The post-secondary experience may look and feel different amongst students. For Indigenous students, this can be eye opening and could feel like a slight culture shock for some. For instance, the culture in university is very individualistic, competitive, and focuses on academic achievement (Interdisciplinary Development Initiative [IDI] in Applied Indigenous Scholarship, n.d.). This may go against many Indigenous beliefs, values, and customs. Depending on the size and location of campus, university and college may have complex systems to access and navigate. However, as an Indigenous student there may be certain barriers and challenges you may face when entering a post-secondary institution. The experiences highlighted below are some hard truths that many Indigenous students face during their time in post-secondary. We have provided suggestions to try and overcome these obstacles.
Classroom environment (Canel-Çınarbaş & Yohani, 2019; IDI, n.d.):
- Indigenous content is often overlooked, excluded, or minimalized in course content
- Try to add an Indigenous lens, your personal journey/narrative to the content. This could be reflecting upon how an Indigenous perspective may differ or compare to western philosophy and worldviews. Bringing your lived experience and applying it to the content (if possible)
- Try to include (if possible) Indigenous authors, perspectives, stories, and/or histories in an assignment or paper
- Curriculum often portrays Indigenous peoples in a historically inaccurate way and something of the past
- During class discussion or online forums, share current stories and or events happening within Indigenous communities to highlight the present time
- Apply a critical lens and critique the common stereotype of Indigenous people through assignments and/or open discussion
- Depending on the course, often there are low numbers of other Indigenous students in attendance
- Don’t let this intimidate you, remember you are here to pursue your academic dreams and goals
- You are an example for future generations and can share your story with them
- Indigenous students have shared some of their professors may ask them for their input, or thoughts on a matter addressing Indigenous people and or customs which puts them in uncomfortable positions as they are put on the spot
- You are not required to provide input on Indigenous customs/content. You could set a boundary with faculty etc. For example, stating, “I’m sorry, I am not comfortable sharing or speaking on this matter.” “I’d prefer not to answer thank you”.
- If you feel comfortable sharing, this is an opportunity to share your narrative and personal journey with the class. Take this chance as an advocate, provide a voice and perspective that is often overlooked
Campus environment (Canel-Çınarbaş & Yohani, 2019; IDI, n.d.):
- Lack of Indigenous representation on campus – this can be due to a limited number of Indigenous staff, faculty, and/or students seen on campus.
- Try to get involved on campus and explore what your Indigenous student services offer (clubs, workshops, events, etc.)
- Connect with Indigenous staff and faculty on campus
- Indigenous culture, values, and ways of knowing are often excluded amongst certain campuses.
- Seek support and reach out to an Elder, Knowledge Keeper, or your campus’ Indigenous student services
- Reach out to your local Indigenous friendship centre for cultural-related events and workshops
- Indigenous students report negative experiences on campus relating to (Canel-Çınarbaş & Yohani, 2019)
- Second-class citizenship – Feeling undermined regarding their academic ability/performance, feelings of being treated differently when reaching out to campus services
- Denial/dismiss of their experiences – Denying and or dismissing lived experiences of racism, culture, identity, spirituality, and history
- Racism and discrimination – intellectual othering, segregation in the classroom, inaccurately accused of criminal behaviour/activity, and stereotyping
- Dealing with microaggressions inside and outside the classroom – Microaggressions are defined as “a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority” (IDI, n.d., p. 30).
