On January 26th I participated in one of UVIC’s Anti-Oppression workshops, “Strong Voice: Rematriation as Resistance.” It was the first of a series of workshops that I highly encourage you to check out. You do not need to take them in succession as each workshop is easy to follow as a stand-alone experience.
If you’re curious, Celine also attended the 2nd workshop, “Hear Someone’s Voice Before You See Them: Anti-Oppression Key Principles, Knowledges, and Equity-Focused Action-Based Frameworks.”
Info about the workshops can be found here:
https://www.uvic.ca/equity/education/anti-racism/index.php
I hope to continue sharing and breaking down some of what was discussed in “Strong Voice” but here is a brief summary.
Yahlnaaw our facilitator from Tagu Consulting contends that rematriation is concerned with the stories and identities of objects and bodies, restoring ancestral and feminine values (like fertility, knowledge, nurturance), and protecting/maintaining those bodies’ and objects’ relation to one another and to their original land.
Where “repatriation” is the passive return of objects and bodies to their ancestral homes (often damaged, disrespected etc), rematriation ensures that objects, bodies, and the land are restored respectfully and that all intersecting relationships are considered. Land back is not enough. Restored liveable land back should be the norm.
All anti-oppression work must be guided by rematriation. If “indigenization” and “decolonization” are not guided by this concept, they have been whitewashed. How does this resonnate?
Such powerful things to think about. I look forward to sharing more.
Thank you for your post and sharing such indepth, thought-full notes Kelcie! Much to consider in what Yahlnaaw opened up for you, including questioning how to continue taking rematriation seriously in the centre. In particular, I’m sitting with the emphasis on rematriation as an ‘active doing’ and ongoing obligation. So many connections and foundational pieces to build on with the team now for Acorn Place’s land acknowledgement! Looking forward to continuing the conversation in the weeks ahead.
Thank s as well for the link to Yahlnaaw’s other sessions. Aiming to “bridge epistemologies (ways of knowing), ontologies (ways of being) and axiology (values)…to set the stage for the rest of our living and learning journeys” is near and dear to my heart. Looking forward to her next session “Xidsii, K’iiwaat’as, Tlay.yad – ‘Under, Over, Everywhere'” on April 8th!
“This session is part 5 of 5 of Equity and Human Rights’ (EQHR) updated Anti-Oppression Training facilitated by Yahlnaaw (she/they). This series is designed to be taken in order through a semester but each session can be completed as a stand alone session. Yahlnaaw’s intersecting identities as a Skidegate Haida, queer, transgender person often feels like being stretched into many worlds. Yahlnaaw aims to bridge these epistemologies (ways of knowing), ontologies (ways of being) and axiology (values) into her work to set the stage for the rest of our living and learning journeys.”
Thanks again,
Narda
Thank you so much, Kelcie, for sharing your powerful and thought-provoking notes and questions from Yahlnaaw’s recent Anti-Oppression session. The term and concept of “rematriation” is a new one for me. It really resonates as a much more respectful alternative to “repatriation” and I agree with Narda that this will be a good perspective for us all to be thinking with when writing land acknowledgments.
I am so disappointed now that I haven’t been able to participate in the Anti-Oppression Training sessions yet! I had a look at the link and although there are no further sessions listed under Learning Central, the EQHR website says that the series of five sessions will be offered every semester so I will keep watch.
Wonderful and thank you for sharing Kelcie, I enjoyed reading your note taking with all the energy and excitement of learning! I will share these course offerings with the Cedar Team in hopes of joining in on future courses, this one in particular!