A(utochtonisation) + EDI
At Espace LGBTQ+, it is important to highlight our indigenization efforts, which began from the very conception of the organization. As a non-Indigenous organization, it has seemed essential to us to take responsibility for the impact of our activities on Indigenous communities in Tio’tia:ke. This is why we established our A+EDI process. Its goal is to make the Espace+Village community complex an inclusive and safe space for everyone, with particular attention to the well-being and cultural safety of Indigenous people.
Operating in the real estate sector on unceded territory, we cannot fully dissociate ourselves from the colonial dynamics inherent to property acquisition. In this context, it seems inconsistent to define our approach as decolonial. This is why we have chosen to speak of an indigenization process.
Indigenization or decolonization?
Indigenization is a process aimed at valuing Indigenous knowledge, practices, and approaches. It enables a reciprocal exchange between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems on an equal footing (source).
Decolonization plays an essential role within indigenization, namely in shedding a single model based on Western thought. That said, decolonization alone is insufficient, as it does not allow for demonstrating the relevance and richness of Indigenous knowledge 🡵. Together, indigenization and decolonization constitute two steps in a reconciliation process in which Espace LGBTQ+ seeks to participate.
BC2 Report
By putting our indigenization efforts at the forefront, we aim to highlight Indigenous knowledge that informs the leadership of Espace+Village. In particular, we developed a strategy for indigenizing our practices and procedures with the support of Inuk trainer Mona Belleau, then Senior Director of Community Support and Indigenous Cultural Safety at BC2. She generously shared her expertise in Indigenous governance by providing 18 recommendations informed by values embedded in Inuit governance.
From these recommendations, we have, among other things, decided to design a shared kitchen as a place for gathering, to display signage at entrances in multiple Indigenous languages, and to adopt a governance model inspired by consensus-based decision-making.
This approach represents a step in a long-term process aimed at making Espace+Village a culturally safe space and an ally to Indigenous communities in Tio’tia:ke. In a constantly evolving context,
Espace LGBTQ+ is committed to
01
Include actions of recognition, indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation throughout the development of the organization’s future action plans.
02
Adopt an approach of cultural and relational humility, making it a fundamental principle of our indigenization practices.
03
Create safe spaces that specifically welcome two-spirit, indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ communities.
04
Stay informed about and share information on Indigenous realities, particularly regarding the needs and issues affecting two-spirit, indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ individuals.
05
Raise visibility of and show solidarity with Indigenous voices, perspectives, and leadership, particularly those of two-spirit, indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ individuals and organizations.
Acknowledgments
A big thank you to Mona Belleau for her many valuable insights, both on the internal life of Espace+Village and on the structure of the space.
Thank you to Samuel Rainville,