- Evaluate Your Own Biases
You may believe in something or live a certain way, but that does not mean that it is right or relevant for someone else or for another culture. Acknowledging one’s own biases can bring to light the root of your prejudices and stereotypes, that you otherwise may have not known you even had. Personal bias is formed by the different influences around us. They mold us. It is my hope that people experience the conviction to reflect, becoming more self-aware in order for their personal biases to become more clear to them. Not only the clarity is needed but the depth of knowing how damaging our own biases actually can be to another person. If not addressed, personal biases risk becoming oppressive.
- Categorization
Categorizing stems from making assumptions. These assumptions can be strongly influenced by the stereotypes or prejudices we may hold. They are all connected. Something that categories do, is make us comfortable. However, I think that one of the most negative implications of categorization is that it limits people and puts them in a box. As a result, this hinders their identity; who they truly are. We have an inherent need to categorize, in order that whatever the topic of conversation may be, whether it is pertaining to something inanimate or animate, will make more sense to us.
Simply put, an example of categorization is, “white people”. Categorizing is not only limited to ethnicity but also associated with morality, ie. “religious”, “pagan”, “feminist”, etc. In other words, categorization creates a label for something or someone, making us feel as though we know all about them based off of the category we put them in. This results in a blind comfortability. Anything outside of that comfort zone we automatically deem as taboo or, “outside the norm”. Asking someone to go against this common trajectory of thought, is expecting someone to reorient their mind, the way that they think and in some cases, change the way that they live. This is uncomfortable, and will not happen overnight but I believe it is necessary in order to live in harmony.
Let’s try our best to see one another as humans, connecting spirit to spirit, and heart to heart, fostering healthy relationships and community.
- Don’t be Afraid to ask Questions
If you fail to enquire, then you will be left not knowing and falling prey to making assumptions. If you do not ask questions, you will never learn. Think about it, how many questions do children ask on a daily basis? SO many, am I right? Asking questions will help you grow. Even those questions that seem so simple, ask them anyway. If you do not seek, you will remain ignorant. Please, hear me when I say, do not be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS. I can almost guarantee that there will be someone else who is wondering the same thing.
Always remember to be respectful and ask your questions in a good way. Whether you are asking a First Nations, Metis, or Innu person a question, they will more than likely be happy to share what they know and what they, themselves, have learned. If you are asking a First Nations person to share their knowledge with you, part of protocol is to give them a tobacco tie as an offering, from your left hand (same side/closest to the heart). This will also ensure that preventable measures are taken when it comes to possible cultural appropriation.
- Navigating Spaces
It is becoming increasingly relevant in our society to create what we call, “safe spaces” for people, especially minorities. I was reminded recently how important it is to work towards reconciliation, not only for Indigenous Peoples but for non-Indigenous peoples too. It is a two-way street. I think it is worth asking ourselves how exactly it is that we live this out in our own lives? How do we work towards creating safe spaces for people? In my own experience with this, it comes down to empathy; taking the time to listen to another, truly listen. When we listen intently, we can come to understand someone else’s story; where they come from, and what they have gone through. I have seen walls tumble down when this happens. People become real with each other, vulnerable and transparent. As a result, a safe space is created where individuals start opening up and telling their story. We are in this reconciliation journey together and the truth has to come first and the truth is often told through stories.
Disclaimer: sometimes, when the situation calls for it, an individual, in an act of courage and boldness, will speak up even in a seemingly unsafe space because they know that speaking the truth is more important than being comfortable.
“Whether we are young or old, whether our skin is light or dark, whether we are man or woman, we share a common humanity and are all headed for a common destiny. That should bind us together more strongly than divisions can push us apart. So long as anything other than love governs our relationship with others, we have work to do.” – Wab Kinew, The Reason You Walk