Towards Indigenizing University Policy

Authors

  • JoLee Sasakamoose University of Regina
  • Shauneen Maria Pete University of Regina

Abstract

This paper explores some of the challenges associated with Indigenizing Canadian universities.  Like Indigenous scholars elsewhere, we seek guidance on how to undertake university Indigenization, and failing to find other examples we have decided to share our experiences here.  This case study describes one event (hosting a feast and round dance) which provoked institutional policy reforms.  We identify the ways in which our struggle to reform policy was often hampered by epistemic ignorance (Kuokkanen, 2007).  We also explan how we are coming to understand our responsiblities for also addressing epistemic ignorance at the same time as we are changing the organizations in which we work.

 

ôma masinahikanis kitâpahtamok ohi kâ-mônîskâkocik kakwe-iyiniwastacik kihci-kiskinwahamâtowikamikohkwa. peyakwan ôki iyiniwak kâ-atoskecik ekotowihk, kiskiyihtamok e-nohtepayihk awiyahk ta-nîkânistahk. mistahi nanitonamohk tânisi ka-isi-nâkwaniyek mâka wîyawâw sôskwâc âcimosôwak ôma e-isi-wâpahtâkik. Tâpiskôc ôma peyak (e-kîstîpohk ekwa e-pîcicînihke) ekwa kî-tâwakiskamok ohi wiyasiwâcikanisa kakwe-mîskotastâcik. ekota wâpahtamok poko kwayas kakwe takwastâcik wiyasiwâcikanisa ekosi nawâc ta-miyo-mâmawi-atoskewak.

Author Biographies

JoLee Sasakamoose, University of Regina

Assistant Professor (Educational Psychology)

 

Shauneen Maria Pete, University of Regina

Associate Professor (Aboriginal Education) and Execuitive Lead: Indigenization

References

Aboriginal Advisory Circle (2012). Strong Voice, Strong Plan. Unpublished Strategic Plan. University of Regina. Canada.

Kovach, M. (2009). Indigenous Methodologies: Characteristics, Conversations and Contexts. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

Kovach, M. (2010). Conversational method in Indigenous research. First Peoples Child & Family Review, 5(1). p. 40 – 48.

Kuokkanen, R. (2007). Reshaping the University: Responsibility, Indigenous Epistemes, and the Logic of the Gift. Vancouver: UBC Press.

Smith, G. (2003). Indigenous struggle for the transformation of education and schooling. Retrieved from https://faculty.washington.edu/pembina/all_articles/Smith_G2003.pdf

University of Regina (2015). Peyak Aski Kikawinaw: University of Regina Strategic Plan 2015-2020. Retrieved from http://www.uregina.ca/strategic-plan/

University of Regina (2015). Smudging/Pipe Ceremonies Policy. Retrieved from http://www.uregina.ca/policy/browse-policy/policy-GOV-040-020.html

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Published

2015-08-11