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Harmony in Diversity: The Community Center Allocation Dilemma

Harmony in Diversity: The Community Center Allocation Dilemma

ByAndrea

Case Study Overview: A new community center is sparking debate in a small town where Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents must share a communal space. The question at hand: Should the center dedicate space exclusively for Indigenous ceremonies and events, or should all cultural activities have equal precedence without special provisions? The committee, representing both populations,…

Unsettling Indigenous Colonial Traditions of Hate and Harm

ByAndrea

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…

Dispossessed on Their Own Lands Occupied by Canada: Tackling the Crisis of Indigenous Houselessness

Dispossessed on Their Own Lands Occupied by Canada: Tackling the Crisis of Indigenous Houselessness

ByAndrea

The pervasive issue of houselessness among Indigenous peoples in Canada not only reveals the depth of societal divides but also calls for a significant paradigm shift in societal thinking and problem-solving approaches. The growing visibility of ‘tent cities’ and widespread homelessness is a stark indicator of these divisions. To effectively address these challenges, Canadian society must transition from an individualistic mindset to one that embraces Indigenous wholistic perspectives.

Decolonizing the Post-Secondary System: Embracing Indigenous Ethics in Academia

ByAndrea

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….

Medicine Wheel Systems Theory and Combating Colonial Epistemic Violence
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Medicine Wheel Systems Theory and Combating Colonial Epistemic Violence

ByAndrea

‘Beaded Elder: Tears of Colonial Devastation’, 2023 curated by Andrea Menard Abstract The Confluence of Medicine Wheel Systems Theory and General Systems Theory This paper employs an interdisciplinary approach by amalgamating Medicine Wheel Systems Theory (MWST), rooted in Indigenous cosmologies, with general systems theory, originating from Western scientific traditions. MWST adopts a wholistically-oriented, cyclical perspective…