Contrast
Font Size

Drivers for Change – Reflect on Ways of Knowing

Equity Framework > Drivers for Change > Reflect on Ways of Knowing

How do you know what you know? Where do you get your knowledge from? There are many different ways to understand and engage with the world around us. However, dominant knowledge systems in Western societies tend to value knowledge grounded in data, scientific analysis, logic, and theory. There are many knowledge systems which enhance meaning, help to appreciate complexity, and open up opportunities for change. Indigenous knowledge systems vary from one another and include a complex set of technologies developed and sustained by Indigenous peoples. These forms of knowledge are holistic, contextual, and relational and have been embedded in community practices, rituals, and relationships. There are some instances where knowledge systems overlap. Seeking out and holding space for multiple ways of knowing is important because privileging one knowledge system over others upholds dominant structures and can perpetuate systemic barriers. 

Adapted from:

Perry, E. S., & Duncan, A. C. (2017, June 2). Multiple Ways of Knowing: Expanding How We Know. Retrieved from
https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2017/04/27/multiple-ways-knowing-expanding-know/

Battiste, M. (2002). Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy in First Nations education: A literature review with recommendations (pp. 1-69). Ottawa: National Working Group on Education. Retrieved from
https://iportal.usask.ca/record/27317

Madjidi, K., & Restoule, J. P. (2008). Comparative indigenous ways of knowing and learning. Comparative and international education: Issues for teachers, 77-106. Retrieved from
https://www.scribd.com/document/338903018/Madjidi-Comparative-Indigenous-Ways-p-1-16

Further Reading / Additional Resources:

  1. The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) describes their approach to research, evaluation, and ethics including The USAI (Utility, Self-voicing, Access, and Inter-relationality) Research Framework to guide all Indigenous research projects conducted by the OFIFC and involving urban Indigenous communities. Available from: https://ofifc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/USAI-Research-Framework-Second-Edition.pdf
  2. The City of Toronto’s Reconciliation Action Plan acts as a guide for the City’s actions towards truth, justice and reconciliation from 2022 to 2032. It includes a glossary of foundational terms, a set of values and principles, as well as commitments to embedding Indigenous ways of knowing in City practices. City of Toronto. 2022. Reconciliation Action Plan. Available from: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/long-term-vision-plans-and-strategies/reconciliation-action-plan/
  3. Cull, I.; Hancock, R.; McKeown, S.; Pidgeon, M.; Veda, M. (2018). Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being. Pulling Together: A Guide for Front-Line Staff, Student Services, and Advisors. https://opentextbc.ca/indigenizationfrontlineworkers/
  4. A Guide for Front-Line Staff, Student Services, and Advisors is part of an open professional learning series developed for staff across post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. Guides in the series include:These guides are intended to support the systemic change occurring across post-secondary institutions through Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation. A guiding principle from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada process states why this change is happening.

Sample Tools:

University of Toronto: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. (n.d.). Indigenous Ways of Knowing E-Learning Course.
https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/abed101/indigenous-ways-of-knowing/

This module is one in a set of learning modules created to support and inspire educators and future teachers to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and an appreciation of how Indigenous knowledge and worldviews can assist all learners in their educational journey. The modules include suggested activities for further application of the concepts. Everything is free and open source. Created by Jean-Paul Restoule (Anishinaabe) a member of the Dokis First Nation. He is an associate professor of Aboriginal Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.