTINCTIONS-BASED APPROACH PRIMER (2023). BC GOVERNMENT.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/distinctions_based_approach_primer.pdfINUIT
MÉTIS
FIRST NATIONS
