Steps on the Path towards Decolonization: A Reflection on Learning, Experience, and Practice in Academic Support at the University of Manitoba

This essay comes out of a panel presentation featured at the 2018 Canadian Association Writing Centres Conference entitled, “Steps on the Path of Decolonization” where representatives of the Academic Learning Centre and the Indigenous Student Centre from the University of Manitoba collaborated to di...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Discourse and Writing/Rédactologie
Main Authors: Monique Dumontet, Marion Kiprop, Carla Loewen
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
French
Published: Canadian Association for the Study of Discourse and Writing 2019
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doaj.org/article/eeb9e62d376f4ac4afdbb9d80100ca1b
Description
Summary:This essay comes out of a panel presentation featured at the 2018 Canadian Association Writing Centres Conference entitled, “Steps on the Path of Decolonization” where representatives of the Academic Learning Centre and the Indigenous Student Centre from the University of Manitoba collaborated to discuss how our student support offices have made efforts at decolonizing our work. We three women of Canadian Settler, International, and Indigenous backgrounds reflect on how the journey on the path towards decolonization has been for us personally, and on how post-secondary institutions can move forward with the work of decolonization, particularly within Writing/Learning Centres. Key themes included the need for ongoing learning, the value of building collaborative relationships, and the importance of creating safe and inviting spaces. Our conclusions suggest that decolonization is a complex journey for individuals and for post-secondary institutions. To begin in a good way, the writers would like to acknowledge that we work at the University of Manitoba, which is located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.