Indigenization, Decolonization, and Reconciliation

Indigenization

Indigenization is a process of naturalizing Indigenous knowledge systems and making them evident to transform spaces, places, and hearts.

Decolonization

Decolonization refers to the process of deconstructing colonial ideologies of the superiority and privilege of Western thought and approaches.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is about addressing past wrongs done to Indigenous Peoples, making amends, and improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to create a better future for all.

The relationship between Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation 

Decolonization is a component of Indigenization because it means challenging the dominance of Western thought and bringing Indigenous thought to the forefront. Indigenization is part of reconciliation, because it involves creating a new relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. However, these processes have important distinctions. Most notably, reconciliation is primarily a settler responsibility, which includes anyone whose ancestors are not originally from Turtle Island, or North America, whereas Indigenous peoples must lead decolonization. In addition, the emotional work of reconciliation is different from that of Indigenization and decolonization, which are less focused on making amends for past traumas and instead on mainstreaming Indigenous thought.