Learning Circles Meet Linear Thinking: CAUT Forum for Aboriginal Academic Staff

Jacqueline Romanow, UWFA Member
 

The Aboriginal Post Secondary Education Working Group (APSE) forum began February 1-3, 2008, in Winnipeg, and was hosted by CAUT. The CAUT Equity Committee began work on the development of the APSE some years previous. Each forum has been hosted by CAUT and planned primarily by the APSE working group. The APSE forum empowers indigenous scholars and acknowledges the relevance of indigenous knowledge and practice in the context of APSE forums sponsored by CAUT.

The three-day CAUT Forum for Aboriginal Academic Staff began with an opening ceremony that highlighted the indigenous cultures of the communities whose territories hosted the conference, the Coast Salish. It then featured a plenary session, followed by discussion circles. The participants, primarily aboriginal, had a chance to share their own personal victories, frustrations and ongoing challenges within their own institutions.

The first plenary on Friday morning, November 11, ‘Recognizing and Naturalizing Indigenous Knowledge in the Academy’, was presented by 2 senior indigenous academics from Trent University and the University of Victoria. The discussion circles that followed were divided into 4 primary themes: (1) the role of Elders in colleges and universities; (2) managing work-life balance; (3) negotiating racial diversity in the classroom; (4) working conditions for indigenous academics.

Saturday’s Forum focus concerned ‘Promotion and Tenure ’, and although the scheduled keynote speaker, Marie Battiste, was unable to attend, it was very informative. Many aboriginal staff shared the frustration of being over-burdened with administrative duties. The following plenary session continued discussions on key issues: recognition of indigenous knowledge and research methods, the role of elders and the definition of community service. Discussion circles allowed individual participants to share their experiences.

Sunday was the concluding day of the forum, and morning discussion circles focused on the need to provide CAUT and other organizations with a list of items for action. Overall the conference highlighted key issues raised by aboriginal university staff members across the country. Its greatest strength was the feeling of solidarity, of shared frustration and of hope that it generated. It was great to learn that there are many other indigenous academics out there facing similar challenges in their careers and in their institutions. Creating intellectual and physical space for indigenous voices, philosophies and knowledge is no easy task in an institution premised on linear western rationalism. However, the fact of knowing that this struggle is being waged collectively across the country through diverse means and voices was ultimately very empowering.