I often hear the phrase “nothing about us, without us.” So, how can I do this work on my own as a non-Indigenous person? Who will support/guide me?

The idea of “nothing about us, without us” is rooted in the issue of Indigenous communities being left out of policy making decisions that intimately shape, influence, and impact their lives.

For non-Indigenous folks, especially in STEM fields where our understanding of and connections to Indigenous histories, cultures, and knowledge is often limited, there is hesitancy to do this work without direct guidance from and partnership with Indigenous Peoples. The calls to action outlined in the TRC and UBC ISP were created and written by Indigenous Peoples and, as such, it is now the turn of non-Indigenous people to participate in the work. This is not to say that you have to do it alone without consultation, but that it’s now time for everyone to do their part and to be mindful not to burden their Indigenous colleagues or peers with furthering their own understanding and education on the matters at hand.

As you engage in this work, seek out other people or communities with whom you can discuss and further your learning. You could co-organize a reading group, attend workshops/events together, and/or collaborate on projects that focus on Indigenizing curriculum and learning spaces.