Our future, and the well-being of all our children rests with the kind of relationships we build today.– Chief Dr. Robert Joseph
As Indigenous Knowledge is a wide and diverse are for discussion and implementation, focussing on a key area could be a good way to start building in Indigenous Knowledge. I have covered three areas for consideration.
SPACE
Physical and spiritual space needs to reflect the project. Looking at the art work of Cardinal for example.
Building activities with the concept of Indigenous Knowledge recognizes the act of healing and sharing that comes from this. While in the past through colonial attempts to take away, Indigenous Knowledge projects are part of the revival, going forward to build and repair. There is no easy fix to this work ahead, and space will need to be considered for this to happen successfully.
Key Considerations for space?
- Creating a welcoming environment can look and feel different for everyone.
- Think about the look and feel of spaces.
- What sort of natural light exists for example vs, other looks and feels of a space?
- What is the feel of the space, is it heavy, institutional? If so, how can the space be softened?
- What would be important in seeing in this space?
Land spaces? Natural spaces in community that are significant? Spaces in a community that foster growth and learning. These matter. Creating a running list of spaces can be a way to decide which is the best suited, considering too, abilities of people attending.
TIME
Time is of the essence. Time is not a rushed concept. To Indigenous people and families, time can mean a different way of looking at the world all together. Considering time helps to build a momentum for what happens next and for the relationships that are being developed. Time can mean many different things as time is a concept that means something different to everyone. From an intergenerational approach, time would mean something to an Elder, and something completely different to a child.
Consider how and what time means for you?
What and how do you think about what is your responsibility, or obligation?
What and how can you think about time in a way that reflects a wholistic approach?
RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships are crucial in any organization and solidify a project. Crucial here is building good solid relationships which provide trust, respect, and promote growth. Growth is about transforming into a place that respects change, and can involve conversation or other areas to build upon. Change and transformation. A wholistic focus on relationships from knowledge keepers, Elders, and the others involved in the learning experience helps to support the building a project.
–What relationships are important for you?
– Consider the wide range of relationships in your daily exposure? What and how would this impact your learning, and understanding of launching an Indigenous Knowledge Project?
While this is a short commentary on Launching a Successful Indigenous Knowledge Project, it lays out some considerations that are important.
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