I get asked a lot about what appropriation is. I see appropriation and erasure often appearing and acting in tandem. When you erase the fact someone exists or even COULD exist in your space, it is much easier to present their experiences or ideas as your own. 1/6

It becomes easier to speak for Indigenous (or other BIPOC) people when you erase them. Or pretend like they couldn’t possibly share the same space as you... or be privy to the inside of the system. 2/6

Over recent months I’ve had a few experiences where it was clear it never would have crossed the minds of the people present that an Indigenous person may be present in an academic setting... 3/6

One included talking about Indigenous people like we are artifacts/inanimate objects to be studied. And included a discussion about the “cancel culture” surrounding John A McDonald. 4/6

In other spaces I see settlers claiming Spirit animals, dreamcatchers, and attributing quotes to generic “Indigenous” teachings on SM. We have also seen a lot of high profile people appropriating Indigenous identity lately, which is especially harmful. 5/6

I encourage all of you to really interrogate the work you do in equity and antiracism. Even the best intentioned work can unintentionally hurt people. If you are unsure, ask. But when you ask, be ready to listen. And be ready to change. 6/6