{"id":94205,"date":"2024-06-27T14:22:19","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T18:22:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=94205"},"modified":"2024-06-27T14:22:19","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T18:22:19","slug":"raising-awareness-of-indigenous-de-criminalization-a-focus-for-edi-changemaker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2024\/06\/raising-awareness-of-indigenous-de-criminalization-a-focus-for-edi-changemaker\/","title":{"rendered":"Raising awareness of Indigenous \u2018de\/criminalization\u2019 a focus for EDI Changemaker"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Lyn Trudeau (BA \u201908, MEd \u201913, PhD \u201924) organized a symposium to discuss the impact of criminalization on Indigenous communities<\/a>, she knew it was important to create an inclusive space for all.<\/p>\n

The March event\u2019s success, paired with Trudeau\u2019s ongoing contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus and in the community, saw her recently recognized as the EDI Changemaker of the Month by Brock\u2019s Office of Human Rights and Equity.<\/p>\n

In addition to her role as an Assistant Professor, who is cross appointed to Brock\u2019s Departments of Women\u2019s and Gender Studies and Sociology, Trudeau is Chair of the Decolonization Working Group of Brock\u2019s President\u2019s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization (PACHRED). She worked alongside all members of the PACHRED working group to incorporate into the symposium the theme of creating space for gender expression, identity and representation within Indigenous communities and how this often leads to criminalization on various levels.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the purposes of the \u2018de\/criminalization\u2019 symposium was to hold space and share cultural teachings when appropriate,\u201d she says. \u201cHow our community experiences criminalization is such an overarching topic, and we didn\u2019t want to silence anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Singing, drumming and dancing were weaved throughout the day to explore and represent what decolonization looks like from a community perspective.<\/p>\n

\u201cArtistic expression was necessary to show the strength of spirit in our community,\u201d she says. \u201cThere have been a lot of struggles, but there are many positives too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The symposium saw two-spirit people unpack misconceptions about their identity and explore their traditional and contemporary cultural roles. Indigenous water activists and land defenders also gave first-hand experiences alongside Indigenous academics and community members who advocate for Indigenous Peoples in various capacities.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was good to see many people at Brock advocate for and support our working group\u2019s vision to help make this event possible,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the EDI initiatives she has been involved with throughout her academic and teaching journey, Trudeau says EDI is \u201cembedded within Anishinaabe teachings and culture; it\u2019s not something we need to separate to do this work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI came into the academy with my teachings,\u201d she says. \u201cI feel we, as Indigenous Peoples, should not have to leave them at the door of higher education. I live them every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the classroom, Trudeau tries to convey knowledge and information in a way that is reciprocal with the intention of learning as much from her students as they do from her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing selected as EDI Changemaker is a real honour,\u201d she says. \u201cIt demonstrates Brock\u2019s commitment to upholding Indigenous voices, and it helps us look at spaces where we need to be more inclusive.\u201d<\/p>\n

EDI Changemakers are students, staff or faculty at Brock who have made a significant contribution to EDI on campus. Changemakers can be nominated for:<\/p>\n