Commitment to Decolonization,
Social Justice,
and Indigenization

A commitment to decolonization and social justice is an ongoing effort that requires deconstructing worldviews and internalized beliefs. It begins within and emerges through actions that disrupt and dismantle capitalism, racism, sexism, genocide, oppression, ecocide, and all other systems that prioritize power and greed over community care and liberation for all. There are many ways to do this, such as examining the language you use; self-interrogating your values, beliefs, actions and privileges; consumer boycotts and financially supporting businesses of the traditionally marginalized global majority; protesting oppression and injustice; amplifying causes, voices, and platforms that further decolonization and justice; donating time, energy, and funds to people and platforms that align with decolonization, including mutual aid; and continuing to have uncomfortable conversations with yourself and others about what is actually required to make radical and revolutionary changes so that we may dismantle capitalism and colonialism and usher in new paradigms that support each person being liberated, valued, safe, and cared for.

I support indigenization by honouring all kinds of wisdom and knowing, particularly the practices and beliefs of non-colonial cultures and communities, within the field of psychotherapy and more generally the helping practice of counselling. Respecting the reverence and validity of this wisdom may help, in some small way, to shift the mental health system away from its current colonial and capitalistic underpinnings. By continuing to hold curiosity and humility while learning ways in which healing and integration can be supported by Indigenous practices, I embrace teachings that center mutual liberation, connection, reciprocity, compassion, and justice as we strive for better relationships with ourselves, others, and the land.

Liminality Psychotherapy is situated on land first inhabited by the Chonnonton, a tribal confederation of Iroquoian peoples. The Chonnonton have also been called ‘Attawandaron’ meaning ‘those whose speech is awry or crooked’, but this was a derogatory term used by the Wendat and Petun to mock their southern neighbours. They were also called Neutral People by the French, due to the position they took to avoid the Wendat and Haudenosaune conflicts, but it is not a name they called themselves. This region has also been home to the Anishinaabe Peoples (also referred to as the Three Fires Confederacy including; Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatami Nations); the Haudenosaunee Peoples (also known as the Iroquoian people or Six Nations including Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscorora); and, the Leni-Lunaape Peoples (also referred to as the Delaware and/or Munsee). Acknowledging the land and its original caretakers is a good start, but it must lead to action and decolonizing ways of thinking, such as the concept of ‘Land Back’. My understanding of ‘Land Back’ is about restoring Indigenous peoples’ relationship, responsibility, and reciprocity to and with the land by respecting their leadership, stewardship, sovereignty and decision-making power over traditional territories. This can include ceding land back to Indigenous people, redistributing resources, changing decision-making procedures, especially those held by colonial institutions of all kinds, and personal reflection and action around how we engage with Indigenous people and the land we occupy.

This is not an exhaustive exploration of my commitment to Indigenization, Decolonization, or Social Justice, nor is it an actionable list. I know my actions will evolve as my knowledge, understanding, and personal resources also evolve. The point is to use your voice, do what you can, and invest in a variety of ways in the effort of decolonization. Locally, I would invite you to join me in supporting Atlohsa, a non-profit, charitable organization, dedicated to strengthening community through Indigenous-led programs and services.

We are in the liminal space of revolution. We are not yet where we need to be, but we are not where we have been before. In this space and time, I encourage you to deconstruct all that oppresses and embrace all that liberates.