In last week’s podcast episode, I had the honour of interviewing two amazing leaders from two First Nations communities in Canada, Sunny LeBourdais and Qwastanaya (L. Maynard Harry). In this episode, I share some of my reflections on the important concepts my guests spoke of and how we can begin to decolonize our ways of thinking and being.

What’s in this episode for you:

• Exploring a common source of tension in multi-cultural interactions - time

• One way to gain momentum toward change - slowing down

• An approachable way to conceptualize the process of decolonization

Tools for change:

• Challenging time - Start asking yourself and your teams - If we remove this pressure of time and timelines, what would we be doing right now? If this timeline wasn't here, what would this project call for in this moment?

• Comfort with discomfort - Raise your awareness of what feelings you might be avoiding and how. What are your avoidance patterns? We all have them. 

• Building the muscle - Where can you get stronger in the journey of reconciliation or lifting up others? Education, listening, finding support, starting a conversation in your workplace or friend circle? What is YOUR why for doing this? What is the vision you are working toward?

Pick up the talking piece: 

What came up for you as you listened to this episode? I'd love to hear your experiences with any of the reflections and exercises. Send me an email at [email protected] or leave a voicemail (click the voicemail button on the right).

Gratitude: 

Circle of Change is recorded on lək̓ʷəŋən territories.

Our opening and closing music was created by the talented E-Rol Beats. You can find his creations at www.erolbeats.com

My fabulous podcast coach, Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions, brought this podcast to life www.organizedsound.ca