Words Matter. The terms and language we use can have a direct impact on how students feel valued. When presenting information or research about Native communities, it is vital that we acknowledge the vibrant Native Nations, Tribes, and communities that are thriving today. Many Native students are faced with classrooms that unintentionally refer to Native communities in extinction-based language, as if they only existed in the past. This can have devastating effects on how Native students perceive their own identities, their value to our fields and disciplines, and even their value at UNCG. Taking time to reflect on your examples and language choices to include both historically inclusive narratives and modern communities is essential.
Make Native Stories Visible. When a student sees themselves represented in course content and materials, they see themselves as valued future scholars. However, Marie Battiste (2017) reminds us that the process of colonization is ongoing and alive in the continuation of educational practices rooted in cognitive imperialism. Through acts of mental manipulation, cognitive imperialism seeks to devalue/disconnect knowledge systems and histories of the colonized in favor of a Eurocentric model that “…asserts the distinction between [the colonizer and colonized] lies in the superior quality of the European mind or spirit…” (Battiste, 2017). This creates a space where Native students and the knowledge they bring are made invisible, in turn Native students can quickly feel isolated and believe that their knowledge is not welcomed within the academy. It is important that we examine our disciplines and challenge narratives that dismiss or do not include Indigenous Knowledge as an equal knowledge system.
Land Acknowledgement. Space is important in Indigenous culture. Acknowledging the theft of land from Indigenous tribes is another way to show respect. Consider acknowledging the original ownership of the land on which your establishment is built in your syllabus and other course materials. This native land map can show you whose land you are occupying, and the Native Governance Center website provides guidelines on how to craft your land acknowledgement. Such a statement shows your students you are aware of the injustices and indigenous people are not invisible in your classroom. The UNCG Sample Syllabus contains a sample land acknowledgement among other inclusive syllabus statements. You can also consider adding a land acknowledgement to your email signature.