TEACHER TIPS - Decolonization 

Reflect upon your own knowledge and understanding of history. Whose perspectives do you know? Whose voices and experiences have been left out?

Read and learn more about FNMI history, culture, traditions, ways of knowing, language, values, traditional learning, etc. and particularly from FNMI authors.

Question dominant narratives in society - both internally and with others. Why do they exist? Who supports them? Are they institutionalized? How and why?

Reflect upon who are the knowledge creators, holders, disseminators and how they came to power. Do they allow for space for other perspectives, ways of knowing, histories? If not, why and how can this change?

Learn how to be an ally and not a “saviour” (Indigenous Ally Toolkit)

Reflect continuously.

Start working on transforming the typical teacher “deficit-based approach” to students, to a more positive approach, focusing on rich cultural knowledge and life experiences and qualities such as resilience, perseverance, empathy, etc.

Determine where you are on the Cultural Proficiency Continuum by examining your experiences in education (both as student and teacher) and make steps to reach the next level

Do you have any relationships with FNMI or minority groups? If not, how can you develop one that is respectful and equal and doesn't require them to do all the emotional labour?

Analyze the physical space in which you teach. How does it enforce certain colonial attitudes? Can you do anything to deconstruct the space?