In recent years the Jackson School has begun acknowledging the Coast Salish territories upon which it lies. We believe that this represents a significant step towards recognition, reconciliation, and decolonization that could be undermined if the Jackson School doesn’t take more concrete action towards incorporating Indigenous perspectives, experiences, and cultures. In short, the JS runs the risk of engaging in superficial virtue-signaling that could alienate Indigenous peoples and thus damage its already fragile relationship with Indigenous students, faculty, and Coast Salish communities.  

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To avoid this outcome and assist the JS in actualizing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals, we offer four actionable initiatives for Indigenizing the JS. After consulting various Indigenous and JS students and faculty as well as looking to other universities for ideas, we focus on those proposals that are not costly and that could be implemented within a year: 1) incorporating Lushootseed language in JS signage, 2) develop and offer an Indigenous studies track options, 3) support professional development to enable faculty to include more Indigenous writings, films, art and perspectives, and 4) create a new experience-based learning course that would be based in Indigenous communities in the region. 

 

These suggestions were formed in conversation with indigenous students and faculty, including Dr. Joshua Reid, Owen Oliver, and Jade Dudoward. Past digital stories also created with this allyship in mind can be found here: