Supporting ongoing learning, dialogue, and action toward reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenous inclusion within geography and the broader academic community.

Decolonizing and Indigenizing the Professional Association

Following re-election to the CAG Executive Council in 2021, Dr. Heather Castleden shared her interest in forming a Committee dedicated to Decolonizing and Indigenizing within the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG).

Throughout 2021 and 2022 a series of meetings and two national round tables were held and resulted in the development of a Terms of Reference outlining the new committee’s composition and objectives. The Terms of Reference have been reviewed and approved by the CAG Executive and presented to the general membership of the CAG at the Annual Conference in May of 2022.

We are now honoured to present the formation of the first Decolonization and Indigenization Standing Committee.

Stay tuned as we will be sharing updates, activities, and other news dedicated to Decolonizing and Indigenizing.

Objective

The objectives of the Standing Committee on Decolonizing and Indigenizing the Professional Association are to cultivate a culturally safe community; create welcoming spaces for un-learning; support the development of decolonized and Indigenized policies, processes, curricula, marketing, recruitment/retention of members, and events; and to routinely monitor, evaluate, and report on our collective progress on these objectives. To this end, the Decolonizing and Indigenizing Committee will lead and promote engagement with CAG-wide activities aimed at addressing the impacts of anti-Indigenous racism, white supremacy, and settler colonialism in producing and reproducing injustices.