In the article, Learning from Place: A Return to Traditional Mushkegowuk Ways of Knowing, there are a few places where we see examples of reinhabitation and decolonization. Reinhabitation is to “identify, recover, and create material spaces and places that teach us how to live well in our total environments”, and decolonization is to “ identify and change ways of thinking that injure and exploit other people and places” (Restoule, et al., 2013). An example that we see reinhabitation in the article is how the youth and the elders worked together to recover significant places in their culture. The youth conducted interviews with elders on issues related to land, the river and the community, and they also went on excursions as they “travelled on traditional waters and lands, exploring history, language, issues of governance, and the land management” (Restoule et al., 2013). This same idea can be tied into decolonization as well. As a result from learning about the historical and cultural significance of land, the youth were able to connect with their cultural roots wherein they gained more understanding and appreciation of their culture. Another example of decolonization from the article is the sharing of knowledge that took place in the project. By sharing knowledge, other people were able to challenge their ways of thinking on certain topics about the Mushkegowuk history and culture.
“Rehabilitation and decolonization goes hand in hand” (Restoule et al., 2013). I believe that these two ideas are very important for students to learn from a very young age. Colonialism is a part of history, and a lot of the events following it have caused oppression in our society in several ways. I believe that as an educator, I have the responsibility to unpack these ideas and make sure that my students are set on the right track in a society where issues such as racism, inequalities and discrimination are present. I believe that each student deserves a respectful and accepting environment to learn and live in. On another hand, educating my students on the knowledge of preserving and sustaining the environment is important. For example, the topic on “Sustainability” in Science and Social Studies by reusing, reducing, recycling materials is very useful in keeping our environment healthy. This is also a way of respecting Indigenous ways and cultures as land and water are very sacred to them.
Reference: Restoule, J. P., Gruner, S, Metawabin, E. (2013). Learning from place” a return to traditional Mushkegowuk ways of knowing. Canadian Journal of Education, 36 (2) 68-86.