what does it mean to decolonize?

Decolonization is used in many different context by many different people.

According to the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, decolonization refers to “challenging colonial influences and dismantling and replacing structures that perpetuate the status quo using Indigenous perspectives.”

In Pulling Together: a Guide for Curriculum Developers, decolonization is “the process of deconstructing colonial ideologies of the superiority and privilege of Western thought and approaches. Decolonization involves valuing and revitalizing Indigenous knowledge and approaches, and rethinking Western biases or assumptions that have impacted Indigenous ways of being.”

Elaine Alec, Facilitator and founder of Cultivating Safe Spaces, has spoken of decolonization as the process of replacing systems rooted in fear, power, and sickness with systems rooted in love, trust, and well-being.

With so many definitions and perspectives, the decolonial journey can feel confusing and overwhelming. I love what Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee, Decolonial Creative and Educator has to say about decolonization.

“Decolonizing is a lot like the word healing, it is different for every body every day, there is no final end point, and it’s not easy. Nobody knows exactly what it looks like, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work towards achieving it.”

let’s take some time to reflect and shine a light on where our hearts, minds, and spirits have been hijacked by colonial ways of thinking and being.

Set up a comfortable space. Perhaps light a candle and take a few long, slow, and intentional breaths. Notice what sensations are present in your body, what thoughts are present in your mind.

In a notebook, reflect on the following prompts:

• What comes up for me when I hear the word decolonization? What sensations do I feel in my body? What thoughts do I notice in my mind? Is there any imagery that arises?

• What information could the above be offering me? What is this telling me about how I relate to the conversation around decolonization?

• If colonialism is a system built on fear, power, and sickness, where am I upholding that system in my home, my work, or my community? In what ways do I knowingly and unknowingly contribute to colonialism?

• If the antidote to colonialism is a system built on love, trust, and well-being, where do I contribute to the creation of that system in my home, my work, or my community? What further opportunities do I see to create this system within my sphere of influence?

• What sabotaging behaviours or limiting beliefs have I been grappling with? Could it be possible that these actions and thoughts are rooted in colonial ways of thinking and being?

• If yes, how might I decolonize mySelf and find healing in these areas?

• Knowing the decolonial journey is a long and difficult process, what tools, practices or relationships will help me cultivate the endurance to stay on this journey for the long haul?