Reconciliation is the practice of addressing past wrongs, establishing an environment of respect, and forging forward with a shared understanding of history, traditions, and rights. The application of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in the workplace implies a profound transformation of institutional norms and processes, and a commitment to decolonize systems that…
Each June, Indigenous History Month serves as a period of acknowledgement and celebration of the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous nations across what we currently identify as Canada. As legal academics, we have a duty not only to honour the resilience, wisdom, and heritage of these communities but also to critically assess systemic forces…
My Métis lineage does not merely define my identity; it pervades every facet of my life and work, critically informing my scholarly and professional trajectory within the field of law. My values, principles, and worldview have been significantly shaped by the rich tapestry of Métis history and culture, imbuing them with unique perspectives drawn from…
As I write this, the air where I live is gray, not from the usual cloud cover or incipient storm, but from the ash that blots out the sun. Ash, the final testament of wildfires that have consumed our landscapes, is the silent, grayish-white fallout of a global crisis that seems unending. A tangible reminder…
Introduction Once you’ve undertaken self-reflection, it will become easier to identify and evaluate cultural appropriation. I often ask myself, ‘What would an elder think?’ when I undertake various tasks. If I believe that an elder might disapprove of my approach, I modify it. I continuously hold myself accountable to Indigenous communities, and this is an…
Introduction Cognitive decolonization ᑳᐦ ᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ, kâh-kitowak, and cognitive dissonance are two profound concepts that intersect within the realm of intellectual and epistemic discourse. Cognitive decolonization ᑳᐦ ᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ, refers to the process of challenging and displacing the colonial epistemic paradigm to centre Indigenous knowledge systems. On the other hand, cognitive dissonance, a term coined by social…
As an Indigenous person, confronting the label of “mediocre” in a white-dominated world is a complex and emotionally charged issue, especially when other white individuals bear witness to the ensuing struggle. The term “mediocre,” as experienced by Indigenous individuals, signifies both a personal and systemic problem, encompassing challenges of assimilation, cultural identity, and the consequences…
Introduction Epigenetics is an emerging field of study that examines heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the DNA sequence. These changes can influence an individual’s behavior and traits, potentially playing a role in complex social phenomena such as power and control dynamics in colonial countries. In this essay, we will…
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