a search for decolonizing place-based pedagogies: an exploration of unheard histories in kitsilano vancouver, b.c.

abstract

this paper explores the ways that place-based pedagogies can facilitate dialogue on colonization, or some of the "dark matters" of environmental education, specifically by engaging non-indigenous adults in decolonizing dialogues. i share findings from an action research project with kitsilano neighbourhood house in vancouver, british columbia. working with seven adults, i facilitated a series of three workshops, in which i invited participants to learn forgotten or unheard aboriginal, immigrant, and settler histories in their neighbourhood. participants primarily chose to research the histories of euro-canadian settlers; however, they were willing to talk about colonization, decolonization, and reconciliation. i suggest integrating practices from arts-based education, indigenizing and decolonizing pedagogies, and anti-racism education to further engage learners in decolonizing their place-based learning.