Member-only story

Confronting Settler Colonialism in Higher Education: A Call for Decolonization and Indigenization

Ernest Powell

·8.6k Followers· Follow

Published in No Study Without Struggle: Confronting Settler Colonialism In Higher Education

5 min read

731 View Claps

99 Respond

Save

Listen

No Study Without Struggle: Confronting Settler Colonialism in Higher Education

by Leigh Patel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2897 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Higher education institutions, once heralded as bastions of knowledge and enlightenment, have long been complicit in perpetuating the legacy of settler colonialism. Rooted in the violent dispossession and assimilation of Indigenous peoples, settler colonialism has shaped the very foundations of these institutions, from their curricula to their governance structures.

Settler Colonialism: An Unacknowledged Presence

Settler colonialism is often overlooked or downplayed in mainstream discourses, yet its insidious presence permeates every aspect of higher education. It manifests in the dominance of Eurocentric knowledge systems, the erasure of Indigenous histories and perspectives, and the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous students and faculty.

The Eurocentric curriculum, a cornerstone of higher education, privileges Western knowledge and epistemologies while relegating Indigenous knowledge systems to the fringes. This hierarchy of knowledge reflects the power dynamics of settler colonialism, which has sought to suppress and delegitimize Indigenous ways of knowing.

Furthermore, the historical erasure of Indigenous cultures and histories in educational settings has contributed to a profound cultural genocide. By silencing Indigenous voices and perspectives, higher education institutions have perpetuated a narrative of settler dominance and Indigenous inferiority.

The Urgent Need for Decolonization

Recognizing the profound harms wrought by settler colonialism in higher education, it is imperative to embark on a process of decolonization. Decolonization involves critically examining and dismantling the structures, practices, and ideologies that perpetuate settler colonialism within educational institutions.

Decolonizing education requires a fundamental shift in power dynamics. It necessitates giving voice to Indigenous knowledge systems, perspectives, and experiences. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge into the curriculum, universities can challenge the hegemony of Western thought and foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Moreover, decolonization entails acknowledging and confronting the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Land acknowledgment statements, truth and reconciliation initiatives, and Indigenous mentorship programs are essential steps towards creating a more just and restorative campus culture.

Indigenization: A Path to Reconciliation

Complementing decolonization is the process of indigenization, which involves actively incorporating Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and values into all aspects of higher education. Indigenization recognizes the unique contributions of Indigenous peoples to knowledge, culture, and society.

Indigenizing education involves creating culturally relevant curricula, establishing Indigenous research centers, and supporting Indigenous faculty and students. By fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among Indigenous students, indigenization contributes to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous cultures.

Moreover, indigenization challenges the dominant narratives of settler colonialism and promotes a more inclusive and respectful understanding of history, culture, and society.

A Call to Action

Confronting settler colonialism in higher education is an urgent task that requires the collective efforts of students, faculty, administrators, and community members. It demands a fundamental re-examination of educational practices and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable learning environment.

We call upon higher education institutions to:

Acknowledge the ongoing legacy of settler colonialism and its impact on Indigenous peoples.
Implement comprehensive decolonization strategies that dismantle Eurocentric curricula and power structures.
Incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives into all aspects of the curriculum.
Establish Indigenous research centers and support Indigenous faculty and students.
Implement land acknowledgment statements and truth and reconciliation initiatives.

By taking these steps, higher education institutions can contribute to the decolonization and indigenization of society, creating a more just and inclusive future for all.

Indigenous Student Studying In A University Library With A Book On Decolonization And Indigenization. No Study Without Struggle: Confronting Settler Colonialism In Higher Education

As we strive to dismantle the legacy of settler colonialism in higher education, it is crucial to remember that decolonization is not simply a process of removing or replacing Eurocentric knowledge. Rather, it is a transformative journey that embraces diversity, recognizes the validity of Indigenous knowledge systems, and fosters a deep respect for Indigenous cultures and histories.

The time for action is now. Let us work together to create a higher education system that truly reflects the values of justice, equity, and inclusivity for all.

No Study Without Struggle: Confronting Settler Colonialism in Higher Education

by Leigh Patel

4.6 out of 5