A cultural autoethnography: a settler’s journey towards decolonization through self-reflexivity
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Date
2022
Authors
Luck, Chloe
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education
Abstract
Before colonization, Southern Alberta was home to the Siksikaitsitapi or the Blackfoot confederacy. From the moment of contact, relations with Settlers have impacted the lives of the Blackfoot people. The enactment of the Indian Act, the formation of reserve lands, and the enforcement of residential school systems are some of the historical methods used to eliminate Indigenous culture (Mitchell, 2020). Indigenous people continue to face a disproportionate amount of trauma and discrimination (Currie, Schopocher, Laing, & Veugelers, 2012). The federal government has focused on reconciling its relationship with Indigenous people, but this must include a decolonization of colonial mentalities. Through an autoethnographical method, I explore my understanding of the Blackfoot culture to evoke change on the individual level. Intentional self-reflexivity is applied to promote a cultural awakening. Through the analysis of personal story, the process of decolonization is initiated and through story encourages the reader to initiate their own decolonization.
Description
Keywords
Autoethnography , Blackfoot culture , Decolonization , Decolonization of self , Self-reflexivity , Cultural awakening