Being a Guest on Indigenous Land
Being a Guest on Indigenous Land
 
Vancouver Preview, April 9, 2012
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The 2012 AERA Annual Meeting will take place on the unceded land of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Perhaps it was the marketing, opening ceremonies, and other gestures of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver that served to heighten the awareness of the 2012 AERA host city as an Indigenous site, but it is important to remember that all of AERA’s meetings take place on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples.

Among many Indigenous peoples, appropriate protocol involves recognizing the peoples and land upon which a gathering takes place before speaking publicly. In addition, gifts may be exchanged to express gratitude and respect for the peoples and traditions of a particular place. For many years, in preconference and conference kickoff events, Indigenous AERA members and members of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas SIG and the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific SIG have acknowledged the land and peoples of host cities. We do this both because it is culturally appropriate for us to do so but also, in some ways, on behalf of the Association, whose presence makes an impact, if only because of its size.

How might the impact of the Association as guest on Indigenous land be wielded responsibly? Association members might consider how their work invests in the permanence of a nation-state that denies the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. Structures of settler colonialism might be investigated more robustly in education research. Members might attend to the invisibility of urban Indigenous peoples, particularly in the cities that host our conference. Members might learn more about Indigenous and decolonizing critiques of education research and Indigenous and decolonizing methodologies and theories, all while resisting the draw to appropriate and settle Indigenous knowledge.

Dr. Jo-ann Archibald (Q’um Q’um Xiiem), from the Sto:lo Nation in southwestern British Columbia and Associate Dean for Indigenous Education and Professor of Educational Studies at the University of British Columbia, has provided the following overview on Vancouver and nearby First Nations. Archibald also will give the AERA Distinguished Lecture, entitled “Hands Back, Hands Forward: Transforming Indigenous Education,” on Saturday April 14, 10:35 a.m.-12:05 p.m:
Welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia
This city stands on the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. According to the 2006 Canada Census, there are approximately 196,075 Aboriginal people living in British Columbia who identify as First Nations (North American Indian), Metis, or Inuit. British Columbian Aboriginal people constitute 4.8% of the total provincial population, with 60% living in urban areas, 26% on reserve, and 14% in rural areas. Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing segment of the overall population. British Columbia has a rich diversity of Aboriginal languages and cultures. Thirty-two First Nations language are spoken, which account for 60% of all First Nations languages in Canada. At least 60% of First Nations are involved with modern-day treaty negotiations with both federal and provincial governments. There is at least one Aboriginal community located in or near any British Columbian town or city.

Eve Tuck
Program Chair and Chair-Elect,
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas SIG
Assistant Professor, Educational Studies,
State University of New York at New Paltz