Author Archives: Jo

Walking Alongside Webinar Series with Monique Gray Smith and Jo Chrona

I have the joy of being able to have an extended conversation with Monique Gray-Smith. In this 4-part webinar series we explore the synergies between our work in a combination of presentation and conversation. Attendees will be able to add … Continue reading

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If Not Here, Then Where?

If there are few or no Indigenous learners in a school or classroom, is there still a need to ensure that all non-Indigenous learners learn about learn about, and from, First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, cultures, and histories? The … Continue reading

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Epistemic Racism, Indigenous Knowledges, and Curriculum

Understanding just how pervasive various forms of racism are in education systems will be the continued work of the next few years. As we learn about, and begin to address, some types of systemic racism, such as the racism of … Continue reading

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Ways Forward – Is Decolonization Even Possible?

In recent years, often in relation to Reconciliation, the concept of decolonizing various public sectors has gained traction. But what does this mean? I often wonder if it is possible to decolonize systems, especially our education system, which is an … Continue reading

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Indigenous-Specific Racism in Education – Challenging Biases and Assumptions

We all have biases that we have developed based on our life experiences, and how we have interpreted those experiences. Biases serve a purpose for us as thinking short-cuts that help us organize our perceptions of the world. Our professional … Continue reading

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How Do I Avoid Cultural Appropriation in My Classroom or School?

While educators are encouraged to integrate Indigenous knowledges into schools and classrooms, people have also become aware that respectful inclusion of Indigenous resources means avoiding cultural appropriation or exploitation, and misusing or misrepresenting Indigenous knowledges. Educators often ask about the … Continue reading

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Authentic Indigenous Resources

If we are respecting the First Peoples Principles of Learning and Indigenous knowledge systems, we need to ensure that our classrooms and schools are full of rich, authentic Indigenous resources. This is important for First Nations, Inuit and Métis learners … Continue reading

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A Vision of a System

(a snippet of Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies: An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education, anticipated publishing date – September, 2022) Many people talk about the need to improve education systems, to create system-wide shifts in values, structures, and processes to … Continue reading

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Yes, A Focus on Achievement Is Important

In recent years I have noticed a tendency for some educators to shy away from talking about the need to support the achievement of Indigenous learners. A group of senior leaders in a school district were discussing what they could … Continue reading

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The Power of Tension and Hope

I write the following for every Indigenous educator doing the work we do – and for anyone else for whom this resonates. On tension. I live in places of tension in the tension between the holistic and affirming educational experiences … Continue reading

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