Positionality
These modules have been developed through an Indigenous lens that is holistic: a way of being and knowing that acknowledges Indigenous Peoples’ relationships with all our relations. Our identities are deeply rooted in the wisdom and traditions of our ancestors. Our positionality is shaped by recognition that the land on which we stand carries the stories of countless generations. It is not merely a physical space but a living entity with its own spirit. We honour the land, its ecosystems, and the Indigenous Knowledges that sustain it. We cannot separate our identities from the impacts of colonization. Our positionality extends beyond the individual. We are part of a collective and we carry the responsibility to honour the past and create a better future. Let us walk together, of good heart and mind guided by our ancestors, and with the hope for a more just and equitable world where all ways of knowing are valued equally.
All our relations,
Connie Strayer and Robyn Grebliunas
Curriculum developers
Learner notes
“Positionality” refers to where you are situated in relation to your various social identities (such as gender, race, class, ethnicity, ability, and geographical location).
“All our relations” includes plants and animals, other human beings, the water, land, wind, sun, moon, stars, and more—everything seen and unseen.
“Positionality is everpresent, affecting all aspects of our lives, including teaching, leading, policymaking, common interactions, and most notably, research—where the concept is most often prevalent.”
Source and recommended reading: Why do we need to reflect on positionality? (engineerinclusion.com)
Consider how your positionality influences your instructional choices for content, activity, assessment, and delivery. Then consider working on positionality with your students by using some of the ideas outlined in Positionality Statement | Centre for Teaching and Learning (queensu.ca)
Remember that each Indigenous person’s positionality is unique, shaped by their specific cultural context, experiences, and ancestral lineage. Consider how you will introduce yourself by stating your positionality.
