Colonialism & Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Before engaging with this resource, it is important to understand how colonialism has made Indigenous knowledge systems seem inferior. Western education carefully teaching us to only value it's own way of knowing. This goal for this resource is to come to see the significance and value in Indigenous knowledge systems. We begin this resource by drawing attention to Indigenous knowledge systems and colonialism ....
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
It is important to understand that Indigenous knowledge systems are intimately connected with the natural environment.
Consider this quote by Isaac Murdoch (Anishinaabe from Serpent River First Nation) who has been a significant contributor to this resource:
Consider this quote by Isaac Murdoch (Anishinaabe from Serpent River First Nation) who has been a significant contributor to this resource:
A Note About Colonialism
Colonialism has, and continues to have a devastating impact on Indigenous Peoples. From the dispossession of lands to the violence stemming from Indian Residential Schools, as well as numerous social and political impacts (e.g., the 60s scoop and now the millennial scoop, MMIWG2S, the Indian Act, etc.), Canada has been engaged in genocide.
(To access resources on the dispossession of land click HERE)
Part of Canada's "assimilation policies" have included cognitive imperialism. This process has devalued Indigenous Knowledge to only be seen as "myths and legends" or only recognized as "crafts", while creating a normative discourse that "western science" or "western knowledge systems" are superior and the right way.
Our job in education today is to critically engage in a process of "decolonization" while also engaging in critical reflection into our own unconscious bias. As educators we must recognize that we have all, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, been impacted negatively through colonialism. In order to create positive changes in education, we need to look for opportunities to highlight and elevate Indigenous Knowledge systems. We need to recognize how Indigenous Peoples come from sophisticated societies with knowledge systems that are equal to subjects such as mathematics, physics, and science.
We hope that this resource will help revitalize classrooms with the beauty of Indigenous Knowledge and how it can also benefit all students while engaging them in fields of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics).
(To access resources on the dispossession of land click HERE)
Part of Canada's "assimilation policies" have included cognitive imperialism. This process has devalued Indigenous Knowledge to only be seen as "myths and legends" or only recognized as "crafts", while creating a normative discourse that "western science" or "western knowledge systems" are superior and the right way.
Our job in education today is to critically engage in a process of "decolonization" while also engaging in critical reflection into our own unconscious bias. As educators we must recognize that we have all, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, been impacted negatively through colonialism. In order to create positive changes in education, we need to look for opportunities to highlight and elevate Indigenous Knowledge systems. We need to recognize how Indigenous Peoples come from sophisticated societies with knowledge systems that are equal to subjects such as mathematics, physics, and science.
We hope that this resource will help revitalize classrooms with the beauty of Indigenous Knowledge and how it can also benefit all students while engaging them in fields of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics).
For more resources on Indigenous Knowledge and Mathematics: |
For more resources on Indigenous Knowledge and Science: |
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