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Interview With Maureen Johns : Indigenizing Education
An interview on Indigenizing Education with Maureen Johns , Executive Lead , Indigenization at the University of Regina since July , 2012 .
1How have the roles you have held during your career in education , however you define that , prepared you for the current challenge , of Indigenizing a university ?
When I reflect on the roles I ’ ve been blessed to fulfill throughout my career , I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute to shifting worldviews towards Indigenous peoples . Be it as a classroom teacher , consultant , principal , executive director , or through my current position with the University of Regina , each has served as a scaffold , providing insights . In particular , my roles that brought me close with young people and reinforced my desire to make a difference are very dear to me . The richness of Indigenous knowledge has always been recognized in many roles I ’ ve played within the education system . I see a great need to find a way for education to reflect both Indigenous cultures and that of the newcomers who have come to this land throughout North American history . I also believe it is important to respect the roles played by others , so that we will be successful in building relationships with each other . The future generation can ’ t wait for us to be so restricted into role descriptions that we are rendered powerless to bring about necessary change . Together , we need to motivate ourselves and empower others to be a part of Indigenization . Education is an excellent vehicle for Indigenization , opening eyes that in the past have been blind .
How is the climate of the
2 university different from other large organizations in which you have had leadership positions ?
The climate of the University of Regina reflects the climate of the larger community within which we exist . Human beings reflect a range of beliefs and dispositions , and as such , it is expected that a diversity of acceptance of the need to Indigenize will be present . We need to expect such diversity and be strategic in the way we address it . Since the majority of the University of Regina population is “ young ,” a certain energy is present here . This energy is reflected in interests and “ causes ” taken up by young people , including supporting Indigenization . I am heartened at the openness and creativity of University of Regina students in support of Indigenization . We only need to think about recent Indigenous guests who ’ ve been made to feel welcome at the University of Regina , including ; Buffy St . Marie , Wab Kinew , Sylvia McAdam , Roy Bison , Mary Spencer , Pamela Palmater , Jess Gordon and Roe Bubar , to name a few .
What does the term
3 “ Indigenize ” mean to you ?
Indigenization describes ACTION in support of de-colonization of Indigenous peoples . We work “ against ” colonization and “ for ” Indigenization . Both are required for balance . Indigenization has the potential to foundationally infuse Indigenous content , perspectives , and ways of knowing within the University of Regina . Terms are always open to interpretation which is good because Indigenization is enacted both personally and publicly . Each person throughout the University of Regina has the opportunity and free will to “ define ” Indigenization and in doing so will bring “ it ” to life . It is a credit to our Indigenous ancestors to have kept the fire burning deep in our souls , even when it seemed that all had been lost .
With almost one year of
4 experience in your position as Executive Lead , Indigenization , what have you found to be the major obstacle / s to achieving your goals ?
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