How We're Extending Decolonization to Our Community
As an organization that supports in educating our next generation of leaders and critical thinkers, we recognize the impact that we have within our community and beyond and believe that we have a responsibility to take action in creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.
In order to expand on this purpose and extend our impact beyond our facility walls, our Capstone WilderFutures Group joined our team to create an educational fundraiser for Urban Society Aboriginal Youth! Through deep reflection, learning and unlearning, our team created The alliedFutures Project; an incredible campaign that moves beyond a monetary donation. Read on to learn more about their experience and key takeaways from their project.
The allied futures project encompasses our philosophy of community and internal growth. We have worked alongside different key knowledge holders and the director of USAY LeeAnne Ireland to create an online platform where people who are committed to making a difference can come and educate themselves. The alliedFutures project is a guided learning tool that allows participants to read, listen, watch and reflect on Canada’s relationship with Indigenous People and the ways in which we can work, as a community, towards Truth and Reconciliation. We found that creating a space to dedicate foundational teaching of Canadian History is very important when it comes to Truth and Reconciliation.
When we first partnered with USAY and WilderFutures in September 2021, the goal of our project was to create a fundraiser for USAY. After months of going back and forth with our journey toward decolonization, we came to understand as a team that the very concept of fundraising is rooted in colonialism. After reflecting deeply within our own teachings and understandings of this knowledge, we wondered how we could create a community of learners willing and wanting to take the journey from sitting in truth, to Reconciliation and action. We understood education and knowledge was the key component so we worked hard to create a brave and ethical space between community members where they can come and educate themselves and truly understand the steps towards Truth and Reconciliation.
The philosophy that has surrounded this project has been the concept “education is power”. We want to promote a safe and brave space where people can come together and learn and grow. Creating an ethical space is crucial when coming together as a community and has the capacity to unite us even stronger through our journey in becoming an ally. Truth and Reconciliation only works when both parties sit together and create an authentic understanding of each other and we strongly believe the five steps within our toolkit can help guide that journey.
Learning and Truth and Reconciliation are two concepts that are never ending. Our team would love to see the alliedFutures project continue to grow and the content within to continue changing and evolving alongside our understanding and knowledge. We have laid the groundwork knowing in five years our toolkit will look different as will our Treaty 7 community.
Authored by,
Anna Larden, Kayla Oschipok, Kate Arnfinson and Erin Manywounds.
While the alliedFutures Project has come to a close, we recognize that this work is never ‘complete’, but rather an ongoing journey that involves continuous review and reflection.
Thank you to the MRU Capstone Team, USAY, our guest speakers and our community for joining us in this journey as we work towards creating a brighter future for all. Collectively, we raised $10,000 for USAY, supporting them in empowering Indigenous youth.
To continue on this journey, we encourage you to take a look back on the alliedFutures Toolkit and Knowledge Sharing Series from time to time, and to seek out additional learning opportunities to expand your knowledge and understanding. To purchase the alliedFutures Project for yourself, your team or your organization, visit our shop page here.