Decolonizing the "Self" - Reflections from Evert

Back in the summer of 2020, our wonderful social work practicum student Evert was doing a lot of learning, thinking, and work to support our anti-racism and decolonization efforts. Here is a reflection piece that she wrote and shared with us at the time!

By Evert Dzemua

The words ‘equity’ and ‘decolonization’ are increasingly becoming household words especially in professional circles and many of you must be wondering how this applies to you or how you can get involved. Obviously, the concepts of equity and decolonization are coming up within the context of reconciliation – as it relates to Canada’s colonial history. It is within this context that we are all called to play our part in acknowledging the harm that colonization has done to us as a people and as a nation.  

The work to bring about this change can sound messy and complicated but if we all start by taking a step at a time, the change will surely happen. Decolonization therefore requires a complete change in our way of seeing and interacting with each other and with the world around us.

So, what can we do to decolonize ourselves and begin to set this change in motion?

·         If this has not been your practice, then you need to embrace critical self-reflection:

o   Start by trying to understand ‘why you believe what you believe’. Get to know who you are as a person and how the various attributes that define you affect the outcome of every relationship that you get into. Your race, cultural values/beliefs, biases, class, gender, position, social location etc all have the potential to affect the outcome of your relationships in one way or another. Being aware and mindful of these, helps to guide/inform your actions and reactions.

o   It is ok to be vulnerable and to acknowledge it – but explore and address the source(s) of your vulnerability. Be gentle on yourself and give yourself time to learn and adjust to the changes

o   Pay attention to your body, listen and name any emotions that may come up during an encounter. Emotions speak to your positionality - which may or may not be a good thing depending on the context

·         Resist the urge to act as the all-knowing professional. There is humility in listening and learning. Remember that working together is always better.  

·         Maintain boundaries where necessary but focus more on building friendships / relationships

·         Change the lens through which you see professional situations – from one of risk/liability to one of accountability and responsibility

·         Become an advocate and speak up where necessary

·         Remember that ethics are rules that should be interpreted within context

·         Explore your relationship with the land – there are lessons to be learned from the ordinary things around you

References

Curry-Stevens, A. (2020). The canons of social work practice: Hiding colonization in plain sight. Course notes.

Methot, S. (2020). Creating a Culture of Equity and Reconciliation. Tamarack Institute Webinar

Nahanee, M. L. (2019). Decolonize first: A liberating guide and workbook for peeling back the layers of neocolonialism