The Canadian Learning Community for Decolonization and Innovation is entering its third year this fall. Over the last two years, we have sat in boardrooms, classrooms and coffee shops with our partners from Acadia Divinity College, Tyndale Seminary and Ambrose Seminary discussing the theme of decolonization and how shifting mindsets can open the door to innovation in theological education and beyond. We have had robust conversations with senior leaders, educationalists and faculties that continue to inspire collaboration and internal reflection.
This fall, we are initiating several actions that have grown from asset-based conversations in each learning community.
We are engaging in inter-faculty circles where educators from each partner institution gather to discuss themes of decolonization within their disciplines. Historians were the first to gather, and their circle has already outlined several opportunities to create resources and conversations on public history, the history of colonization and the church and reimagining the way history can be presented from an Indigenous and diasporic lens. Circles in theology and Biblical studies will be convening this fall.
Another exciting initiative we have launched in our partner communities is a six-module group study on themes of decolonization, reconciliation and justice. These modules have been curated from past NAIITS journals and symposium presentations. Highlighting the thoughts of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics and practitioners, each CLC partner learning community is reading journal articles, watching symposium presentations and discussing the themes explored in groups. Module one, on Martin Brokenleg’s Circle of Courage presentation from 2020, was well received by all participants and inspired thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversations in each learning community. We look forward to walking this learning journey with our partners.
The CLC is an innovative and fluid adventure in learning together. Each time we gather, more ideas and possibilities of connection and growth are discovered. We are continually inspired by the creativity and commitment of our educationalists and senior leaders to continue this exciting and thought-provoking work in their own communities while supporting and encouraging each other, too.
— Nichole Forbes and Mike Hogeterp, CLC Facilitation Team