Teaching Indigenous literatures for decolonization: Challenging learning, learning to challenge

Abstract

This paper examines the significance of colonial contexts that influence the teaching of Indigenous literatures. It draws upon conversations I held with Indigenous writers and with secondary educators, in which we discussed the relationships between Indigenous communities, Indigenous literatures, and classroom teaching in Canada. In dialogue with teachers’ and authors’ perspectives, this paper argues that, when Indigenous stories are told and taught, readers are invited to challenge colonial understandings and are implicated into challenging classroom experiences. The pedagogical experiences precipitated by Indigenous literatures can be difficult for teachers and students, leading to unsettling dynamics, but are importantly decolonizing.