CURRICULUM UNPACKING IMPLICIT BIAS
As education teams continue to work towards creating safer and more inclusive spaces, we need to continue to examine our own implicit biases. Everyone has implicit biases, and only by developing an awareness of oneself are we able to step into unlearning, unpacking, and appreciating the necessity of having an anti-oppressive lens towards the work that happens in a classroom or community.
A starting point when unpacking your own implicit bias is to seek oppor- tunities with people who are already engaged in the work of anti-racism and anti-oppression. Book clubs and podcasts within professional net- works, are made up of communities of educators, education workers, and non-Indigenous people working on understanding their lens and posi- tionality in the world. Participating in book discussions aimed specifi - cally at anti-racism, anti-oppression, Indigenous Education and Truth and Reconciliation are growing in popu- larity and provide the opportunity for deep discussions, learning, and ongo- ing unlearning.
It is important in Addressing and Challenging Implicit Biases, to recognize one’s own unconscious use of language, longstanding beliefs, and assumptions, and then to take one step further, and interrupt these be- haviours. This work falls solely on the person looking to create change. It re- quires oneself to immerse themselves in opportunities for conversation, education, and changed behaviours moving forward.
Questions for consideration are:
1. How are we intentional in provid- ing opportunities for students and groups to identify and inter- rogate their own implicit biases?
2. Are we addressing issues that arise in the classroom equitably?
40 E ETFO VOICE | WINTER 2022TFO VOICE | WINTER 2022
In looking at oneself, it is important to question what biases one holds towards two-spirit people. Do I have pre-conceived ideas based on stereotypes, misinformation, or religious beliefs? Am I approaching my refl ections with honesty and humility so that I can unlearn and do better?
Christianity and colonization impacted two- spirit people greatly. Indigenous communi- ties are not immune to the discrimination of two-spirit people, this discrimination happens both inside and outside of Indig- enous communities. The residential school system and Christianization of Indigenous communities indoctrinated values that forced children into binary boxes, stripping them of their teachings, gifts, and the legacy of ancestors’ contributions to communities and history. Historically, two-spirit people were warriors, healers, artists, active mem- bers in the community and respected, today, they continue to reclaim these positions. Colonization and fi rst contact with the rigid understandings of gender, sexuality, and spirituality, instigated the vilifi cation of the two-spirit identity and ways of being. Above all, this is compounded by their Indigeneity. A person’s journey to reclaim their identi- ties, complicated by the trauma of residential school, intergenerational legacies, racism, and discrimination, is not an easy one.
Highlighting two-spirit people in com- munities today, is essential for others to see beyond the trappings of binary think- ing, stereotypes, and misunderstandings. Barbara Bruce, an entrepreneur, academic and Michif speaker, shares their experi- ence in business while incorporating their traditional teachings and ways of life. Dr. James Makokis, season seven winner on the popular TV show, Amazing Race, is a family physician, previous national spokesperson and presenter for a variety of events and conferences. Dr. Makokis’ ad- vocacy work focuses on Indigenous youth and Indigenous health and transgender healthcare. Just two of many examples of two-spirit leaders on Turtle Island sharing their gifts with others. Including gender di- verse individuals shows potential pathways and hope for students looking forward to careers and opportunities.
As an ally, it is important to self-assess for implicit bias, acknowledge, and address it. Cultural humility is necessary and fl exibility in thinking for a growth mindset. Catching oneself in the moment, or when an issue is being brought to light by another colleague or student can be diffi cult. But, through the practice of cultural humility, recogniz- ing the unconscious bias in practices and acknowledging it, models for others that change is possible.
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