EXNS 2807 - Systems: Leadership and Institutional Change

This microcredential takes a closer look at the relationship between anti-Indigenous stereotypes and socio-political-economic systems in North America. We examine how stereotypes are mobilized to maintain settler systems of power, which suppress Indigenous resistance and lifeways and naturalize the dispossession and subordination of Indigenous peoples. Lectures address stereotypes of criminality, dysfunction, "angry" protestors, and the assumption that Indigenous people should "get over" colonialism. Students are provided with tools needed to analyze, intervene on, and reframe these narratives to support the work and actions Indigenous people are already undertaking.

This course is ideal for beginners interested in understanding the historical and ongoing relationships between Indigenous communities and colonial science in North America.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• 🗸 Recognize contemporary practices of colonialism within state systems such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, and the penal system, as well as public discourse.
• 🗸 Provide examples of colonialism as an ongoing structure.
• 🗸 Re-engage the concepts of dysfunction and the “deficit lens” as justification for settler colonialism.
• 🗸 Gain introductory knowledge about Indigenous and settler interpretations of Treaty and how those relate to Canada today.
• 🗸 Learn some of the history of Indigenous resistance and struggles to retain, regain, protect, and defend Indigenous lands, waters, and lifeways.
• 🗸 Engage nuanced perspectives with Indigenous community and artistic responses to stereotypes.

Course / Module Outline

• 🗸 “Why are so many of you in prison?” Settler Colonialism and Incarceration.
• 🗸 “The Stereotype of the Angry Native Protestor”.
• 🗸 “Why is your Family so Dysfunctional?” Current Methods of Assimilation.
• 🗸 “Can’t You Just Get Over It?” The Settler Problem.

Academic Lead

• 🗸 Dr. Tasha Hubbard

Course Creators and Instructors

• 🗸 Molly Swain
• 🗸 Sara Howdle
• 🗸 Dr. Savage Bear

Textbooks

All material is available online and no textbooks are required.

Record of Completion

Non-credit transcript; digital badge

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CONTACT US

Email nsonline@ualberta.ca with any questions.

"Excellent questions posed about indigenous stereotypes - i have shared resources with MANY people i know." - Anonymous.