taking a more holistic approach can benefit more than just me.
i know im not the only one that has a dead brother or a lost loved one. but i found a tool in the process of looking into my traditional knowledge and spirituality. now i can share that when we give a student with trauma a chance to excel they can do great things and have an impact.
i was allowed to smudge and bring a grounding object and received double time. also the support of the course instructor made me feel valued in this place. my indigenous brothers and sisters can achieve great things.
and it's pretty cool to see in the process that we are shovelling just the ramp instead of just the staircase. recognizing differences and finding strength in that. identity is impactful.
you must let the person define their identity before you define it for them.
i have found institutions have such an instilled hierarchical thinking, that without proper understanding and education, people in these institutions, and those influenced by them, view others as less than.
if we analyze our speech we can see the power it has. handouts, bums, lazy, uneducated, dangerous, thieves.
i have always felt the truth of you need to give respect to be respected, regardless of your position or title. and this is not a what came first the chicken or the egg situation.
we see a clear cause and effect. the western world disrespected indigenous nations. nations that welcomed settlers with open arms, hoping to share in mutual benefit. this trust was broken. and is continued to be broken.
many live in third world conditions while we boast as innovative and on the path of reconciliation. see us as you see a rich toronto neighbourhood go without clean drinking and even washing water in their homes for more than a week. try decades!! you cannot fathom.
neither can we. and our structures have been dismantled and beaten out. forced to live in isolating places without the freedom of movement. developed land for institutions and underdeveloped infrastructure for the indians. breaking down barriers comes with giving my people the respect they deserve. which can look like learning the history, the goals of the past, how effects are still felt, and try to support the search and rescue of indigenous knowledge. and to keep this balanced. the indigenous communities must respect ourselves and others to walk a healing journey. revive our spirits and guide what proper infrastructure looks like.
collaboration comes with respect. you should look at indigenous people as a partner you desperately want to impress, a professor you want to impress, both having the goal of working with them, to learn, to expand your view and network. there is so much to learn once respect is given.