Running Solo: Indigenous Teacher Identity in Roman Catholic Education

Through the lens of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Tribal Critical Race Theory (TribalCrit), and whiteness studies the inquiry set out to trouble the question; how does Indigenous teacher identity exist in Roman Catholic education? Following a hybrid methodology that allied critical ethnography and Indigenous methodology, three salient themes emerged: (1) Indigenous teacher identity, (2) systemic barriers and (3) notions of change. Endemic structures of dominance and pressures to colonize influenced the construction of Indigenous teacher identity in Roman Catholic education. Conversations concerning pedagogical philosophy, advocacy and the effects of cultural brokering focused the theme. Systemic barriers were abundant for Indigenous teachers seeking autonomy. Experiences of racism, colonialism, normative thinking, and broken relationships created an oppressive work environment. The participants proposed three notions of change to improve Indigenous teacher experience in Roman Catholic education: (1) dismantle racial and colonial conditioning of settler teachers through professional development, (2) prioritize the hiring of more Indigenous teachers, and (3) develop decolonizing programming and curriculum for students. The study culminates by explicitly stating six personal Calls to Action and three Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a directive model to instigate systemic change.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Education (MEd)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Curriculm and Instruction

Grantor dc:publisher

Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Wright, Tyler Larry

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Cappello, Michael

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Salm, Twyla
• Pete, Shauneen

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.82465/4605

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uregina.scholaris.ca:10294/7748