Indigenizing the Academy

Tuesday, Nov 12, 2019

1:30pm - 3:30pm

Lecture by:
Erin Hodson

Since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions final report and the 94 Calls to Action in 2015, the TRC has challenged Canada to begin the process of redressing the colonial violence that affects Indigenous people living in Canada today. How do we begin to redress over 500 years of colonial violence? How do we begin to create space for Indigenous ways of knowing and being into Canadian society? My personal answer: it begins with education. True and honest education at every level of schooling in this country is the only way to begin to fix the gap that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. As Wilfrid Laurier’s Indigenous Curriculum Specialist, I have been tasked with supporting the university in creating space for Indigenous ways of knowing and being. It is a great task to undertake, and it will not be complete tomorrow or any time soon, but that does not mean that we do not begin the process of reimagining what education can be in this country. I have been asked many times what it means for a university to indigenize their education. I do not have all of the answers, but I have some ideas of where to begin. I also have my own educational journey and my ancestors to guide me.

About The Lecturer

Erin Hodson

Erin Hodson is Wilfrid Laurier’s Indigenous Curriculum Specialist. Erin is of Mohawk descent, and received her MEd with a focus on the Social and Cultural Context of Education from Brock University in 2017. For almost 10 years, Erin worked for the Tecumseh Centre for Aboriginal Research and Education where she created and taught courses focusing on Canadian history through the understanding of the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. Erin has been involved in several research projects investigating the state of Indigenous education in Canada. During her research, Erin has witnessed firsthand the benefits of engaging with Indigenous culture for both her own people’s sense of self within mainstream education and for benefit of non-Indigenous people. Erin has been an outspoken advocate for including Indigenous content throughout all levels of education.