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Creative Decolonization involves the use of the creative process to create art and conversations that empower all people to embrace their cultural heritage. Creative Decolonization work and practices are curated using: Indigenous history, science and storytelling; research from across a wide variety of academic disciplines; post-colonial and new Indigenous perspectives; wellness practices; and creative engagement and practice.
What is colonization?Colonization is the systemic perpetuation of cultural oppression from one group of people upon another. Colonization is not limited to one cultural group (i.e. British) and nearly every cultural group present on Earth today has colonized another group or themselves. Colonization is defined in different ways by different people. This is our definition. Colonization is a term that can bring up many thoughts and emotions. Please know that we do not identify colonization with any one cultural group. We acknowledge that colonization has brought warmth, food, water and utilities, among other things, to billions of people in the world. We also acknowledge that colonization has brought genocide, slavery, systemic, oppression, abuses of all kinds, cultural loss and other very challenging experiences to billions of people. |
what is decolonization?Decolonization efforts support the unity of Indigenous history, perspectives, art, science, education and spirituality with Indigenous people. We believe every human alive today has roots, however deep, in Indigenous culture (one existing today or one that has been laid to rest). We respect the cultural identities of all people, regardless of Indigenous identity. Decolonization can encourage awareness and cultural humility in people who primarily identify with their colonial heritage and want to learn more. Decolonization is not about erasing anyone. It is about creating more peace, understanding and cultural humility for ourselves and one another. We support the coexistence of all aspects of who we are -- which is a practice in being that is not always easy but worth it. Decolonization efforts can help. |