Do we need to reimagine education? To me, the answer is that a healthier, more holistic, decolonized system of education has already been imagined and it is our responsibility to join in and take action on this revolution.
Let me begin by explaining that I was a very successful student in the school system because (in addition to my privilege as a white, middle-class student) I knew how to hack it. I knew how to get 100% in my courses, because I knew how to cram information into my short-term memory. I also felt deeply at the time that this was not genuine learning, and I was aware that I was not retaining or processing or feeling the content that I was learning.
In Gr. 12, after watching a video of Sir Ken Robinson in my English class, I felt inspired to write an essay called “The Degenerate Education of My Generation.” Even though I benefited from the system the way it was, I knew it wasn’t fair and that actually everyone in the school should be considered a “gifted” student like I was. I have always felt that the public school system does a disservice to humanity by crushing peoples’ confidence and creativity before they have time to blossom.
Learning about Indigenous ways of knowing and being in this program has been so inspiring and grounding to me, because a holistic pedagogy focused on both individual and community well-being, involving patience and time and encouraging each person’s unique gifts, has already existed for thousands of years. The First Peoples’ Principles of Learning are an excellent resource for anyone who agrees that it is time to “reimagine” education.
The main obstacles that I think educators face when trying to decolonize their practice include parent and colleague pushback. To counteract this force (which is coming from trauma and fear), teachers must surround themselves with a likeminded network of support, accountability, and inspiration. They also must work on healing their own creativity and confidence so that they can continue to go against the grain and accept that not everyone will understand.
There are so many brilliant educators, Elders, and knowledge-keepers already leading the way down this hopeful path, and I am excited to join the procession.