What Are The Pros And Cons Of Indigenous Decolonization

Before reading this chapter, I moderately thought colonization was something of the past. However, I learned quite quickly this is our reality. I am sure some agree with me when I say why it has to even exist. If colonization did not exist, colonizers would have no process that would help them maintain their social, political and economic power. Governor General Michaelle Jean once said, “When the present does not recognize the wrongs of the past, the future takes revenge, for that reason, we must never turn away from the opportunity of confronting history together the opportunity to right a historical wrong”. I find this quote to be quite powerful. I agree with Hart when he reflects that through education that Canadians can help heal Indigenous youth and children to find their way back to their roots and traditions. Education can implement the future by providing success not only for the individuals involved but also for the society in which they belong to.

Indigenous Decolonization is a process where Indigenous people’s lives got completely flipped around. “To thrive in this colonial environment, we, Indigenous peoples, have little choice but to participate in academic endeavours that either devalue or do

not recognize our cultural identities” (p.27). Their communities were grossly affected by colonial expansion while assimilating their culture. Dramatic changes occurred in their environment and children. Indigenous plants and animals were eventually eliminated. at residential schools, children’s diets were controlled so they were left feeling hungry.

Indigenous Colonization is the disconnection of Aboriginal peoples from their history as a whole.
Everything that Aboriginal people entitle, they were separated from their land, their history, their identity and their rights so that others can benefit.

The most important aspect of First Nations is storytelling. Storytelling may be a form of confrontation to colonization but it gives Aboriginal individuals stamina. The spirit that comes from the storytelling is what is important. The spirit of Aboriginal stories is what makes them who they are because it contains appreciation of their ancestors and culture. It is not hard to miss the injustice that is given to the indigenous in our world. However, I do not understand how people are missing the big picture: Canada was built as a colonial country and that it is, in fact, still colonial in many

ways.

In order to be working at decolonization with Indigenous People, we have to approach to help their people the way that is parallel with their worldviews. I agree with Hart when the answer to this means you will have to develop a helping process that consists of respect and sharing. However, there is still dominating forces that will still utilize the means of colonialism. Nevertheless, the first thing to do to regain trust from someone is to respect them. If you show First Nations respect, they will share with you. Like I said above, it is their natural habit to tell stories.

Even though colonial processes have significantly influenced our ways of life, we continue to preserve and live our identities, beliefs, teachings and practices. Social workers can be seen as a professional practice that can help the wisdom move forward. Social workers can help individuals understand the people who are offering help are not the experts. Social workers can help the influence of Aboriginal people on our society to be self-determined. Emphasize on speaking from the heart, which suggests speaking with personal emotional experience, insight and honesty