“Academic Indigenization refers to the transformation of academic programs with an aim of both re-centering Indigenous content, epistemology and pedagogy and through academic program decolonization.”
Several Canadian Universities have begun to Indigenize their curriculum. In 2016, Lakehead University in Ontario is making it mandatory for all students to take one half credit course in Indigenous studies course prior to graduation. The University of Winnipeg is putting forth a similar requirement.
In an earlier blog post, Canada’s Cultural Genocide: Realizing and Spreading the Truth, I expressed concern over the fact that Indigenous culture, history and issues were never covered in any of my classes. Through taking this course, Indigenous Perspectives of Health and Healing, I finally learned an abundance of relevant information, and gained a deep respect for the resiliency, world views, and perspectives of Indigenous Canadians. I whole-heartedly believe other students need to take this course for many reasons:
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has called for action to “redress the legacy of residential schools and
advance the process of Canadian reconciliation”
Over the past 60 years, residential schools robbed Indigenous Canadians of their traditions, language, connection to land, and identity. Attempts to assimilate left people isolated and broken, and set an inter-generational cycle of family abuse into motion. The TRC called for educational institutions to spread the truth about Indigenous Canadian issues. We are morally obligated to partake in the process of reconciliation. For more on this, read my previous blog post Canada’s Cultural Genocide: Realizing and Spreading the Truth.
- Knowledge could help alleviate racism and stereotypes that oppress and demoralize Indigenous people
CBC recently closed comments on Indigenous stories because of racism, stating, “We’ve noticed over many months that [Indigenous] stories draw a disproportionate number of comments that cross the line and violate our guidelines.” Awareness of the hardships facing Indigenous Canadians might help change the way people perceive this population.
- Public policy has the potential to improve Indigenous issues
Colonialism has brought on additional determinants of health, such as racism and loss of land, for Indigenous Canadians. Public policies can improve conditions. Making people aware of the context of Indigenous health could motivate them to lobby for the policies needed to improve conditions. For more information on Indigenous health, read my previous blog post Colonialism as a Determinant of Health.
- Cultural competence is a necessary aspect of any professional identity
Merriam-Webster defines professionalism as “the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well.” Regardless of where one works, it is necessary to communicate respect for others. Through taking this class, I gained knowledge of Indigenous culture, and utmost respect for the resiliency of this population. I am confident that others would benefit from a similar experience.
- Indigenous perspectives on community, environment and health are valuable
Community – Throughout the term, Indigenous guest speakers continuously portrayed the importance of community. Guest speaker Clark Paul said, “Think about us instead of me. How can I make my community better?” The Indigenous way of supporting one other is a desirable, admirable quality to aspire towards.
Environment – Connection to the land is a fundamental aspect of Indigenous identity. They strive to live in harmony with the Earth and all its entities. Indigenous perspectives on the environment offer . Learn more about Indigenous people and the environment at my earlier blog post “What we do onto her, we do onto ourselves.”
Health – Unlike the biomedical model, Indigenous perspectives of health are holistic. They take all aspects of the person (mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual), as well as the person’s environment into consideration.
The benefits of Indigenizing any setting- school or workplace- are numerous. Besides the fact that the TRC is calling for such moral actions, it could help diminish racism, positively impact public policy, create culturally competent professionals, and put a positive spin on ways we think about community, environment, and health.
Two-Eyed Seeing for Health 