Decolonization and Me

Willie Poll is a Métis author from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada) and a proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous studies and a Master of Arts in archaeology. She grew up with a close relationship to her Métis grandpa who told stories that connected her to her ancestors and culture. Willie has worked in Indigenous education across the Nation for over 10 years. Her stories are her feelings, emotions, and her tribute to the youth in her life. Willie currently resides on Prince Edward Island as a guest on the traditional lands of the Wabanaki and Mi’kma’ki people; however, she lives a nomadic lifestyle and has had the opportunity to be a guest in many places across Turtle Island. Micaela Gilbert is an Anishinaabe artist from Sagkeeng First Nation, now living in Winnipeg, Manitoba located on Treaty 1 Territory. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Manitoba.

“Kristy and Phyllis’ book Decolonization and Me is a powerful call for all of us to increase our awareness and more importantly, to act. Through their story-telling, interwoven with historical information and insights, these authors have modeled the importance of telling Indigenous peoples’ stories of struggle and resistance through factual information about the brutal history of Canada. The genuineness and authenticity of their voices speaks to our hearts and our minds as we engage with their often painful lived experiences. The clarity of their words resonates and challenges us to examine our own positionality. Kristy and Phyllis’ ongoing courage at confronting denier comments through using social media examples, and their unique approach to calling out the toxicity of online anonymity, bring a new way to reclaim reality and truth. This book takes the reader on a complex journey, involving us throughout as we move toward reconciliation, recognizing that the journey is a long and circuitous one that is never completed but always revealing new understandings of ourselves and our role in reconciliation as we make steps to a more socially just world.”– Kathy Sanford, Professor, Interim Associate Dean Graduate Programs & Research

• IntroductionGeneral IntroductionPhyllis’s IntroductionKristy’s IntroductionRationale for bookTerminology for the Work of DecolonizationPart One: Denial of the TruthQuestions We’ve Been Asked Related to Denial of the TruthUnderstanding Denialism in HealingForms of Denialism Directly Related to DecolonizationRacist StereotypingIndigenous Experiences with Racist StereotypesHistorical DenialPhyllis’ Experiences with Historical DenialMinimizationCollective Reluctance and Its PurposeThe Difference Between Dissociation and DenialismEffect of Denial and Denialism on HealingDenial of the Truth and YouConclusionReflection Questions for YouPart Two: Awareness and Acknowledgment of the TruthQuestions We’ve Been Asked Related to Awareness and Acknowledgement of the TruthUnderstanding, Awareness, and Acknowledgement in HealingAwareness and Acknowledgment of Canada’s Colonial HistoryKey Moments of ColonizationIndian ActLand DispossessionForced AssimilationCultural SuppressionThe Royal ProclamationPublic Acknowledgements of ResponsibilityAwareness and Acknowledgement of the Truth and YouPrivilegeConclusionReflection Questions for YouPart Three: Acceptance and Facing Responsibility on the Path of Truth and ReconciliationQuestions We’ve Been Asked Related to Acceptance and Facing Responsibility on the Path of Truth and ReconciliationReckoning with the Past—Confronting Pain and DenialTaking Responsibility on the Path of Truth and Reconciliation and YouWhat is Allyship?Decolonizing Knowledge and Seeking Indigenous PerspectivesAddressing the Injustices and Their Ongoing EffectsConclusionReflection Questions for YouPart Four: Moving Forward on the Path of Healing TogetherQuestions We’ve Been Asked Related to Moving Forward on the Path of Healing TogetherWhat is Reconciliation?Why Engage in Reconciliation?Reconciliation and YouHow Can Reconciliation Happen?When Will Reconciliation Be Done? Reflection Questions for YouEndings and Beginnings: Cycles of Learning and GrowthAfterword: “My whole life has been an act of decolonization”Sources