A Design Thinking Process to Indigenous Relations

My assignment this week has been to write a blog using a Design Thinking Process.  It came at a rough time so I've had to put it through a lot of revisions, and maybe more, but this, like everything, is a work in progress.  My goal in the next two years (yikes, year and a half!)  is to develop some sort of program with aboriginals and oral health.  I still do not know what this will look like, as it seems to change with my research.  One of the many motivating factors, however, was a Mayan woman I met in Guatemala several years ago name Catherina (Catalina?)...  She left an indelible imprint on me as have so many other Aboriginal people that I have met in my life.  

Empathize:

Aboriginals in Canada have a long history of oppression.  Because my own direct experience has been limited to co-workers, clients and teachers I have had only a peripheral experience with their culture and struggles.  The site http://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca provides an un-biased education on this cultural history.  It effectively develops an empathy from its audience by presenting facts without emotion.  Too often when emotions take over and a case of oppression is presented as angry, it can be off putting.  The beauty of this site is that it is able to develop empathy by being neutral.  The site provides historical links to support the battle they have had against colonization providing legitimacy to what can otherwise be an emotional topic.

Define: 

Through such subcategories as cultural identity, government policy and land claims the authors provide a hyperlink heaven of legitimate sources for anyone curious about the aboriginal struggle.  It is a library of information without a sense of bias or anger toward colonization which gives it a stronger voice of authority. Reading the various links I have developed new insight into the aboriginal culture

Ideate:

Using examples of success (i.e section 35 of the 1982 Constitution  which resulted in the inclusion of aboriginals in the constitution after much lobbying) and positioning them against current issues such as fishing rights which are an ongoing issue, the site shows the process of policy changes and the frustration that is inherent in this process.  

The explanation of blockades as a ‘direct action’ which are

 “frequently presented to and interpreted by the public as being a nuisance, caused by radical trouble-makers. However, in general, Aboriginal groups resort to direct action only once formal channels, such as the court system, have failed them. Blockades and direct actions indicate the level of desperation many communities reach when they attempt for their concerns to be heard and their needs to be met.”

expresses their frustration as they sometimes feel impeded by the legal system and so turn to ‘nuisance’ acts such as blockades.  

Reading these I have  a clearer understanding of the history behind these actions.

Prototype:

I will continue to read the http://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca, and continue to tell everyone else to read it too.    It is a vortex of hyperlinks, so prepare to go through at least one cup of tea as you settle in to it.  I've started following Ernie Crey's twitter and have found him an excellent resource for anything new or topical.  Check him out at Ernie Crey@Cheyom1.  I got a twitter account just for him, and he's the only person I follow.  Another great site is the http://indigenousreporting.com  from the UBC School of Journalism.  This is just a starting ground for me.

These steps are not a 'call to action' per se, but a springboard of information as I take steps toward my goal of providing oral health  care to indigenous populations, not just in British Columbia, but globally.  I am slowly learning that it is not enough to simply want to do something and just do it, there is a lot of learning and re learning that needs to be done first. 

I am curious to know your impressions of this site.   As educators have you had issues teaching history? Health? How have you felt supported in this very sensitive topic?