Module 2: Communication and Collaboration
Words Matter
Defining the principle of communication and collaboration
A lot of time and preparation is required to establish meaningful relationships and collaboration across Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures, communities, and initiatives. Laying a strong foundation by establishing trusting relationships with the people, organizations, and communities with whom you wish to collaborate is essential to the success of your project.
Learner notes
Fundamental knowledge of communication and collaboration
- Invest in the time required to establish trusting and meaningful relationships with your students and your host Nation.
- Know that each student and community member may communicate and collaborate differently based on history, cultural values, and lived experiences.
- Be patient. Your investment of time can lead to effective communication and collaboration in Indigenous digital literacy work.
Why words matter
In Canada, historically, terminology has often been used in ways that has been damaging to Indigenous Peoples and communities. These terms came from a deficit-based patriarchal approach that still exists today.
Purposefully using the best and most respectful words is being respectful, accurate, and responsible.
The language we use is important. It can create a sense of empowerment, identity, and pride in people.
It can also do the opposite. Language and words can promote stereotypes and isolate people. It can continue outdated narratives and cause harm to both individuals and communities.
Communications with Indigenous Peoples
The following section introduces learners to terms to use in communication with Indigenous Peoples and about Indigenous Peoples.
Learner notes
Pre- and post-contact
Each individual Indigenous culture has its own creation story that predates the arrival of Europeans on Turtle Island, now commonly known as North America.
Recognizing that Indigenous Peoples have pre-contact and post-contact history is important in respectful and accurate communications.
Saying America was discovered by Columbus is incorrect. There were an estimated 100 million Indigenous Peoples living on Turtle Island when the Europeans arrived.
Referring to “prehistory” must always be avoided as it implies that Indigenous Peoples began with the arrival of Europeans. Replacing “prehistory” with “pre- and post-contact” is required.
Use: “pre-contact” and “post-contact”
Don’t use: “prehistory” or “discovered by Columbus”
Indigenous Peoples of Canada
Indigenous Peoples are independent, sovereign nations that predate Euro-colonial states and are not “owned” by Euro-colonial states. Indigenous communication and collaboration style avoids the use of possessives that imply ownership. The appropriate phrasing is Indigenous Peoples of Canada. This also applies to provinces, cities, etc.
Examples of what we can say are “the Indigenous Peoples of B.C.” or “the Indigenous population of Vancouver.”
Saying Canada’s Indigeno