We all play a part in decolonizing education
Many of the modern medicines we use, shown here by their chemical structure, were discovered by Indigenous nations. Illustration by Keitha Keeshig-Tobias.
For many of us, learning begins as early as we can remember, starting with our older and wiser family members. Working and studying at Ryerson, we have an opportunity to extend our education outside the classroom by meeting people from all walks of life.
The Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion is kicking off a four-part Soup & Substance series on January 31 focused on decolonization at Ryerson. The first session, The Decolonization Series: Learning from our Grandparents and Knowledge Keepers, will be moderated by Tracey King, Aboriginal human resources lead/consultant, and features the following panellists:
- Joanne Dallaire, Elder, Ryerson University;
- Banakonda Kennedy-Kish, Elder-in-Residence, Program Elder, Indigenous Field of Study Faculty of Social Work, Wilfred Laurier University;
- Andrew Rueben, resolution health support worker, Ontario Indian Residential School Support Services;
- Clayton Shirt, Elder-in-Residence, Toronto Catholic District School Board; Elder, University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
The series was developed by Monica McKay, director of Aboriginal Initiatives, based on this Nisga’a philosophy, “Ts’im Gan Wil Lak’ils Will Luu Sisgihl Gan Dildils” and her upbringing in Nisga’a nation in Northwestern British Columbia in Laxgalts'ap (Greenville). For McKay, the intent of learning is to ensure students have everything they need, being offered by the people supporting them.
“When I reflected on this philosophy and what this series would be, I thought about how in Nisǥa’a culture the translation of this philosophy is ‘in the pursuit of knowledge, therein you will find life,’ at our life stage as young adults and adults,” McKay said. “It’s important to start with the grandmothers and grandfathers, now referred to as Elders, who can share their thoughts, knowledge and experiences. Then we hear from the students, who are our learners on campus. The third part of the series will focus on those who teach. Then we’ll hear from the helpers around them – the staff and administration here at Ryerson.”
Indigenous ways of learning and relationships in First Nations communities were interrupted and impacted by Indian Act policies, which removed important rights and affected communities’ relationships to land, creation and each other. Colonialism is not a thing of the past as the impact of these policies continue today, making the conversation about decolonization all the more vital. The Soup & Substance series begins this dialogue by creating space for participants to tell their truth, share their stories and allow for attendees to learn these truths and understand its effects, so that we offer the best of ourselves and collectively ensure a learning environment where people can bring their whole selves.
For McKay, relationship building is at the heart of decolonization. More than just two people meeting, to McKay the word relationship means understanding between people, knowing each other’s values and how we walk in this world as individuals and community members.
“We come with gifts and abilities so we bring the best of ourselves to the task [at hand] and understanding we’re all needed to make this the best place to learn,” she said. “Folks need to understand that truth telling really is about our shared history where we centre the Indigenous voice and we all have to take responsibility to reflect. As Indigenous Peoples, we’re a diverse community here at Ryerson with our own experiences, reflections and thoughts.”
Upcoming Soup & Substances will be on February 21, March 20 and April 17. Watch Ryerson Today for event details or visit the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion website for more information.