Takeaways from the Faculty Dialogue on Reconciliation and Decolonization with Siila Watt-Cloutier

1. WHAT ARE THREE ADJECTIVES YOU WOULD USE TO "NAME THE MOMENT WE ARE IN" IN REFERENCE TO DECOLONIZATION AND RECONCILIATION?

2. WHERE AND HOW ARE WE AS SCHOLARS AND PRACTITIONERS WITHIN THE SFU COMMUNITY MOST EFFECTIVELY POSITIONED TO INTERVENE IN THESE CONVERSATIONS? 

A prominent theme that emerged from this discussion was allyship. In order to have meaningful conversations about decolonization and reconciliation, non-Indigenous allies must be conscious of their positionality and power within different systems. As an institution committed to decolonization, we must put Indigenous scholars and practitioners at the forefront of this work and follow their leadership. A critical part of decolonizing is working in relationship with one another, recognizing our positionalities, and supporting the leadership of those with lived experience.

Being committed to this work is emotionally demanding and can feel isolating at times. Participants highlighted that another significant theme was self-care. In order to sustain the work toward social justice and reconciliation, we must take care of our minds, bodies, and spirits. An essential part of self-care is also recognizing one’s own boundaries and honouring one’s own capacity. One participant shared: “You can work on saving your culture or fighting the system, but you can’t do both. We’re not that superhuman.” This comment resonated with many and illuminated how we must bring our gifts to this work in the way we can while honouring our limits.

3. WHAT SUPPORTS DO WE NEED TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE IN A HEART HEALTHY WAY?

A key theme that emerged from this dialogue is that institutional support is key for decolonization. This dialogue discussed how SFU must continue to commit resources and time dedicated to supporting Indigenous leadership and Indigenous led initiatives. Several participants also highlighted the fact that dialogues like these were necessary and essential spaces for healing conversations. Creating safe spaces for dialogue not only allows us to deepen relationships with one another, but to reimagine our roles within the institution for systemic change. In sum, institutional support that fosters relationship building and safe spaces is a key part of supporting Indigenous peoples and allies to survive and thrive in a heart healthy way.