What do the terms Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation mean?

See this Pulling Together guide for definitions and discussions of the terms Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.

Be mindful that these terms are broad and, as such, do not capture specific actions and/or topics needing attention. Providing more detail about the particular aspect of Indigenization, decolonization, and/or reconciliation you are speaking to or engaging in is important (e.g. understanding and respecting Indigenous human rights and sovereignty, weaving together Western and Indigenous ways of knowing, respectfully integrating relevant readings or case studies from a diverse group of scientists).

Recently, there has been criticism of the overuse of these terms in higher education which is explored in this article by Gaudry & Lorenz (2018). It is important to note that Indigenous Peoples don’t necessarily identify with or agree with the use of these terms, because of the connotations and meanings these terms hold and because of the lack of action associated with their use.

References

Gaudry, A., & Lorenz, D. (2018). Indigenization as inclusion, reconciliation, and decolonization: navigating the different visions for indigenizing the Canadian Academy. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 14(3), 218–227. https://doi.org/10.1177/1177180118785382