Mark Freeland, Director of the Electa Quinney Institute and Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, discusses the cyclical nature of time in indigenous worldviews, particularly among the Anishinaabe. He contrasts this with the linear time concept in Western cultures, emphasizing the importance of place and relationships in indigenous understanding. Freeland highlights the challenges of translating indigenous concepts into Western languages and the need for dialogical knowledge production. He also addresses the intergenerational process of decolonization, stressing the importance of creating spaces for indigenous culture and language in universities and society.

Further Reading:

1. Mark Freeland, Aazheyaadizi: Worldview, Language, and the Logics of Decolonization

Freeland explores Anishinaabe philosophy, language, and ways of knowing as a means of resisting colonial structures and advancing decolonization. The book examines how Anishinaabe concepts shape identity, relationships, and governance, emphasizing the importance of language in preserving Indigenous worldviews. Freeland critically engages with colonial impacts while advocating for the revitalization of Indigenous knowledge systems and self-determination.

2. Albert White Hat Sr., Life's Journey―Zuya: Oral Teachings from Rosebud

Life's Journey—Zuya: Oral Teachings from Rosebud by Albert White Hat Sr., compiled and edited by John Cunningham, shares traditional Lakota wisdom, philosophy, and cultural teachings. The book explores the concept of zuya (life's journey) through oral storytelling, covering topics like spirituality, language, history, and personal growth. White Hat, a respected Lakota educator and elder, provides insights into Indigenous perspectives on life, emphasizing balance, respect, and connection to the natural world.