Indigenous Ethics

In recent years, the importance of disaggregated data in uncovering systemic racism and inequalities has become increasingly clear. This data, which provides sub-categories of information such as by ethnic group, gender, occupation, or educational status, can reveal important relationships and disparities that aggregated data may miss. However, collecting and using this data can also cause…

Sharing circles have been a staple of Indigenous cultures for centuries, providing a space for individuals to come together, share their experiences, and connect with each other. In recent years, sharing circles have gained popularity as a tool for personal growth and community building, and they have been adapted to fit the needs of a…

Indigenous cultures in pre-colonial times had a rich history of embracing diversity in gender and sexuality, including the recognition of individuals who embody both masculine and feminine traits and/or have a non-binary gender identity. These individuals are often referred to as “Two-Spirit.” In traditional Indigenous communities, Two-Spirit individuals were often revered for their unique spiritual…

During the Fall of 2022, I organized a series of kitchen table conversations, known as ᐱᒥᓇᐊᐧᓱᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ piminawasowikamik, at the University of Alberta. These conversations were based on the concept of visiting with each other to gather information rather than Euro-centric methods of “gathering data” that are non-relational, not meaningful., and not respectful. The practice of…

As an Indigenous academic and sessional instructor, I have observed firsthand the lack of exposure to understanding and applying Indigenous ethics in the post-secondary spheres, particularly in the areas of curriculum design, facilitation, data collection, and communication with Indigenous communities. This lack of understanding and application can be detrimental to efforts towards decolonization and reconciliation….