Towards Indigenizing University Policy
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.
References
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
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright Notice
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
2. Authors are able to enter separate, additional contractual agreements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in an institutional repository or on their website) prior and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access)
4. Please note that while every opportunity will be taken to ensure author participation in the editing process, due to time constraints final copyediting changes may be made before publication to ensure APA adherence throughout all submissions.
