What is Decolonization? What is Indigenization?

Decolonization could be understood as “taking away the colonial” but this raises the question of what colonial means. Colonization involves one group taking control of the lands, resources, languages, cultures, and relationships of another group. In Canada and the US, where human habitation on these lands began with Indigenous peoples and continued with European migrants who arrived with the intent to claim the lands as their own, colonial usually means Eurocentric. This means that Western European-derived ways of being, believing, knowing, and doing are implicitly or explicitly presented as the standard or norm, and other ways of being, knowing, and doing are implicitly or explicitly presented as “other,” alternative, or less worthy.[2] Later arrivants to this territory have had to adapt to this Eurocentric norm.

In Canada, decolonization is usually discussed in terms of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and particularly associated with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report and Calls to Action.[3] It is related to Indigenous resurgence (Indigenous people reclaiming and restoring their culture, land, language, relationships, health, etc., both independent of and with the support of non-Indigenous people). Decolonization is also associated with other relationships between groups of people within Canada and in other countries and contexts around the world, and for some, is linked to broader principles of inclusion and equity.[4]

Canada’s identity as a settler colonial state complicates the task of decolonization, since the original colonizers never left and since acts of colonization continue to the present.[5] For instance, in Canada settler colonialism is evident in federal government policies such as the Indian Act and the Indian Residential Schools system,[6] provincial government child welfare decisions,[7] and non-Indigenous peoples’ refusal (either blatant or subtle) to give up land or acknowledge the land and treaty rights of Indigenous people.[8]

If decolonization is the removal or undoing of colonial elements, then Indigenization could be seen as the addition or redoing of Indigenous elements. Indigenization moves beyond tokenistic gestures of recognition or inclusion to meaningfully change practices and structures.[9] Power, dominance and control are rebalanced and returned to Indigenous peoples, and Indigenous ways of knowing and doing are perceived, presented, and practiced as equal to Western ways of knowing and doing. Examples of Indigenization in education could include the inclusion of Indigenous readings, adoption of Indigenous learning approaches in the classroom. For non-Indigenous people, there can be a fine line between Indigenization and cultural appropriation and it is important to seek appropriate guidance while recognizing that guidance can come from many sources.

People disagree about what the end goal of decolonization and Indigenization is or should be.[10] We suggest that rather than focusing on the end goal, you consider two elements. First, it’s important to think about the reasons you’re decolonizing: who are you doing it for and why are you doing it? This helps avoid issues of tokenism and recolonization. Second, remember that decolonization is a process, not a product. Instead of wondering where the finish line is, take a step along the journey and see where it leads you.

Indigenization in the University: Terms and Definitions

Indigenization in the university setting is an area of quickly growing interest. Not only are many different terms being used but they are also continually being revised to reflect our increased knowledge and understanding. Let’s go through some key terms and definitions and discuss how they materialize in the university setting!

“The information in this video is my current (February 2023) interpretation of peer reviewed scholarly articles, my lived experience, and various conversations I have observed and participated in over the years. The context of these conversations includes around kitchen table discussions, sharing circles and ceremonies, administrative committee meetings, activist gatherings, and academic discussions. Contributors to these conversations include elders, youth, and otherwise knowledgeable members from Indigenous communities from across Canada and the world. Contributors also include non-Indigenous individuals ranging from ally and non-ally settlers to international friends who, although familiar with oppression forms in their homelands, are only just learning of Canada’s colonial context. The personal interpretations presented have been reviewed and guided by mentor Lindsay Brant, a Mohawk woman from Kenhtè:ke, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario, an Educational Developer with the Center for Teaching and Learning and an Adjunct Professor with the Smith School of Business. This video represents my current (February 2023) interpretation of the above-mentioned information gathered over the years and as such any potential errors in interpretation are mine alone.”