Section outline

  •   "Before connecting, understanding, or implementing Indigenous teachings, beliefs, and practices, a deeper sense of self-awareness is crucial".(1)

    With these words, African scholar Dr. George Sefa Dei, reminds us of the need to first and foremost, develop an awareness of self prior to any attempts to decolonize, Indigenize or reframe our curricula. 

    "To reframe a decolonial curriculum", he says, "educators must question omissions, negations, and absences in the school curriculum, striving to provide comprehensive critical knowledge that accounts for the diversity of human experiences and histories."(1)

    Today is the last day of our micro-course. As you continue to navigate the waters, lands, and spaces where you situate yourself and your work, I invite you to read or watch anthropologist Wade Davis describing the ways in which we are all interconnected; how we belong to the same origins; how our ancestors are related...

    As you move forward with your work, developing awareness of self, of your surroundings, of your accountabilities, developing a sense of belonging, a commitment to decolonizing by advancing your knowledge, your relationships, and your personal growth, reflect on what you have gained along the way, and how those learnings will support you and your work.

    As a final ACTIVITY, I invite you to post on the FORUM at least three ways in which you will continue to decolonize your work. Remember that all learning takes patience and time whether it is  learning to drive, to play an instrument or to teach...

    Be encouraged by what you already know. Be humble and accept what you don't know. And be gentle with yourself as you move forward. As long as you have a good heart and honest intentions, be reminded of the words by Elder Victor Underwood from W̱SÁNEĆ who says "There is no wrong way to do what is RIGHT".

    Thank you for your time, and for commitments. Thank you for being available to yourself...

    Wishing you the Best,

    Carmen