Reconsidering Difference

The curricular and pedagogical significance of holistic insights in the face of colonial exclusions

Abstract

This paper explores how holistic-guided, sacred, ecological insights can support youth in their healing journeys from the individual and systemic violence of colonial exclusions. Drawing upon guidance from Indigenous sharing circle philosophies and sacred ecological insights, this article contends that the coming together of similarities and differences can generate the ethic of “wisdom relationality” (Kasamali, 2019) and promote healing. This theorizing is guided by the métissage sensibility and is supported by research conducted with an Alberta, Aboriginal Studies 30, secondary, high school class. By concentrating on experiences of four former Aboriginal Studies 30 students, this article illuminates their key learnings acquired from reconnecting with the healing energy that flows from Indigenous sharing circle philosophies. The article demonstrates that by reconsidering difference and responding to colonial exclusions from the place of holism inspires the students to achieve freedom, agency and in doing so, restores their sense of balance.