The Metamorphic, The Subtle and The Awkward: Three Thoughts on Indigenization

Abstract

This paper highlights three occasionally overlooked aspects of Indigenization: the metamorphic, the subtle and the awkward. First, the author discusses how an epistemological shudder arising from the tension between Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing is an essential first step toward Indigenization. For the author, our Indigenization journey must begin by changing our minds and hearts. Second, the author draws on his own teaching experience toward a discussion of the subtle ways in which Indigenous knowledge can be integrated into existing lessons. The author argues that Indigenization does not have to be ostentatious as long as it is authentic. Finally, the author concludes by drawing on settler-educator Sheena Koops‘ (2018) concept of the “awkward ally.” Koops‘ awkward ally is someone who is not afraid to look silly or be proven wrong about something in the pursuit of allyship with Indigenous peoples. Whereas faculty, staff and students can sometimes be incapacitated by uncertainties or a lack of knowledge, Koops‘ concept of the awkward ally reminds us that it is okay to make mistakes as long as we are willing to learn from them. The overall message of this paper is that if we want to Indigenize our teaching, we should start with ourselves and be unafraid to make mistakes.