Fave Quotes: In a decolonizing framework, deconstruction is part of a larger intent. Taking apart the story, revealing underlying texts, and giving voice to things that are often known intuitively does not help people to improve their current conditions. (Linda Tuhiwai-Smith)
Personal Leadership Qualities: Serving in high FNMI populations, learning culture, stories, and traditions; long term applying of professional practices in Indigenization
Reflection: There is much to learn, and to lead, from Indigenous knowledge in respecting relationships, community, and the land. We cannot do anything of meaning for Indigenous people, however, without their inclusion. The bottom line is that we must apply Indigenous knowledge with intent and purpose; there cannot be practices that are seen as tokenism in their nature or do not create future impact on our living together in equity in Western society. In the classroom, I began the journey of reconciliation with Indigenous people. Viewing their marginalization, I saw an opportunity to connect their experiences with all youth in their own experiences of injustice. I worked with a local Indigenous artist to design a curriculum with content that provoked connection to transform student perspectives. My first administrative position took place in a northern Canadian city that had a significant FNMI population; I learned about traditions, stories, and self-empowerment. To this day, I work with Indigenous artists, authors, and scholars to support FNMI students and all learners in the pathway to Reconciliation and to collective futures of hope.
Evidence:
- Providing classroom curriculum content with engaging learning on: Child Welfare System, Residential Schools, Starlight Tours, Indigenous Art
- Advocating for Indigenous students through personalized supports and creating opportunities for cultural participation
- First school leadership position involved being administrator responsible for Aboriginal Studies that included Land Based Management Program and Cree Language classes; collaborating with the Youth Aboriginal Council
- Leading the implementation of the Gift of Reading Project with renowned Canadian Metis author
- Serving on FNMI committees in two Alberta school divisions; currently on division Indigenous Learning Council
- Facilitating partnerships with Indigenous artists and authors
- Collaborating on professional learning focused on decolonization and Indigenization on two sites with Indigenous scholar from U of C
- Personal professional learning (site based and doctoral studies at U of C); also recently completed “Teaching Stolen Lives: Indigenous People of Canada” with Facing History