Ep207: So You Say You Want Decolonization? with Jessica Dumas

06/27/21 • 42 min

Changing Lenses: Diversify Your Perspectives

If you’re wondering what you can do in bringing reconciliation and decolonization to Canada – this episode is for you.

First, we learn what colonization actually looks like. Jessica Dumas of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation shares personal stories about her family, life experiences, and tragic interaction with police that demonstrate just how effective colonization is. The goal of residential schools was to “kill the Indian in the child”, and it worked.

The good news is, we can help undo some of residential school’s legacies. As Jessica learned about the true history of her people, she discovered her Indigenous identity, and began a career in restorative justice. Today, she is a sought-after speaker, coach and emcee, and even introduced Michelle Obama at an event!

Jessica believes that continuous education is key non-indigenous allies to support truth and reconciliation. So as you listen to Jessica’s story, what are you learning, and what steps will you take towards restorative justice today?
Contact Rosie and find JEDI resources at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/
Facebook Group Community

In this episode, we talk about:

What a land acknowledgment means to Jessica
Living without cultural identity or sense of purpose
The first time she realized she was different
Choosing between being Indigenous or sending your child to residential school
The family tragedy that started her on the path to restorative justice
Finally finding her place in community
Discrimination against her lack of university degree
Meeting Michelle Obama!
Encouragement for young Indigenous women
Education is the key to decolonization

Full transcript here.

Guest Bio and References/Links

About Jessica Dumas:

Jessica is the President of Jessica Dumas Coaching and Training. She is a professional certified coach who specializes in speaker coaching and business coaching, helping individuals speak with clarity and confidence. She is an energetic and motivated professional who quickly gains the trust of her audience with her warm, engaging personality and professional style.

Widely recognized for her contributions, Jessica is a recipient of the Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer award from the Nellie McClung Foundation, a finalist for the Future Leaders of Manitoba and a finalist in the CBC’s Top 40 Manitoban’s under 40 for 2015.

Jessica’s volunteer work also earns wide respect in Manitoba. She has served as Chairperson of the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce and the first Indigenous Female Chairperson of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (2019-2020) and continues to sit on numerous committees and boards at the executive level. She is a powerful role model and advocate for social justice, leading others to overcome challenges by developing personal strengths, vision and self-confidence.

Find Jessica on:
https://www.jessicadumas.com/
Jessica's TEDx Talk
Instagram: @jessicadumas01
LinkedIn
Facebook: jessicadumascoaching

If you’re wondering what you can do in bringing reconciliation and decolonization to Canada – this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

What a land acknowledgment means to Jessica
Living without cultural identity or sense of purpose
The first time she realized she was different
Choosing between being Indigenous or sending your child to residential school
The family tragedy that started her on the path to restorative justice
Finally finding her place in community
Discrimination against her lack of university degree
Meeting Michelle Obama!
Encouragement for young Indigenous women
Education is the key to decolonization

Full transcript here.

Guest Bio and References/Links

About Jessica Dumas:

Find Jessica on:
https://www.jessicadumas.com/
Jessica's TEDx Talk
Instagram: @jessicadumas01
LinkedIn
Facebook: jessicadumascoaching

Previous Episode

Ep206: Awakening her Indigenous Spirit - Fighting Academic Racism, with Jill Featherstone

“I started learning about residential schools. I started learning about generational trauma and that's when I realized like, okay, there's nothing wrong with us. I'm not broken. There's things that happened that caused us to be living this way. And once I realized that there was nothing wrong with me and with my people, that's when I really started to regain a lot of strength and courage."
This special episode is released on National Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
So today's episode features Jill Featherstone, a wonderful Indigenous mother, grandmother, university professor, and author of the book, “The Tale of Tiger Lily”. In fact, Jill is so good, she was continuously accused of plagiarism as a student.

From Jill’s story, you’ll see why decolonization is needed in our universities and schools. How can education based in brick buildings and academic papers truly value teachings from oral traditions and land-based skills?

