Description
Drawing on treaties, international law, the work of other Indigenous scholars, and especially personal experiences, Marie Battiste documents the nature of Eurocentric models of education, and their devastating impacts on Indigenous knowledge. Chronicling the negative consequences of forced assimilation, racism inherent to colonial systems of education, and the failure of current educational policies for Aboriginal populations, Battiste proposes a new model of education, arguing the preservation of Aboriginal knowledge is an Aboriginal right. Central to this process is the repositioning of Indigenous humanities, sciences, and languages as vital fields of knowledge, revitalizing a knowledge system which incorporates both Indigenous and Eurocentric thinking.
Awards
- Short-listed, University of Regina Arts and Luther Award for Scholarly Writing, Saskatchewan Book Awards 2014
- Short-listed, Rasmussen, Rasmussen & Charowsky Aboriginal Peoples’ Writing Award, Saskatchewan Book Awards 2014
Reviews
Battiste has carefully crafted her book in a manner that goes from the deeply personal to the undeniably political in a seamless fashion that most writers strive to accomplish, but few succeed. … with Battiste’s leadership and inspiration, we can become catalysts for change, rather than harbingers of history. The academy remains indebted to scholars like Dr. Battiste, who has the wisdom and political acumen to “show us the way”.
- Tim Claypool
Battiste’s “storytelling manner” provides a textured analysis and discussion of the multilayered and multipronged components embodied within the discourse on Indigenous education and the need to decolonize the education system in its entirety … a must-read for all administrators and educators, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, especially those who are involved in educational policy.
- Jennifer Brant
Marie Battiste gives us a book that is comprehensive in its scope, with 10 chapters of tightly written prose extensively referenced and organized around relevant research. The book will be a welcome addition to all those who seek to provide the best education we can for all our learners.
- Wally Penetito
With this book, Battiste helps us to see the ways that this imperialist approach to education continues today in the Canadian educational system. … what I am most grateful for from this work is the vision Battiste lays out for the transformation of how we think about knowledge and learning in this country. It is this part of her work in particular that makes this a relevant read for any Canadian, not solely educators.
- Tamara Shantz
Decolonizing Education provides an opportunity for educators, researchers, students, and parents alike to think about how it is they envision a well-rounded, just, and balanced curriculum.
- Mandy Krahn