Practical strategies for de-centering eurocentrism as the ‘normative discourse’ within the context of university curriculum and pedagogical practices

The aim of this presentation is to critically examine what decolonizing and Indigenizing means within the context of university curriculum and pedagogical practices and its implications for teaching and learning. In addition, concrete examples of practical strategies to de-center eurocentrism from an Indigenous perspective in course syllabi along with insights, challenges and opportunities will be explored.

This is a free event, however, registration is required.

Prior to the seminar, join us for a light lunch from noon to 12:30 pm in the Centre Lounge. Please indicate your lunch RSVP for catering purposes when you register.

About the speaker

Donna Kahérakwas Goodleaf is Turtle Clan and is a citizen from the Kanien’kehaka (Mohawk) Nation, Kahnawake Territory, which is part of the Rotinonhsión:ni Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. She is a Kanien’kehá:ka educator and scholar who joined Concordia university in January of 2018 and is the Director of Decolonizing Curriculum and Pedagogy.

Her primary role is to develop university-wide training with Concordia faculty on Indigenous decolonizing and re- conceptualize curriculum and programs of study in ways that re-center the advancement and integration of Indigenous peoples’ diverse intellectual, scientific and cultural knowledge systems, worldviews, epistemologies, histories, research and pedagogies across all academic units. She currently serves on the Indigenous Directions Leadership Council, Concordia University and the National Indigenous University Senior Leadership Association. She also received a grant from the Chamandy foundation to develop a micropgram in Indigenous Land-Based Education in partnership with Concordia University, a local Kanien’kehá:ka community called Kahnawake non-profit business entity called Iontionhhéhkwen Wilderness Skills and the Chamandy foundation for undergraduate Indigenous and the wider Concordia students in general. Dr. Goodleaf also launched in the fall of 2023, a Five Year Plan on Decolonizing and Indigenizing Curriculum and Pedagogy for Concordia University.

Dr. Goodleaf has extensive years and experiences teaching in universities across Canada and the United States and has vast experiences working in Indigenous communities on a local, national and international level in the areas of Indigenous-centered education, language and cultural revitalization programs. Her current research interests are in decolonization, Indigenous land-based education, protection and promotion of Indigenous language and cultural rights, Indigenous land rights and rights to self-determination and Human Rights.

About events from the CrimSL Research Cluster for the Study of Race and Inequality

This workshop is presented by the CrimSL Research Cluster for the Study of Race and Inequality seminar series.