I could say more, but I’d rather let her speak for herself. Before we hear from Jill, please be aware that we speak openly about racist events and discrimination that may be painful and distressing to you. If you are a survivor of residential schools or related trauma, and need help – please call the Indian Residential Schools 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.

Contact me and find JEDI resources at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/

In this episode, we talk about:

Treaty status and living on reserve - rights controlled by colonization
Youthful rebellion as a response to continuous racist attacks
Regaining her identity and culture that was lost
Racism from university professors - fighting for her education like fighting a war
Racism against Jill's little girl
Strength and courage to pursue her dream of writing
Helping Indigenous youth today to be proud of who they are
Lateral violence: a direct effect of residential schools and intergenerational trauma
Jill's book, The Tale of Tiger Lily, A Novel
Opportunity for students and teachers to get a free author's talk from Jill!

Full transcript here.

Guest Bio and References/Links

About Jill Featherstone:
Jill is a mother of 5 and step-mom to 3. She is a wife, a grandmother, an instructor at University College of the North in Northern Manitoba, and an author. Her novel for young adults, “The Tale of Tiger Lily”, is inspired by the character created by J.M. Barrie’s play “Peter Pan”. Jill takes us into the mind of the young Tiger Lily as she comes of age, blending cultural resonance with a classic tale.

Jill is also the founder of Featherstone Support Services, providing motivational workshops for Indigenous youth and young adults. To date she has helped hundreds of Indigenous youth and young adults find the motivation, courage and confidence to go back to school and enter into the workforce.

References and resources in this episode:

https://www.jillfeatherstone.com/

Tale of Tiger Lily for Teachers

Featherstone Support Services

Instagram: @_Jill_Featherstone

Facebook:

Next Episode

Ep208: Why Police Record Checks Are More Harmful Than Helpful, with Safiyah Husein

Many employers are asking where to find and hire “diverse talent”. What they SHOULD be asking is how their recruitment process might discriminate against these candidates once they apply.

In this episode, Safiyah Husein, a lawyer and Senior Policy Analyst at the John Howard Society, shines a light on the hidden dangers behind a widely accepted hiring procedure: the police (or criminal) background check.

This episode is for you if:

You think police checks make your workplace safer
Your employer has done a police check on you but you don’t know what it said
You believe police checks only uncover findings on convicted criminals

Spoiler alert: research shows that police checks don’t do what you probably think they do.

Listen to the full episode to find out what they really do!
Contact Rosie and find JEDI resources at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/
Full transcript available here.

Guest Bio and References/Links

About Safiyah Husein:

Safiyah Husein is a Senior Policy Analyst at the John Howard Society of Ontario (JHSO). She does research and policy development, supports its public education activities, and liaises with local offices and community partners on reform initiatives. Safiyah holds a BSc in Psychology from York University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law.

JHSO actively advocated for reforms to police record checks, to protect public safety and human rights, leading to the Police Record Check Reform Act. JHSO conducts workshops and webinars to educate stakeholders about legal rights and responsibilities under the Act, and promote evidence-based best practices around police record checks and employment.

Safiyah worked on projects related to police record check policy, and leads public education activities for legal professionals, employers and individuals navigating the job market with justice involvement.

Find Safiyah on:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email: [email protected]

References and resources in this episode:
Police Record Hub Website
John Howard Society Ontario Website
YouTube

Changing Lenses: Diversify Your Perspectives - Ep207: So You Say You Want Decolonization? with Jessica Dumas

Transcript

Please note: the transcripts attempt to stay true to the essence of each conversation, while maintaining clarity and readability. As a result, certain "filler" words, and nuances of tone, emotion and emphasis will be missing.

If you're able, you're strongly encouraged to listen to the audio podcast. Transcripts are generated using a combination of speech recognition software and human editors, and may contain errors.

Ep17: So You Say You Want Decolonization? with Jessica Du