Abstracts
Abstract
In this article, I examine truths and misunderstandings of colonization. An interrogation of the conflation between colonial and Western practices is explored through established literature and in practical examples of relationships to time, the Indian Act, and the term “Settler.” By first establishing accessible and shared definitions of reconciliation and colonization, common misconceptions and predictable pitfalls in Indigenous movements can be resolved. By attending to the confusion of terms the circle can be expanded ever so slightly to welcome more allies into the movement. Intentionally deceptive narratives position the work of reconciliation, or any social justice movement, as being anti-White and divisive. In the pursuit of equity and healing, it is essential to maintain the core values of care and dignity in methods of emancipation and resist succumbing to colonial tactics of delegitimizing any knowledge system, even those of our oppressors.
Keywords:
- decolonizing education,
- Indigenous education,
- reconciliation,
- anti-oppressive education,
- social justice education
Résumé
Dans cet article, j’examine les réalités et les confusions concernant la colonisation. J’explore la question de la fusion entre les pratiques coloniales et occidentales à travers la littérature existante et dans des exemples concrets de rapports au temps, à la Loi sur les Indiens et au terme « colon ». En établissant d’abord des définitions accessibles et partagées de la réconciliation et de la colonisation, des conceptions erronées communes et des pièges prévisibles relatifs aux mouvements indigènes peuvent être résolus. En remédiant à la confusion qui entoure ces termes, il est possible d’étendre quelque peu le cercle afin d’accueillir davantage d’alliés au sein du mouvement. Des récits intentionnellement trompeurs présentent le travail de réconciliation, ou tout autre mouvement de justice sociale, comme étant antiblanc et polémique. Dans la poursuite de l’équité et de la guérison, il est essentiel de maintenir les valeurs fondamentales de souci des autres et de dignité dans les méthodes d’émancipation, et de résister aux tactiques coloniales de délégitimation de tout système de connaissance, y compris celui de nos oppresseurs.
Mots-clés :
- éducation décolonisatrice,
- éducation autochtone,
- réconciliation,
- éducation anti-oppressive,
- éducation à la justice sociale
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Appendices
Biographical note
Dr. Dustin Louie is a First Nations scholar from Nee Tahi Buhn and Nadleh Whut'en (Beaver Clan) of the Dakelh Nation of central British Columbia.. Dr. Louie is the Director of the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP) and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. Dustin’s education background includes a degree in Canadian history, a master's degree in international relations, and a PhD in educational research. As part of his scholarship, Dr. Louie works extensively with dozens of school districts, First Nations, social service organizations, and government agencies on practical approaches to decolonizing their practice.
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