The Decolonial Toolbox: An Educational Pathway
Learn about the historical and contemporary realities of Indigenous Peoples by navigating this self-guided course. The Decolonial Toolbox’s Educational Pathway provides resources and stimulates reflection to help you understand the impacts of colonization and offer guidance to challenge colonialism in your everyday life. These stepping stones will guide you as you embark on a personal journey toward decolonization and meaningful allyship.
Read the introduction (PDF) or watch the launch video to learn more about why this resource was created, and how to use it.
Level 1: Introduction to Indigenous realities
Did you know that most of the names given to Indigenous peoples throughout history were imposed by Europeans? That's why, in the first level of the Decolonial Toolbox - Educational Pathway, we will be introducing some knowledge about Indigenous realities. You will learn more about the terms to use when talking about Indigenous peoples, territory and colonial history.
We want to help you understand why it's important to use the right words, and encourage further reflection on decolonizing language and integrating change into everyday interactions.
We've put together a series of readings, podcasts and videos to help you explore these lexical notions in greater depth.
Level 2: Colonial strategies
The reality of Indigenous Peoples is shaped by settlement colonialism, which refers to the invasion of a territory by settlers. In this form of colonialism, settlers establish themselves permanently and impose their sovereignty. This process is continuous and characterized by sustained occupation of a territory.
For the second level of the Decolonial Toolbox - Educational Pathway, we present concrete examples of colonial strategies used to eliminate, assimilate and displace Indigenous Peoples.
You can deepen your knowledge of the subject by listening, watching and reading the suggested resources, and then begin your own process of reflection.
Level 3
In this upcoming level, we invite you to forget about any definitions you may already associate with the concepts of land and territory and instead imagine the Land as a living, breathing entity with which Indigenous Peoples are socially and sacredly involved.
For the third level of the Decolonial Toolbox Educational Pathway, we discuss Indigenous sovereignty, the inherent right of to self-determination and self-governance over traditional territories, cultures, and resources.
To be launched on September 30, 2025.
How it can be used
The Educational Pathway is designed for individuals on their own learning journey or for groups forming learning circles to discuss the material together. It encourages self-directed learning, placing the responsibility on learners, thereby easing the educational and emotional load often carried by Indigenous communities.
The course is free and accessible online. Simply download the PDF onto your computer, smartphone or tablet, and navigate through 22 hours of content organized by theme. Users can read, listen or watch the resources by clicking on them. Each resource has been carefully curated for its accessibility, critical perspective on colonialism and Indigenous authorship.
Creators
The Decolonial Toolbox is the result of a multi-year collaboration between the Concordia University's Office of Community Engagement, Mikana and the Montreal Indigenous Community NETWORK.
Meet the creators at the launch
Contact us
For comments and questions about the Decolonial Toolbox, you can contact communityengagement@concordia.ca.
