Oct 22, 2024
Drumming Our Way Home: Intergenerational Learning, Teaching, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing by Dr. Georgina Martin (Secwépemc Nation) was released on October 15, 2024. In the book, Dr. Martin – a faculty member with Langara’s Department of Aboriginal Studies – discusses her experiences and struggles to hold on to her Indigenous identity, culture, and language.
Dr. Georgina Martin, who is Secwépemc from Williams Lake First Nation, released her book, Drumming Our Way Home: Intergenerational Learning, Teaching, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing, on October 15, 2024. The book is based on her doctoral research and looks at identity, culture, and language loss. She previously co-wrote a book in 1999 about land laws and agreements with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
An instructor with the Department of Aboriginal Studies, Dr. Martin stresses how important it is for Indigenous students to keep their cultural identity when attending colonial schools. She explains that by sharing and revisiting experiences, traditional practices can be kept alive and create a strong, culture-focused learning environment.
The autobiographical work also reflects on Dr. Martin’s personal history.
“I discuss how it felt being birthed in an Indian hospital*, which I refer to as being birthed into legislated interference. I was removed from my mother and raised by my grandparents. And for that, I feel very lucky because they provided me with some really valuable standards, morals, and ethics.”
Indigenous students often feel forced to mold themselves to their new environments, which is a modern-day version of the residential school goal of “killing the Indian*.”
“I was able to walk through the doors as an Indigenous person whole and not have to leave who I am at the door,” says Dr. Martin. “I wanted to retain some of who I am and continue learning about myself.
“But of course, the world is also continually changing,” she adds. “The influence of technology, amongst other things, has contributed to these shifts. Many youths don't know the practices of our culture and can't speak the language. And they don't really care to participate.”
Drumming Our Way Home includes stories from Elder Jean William and youth Colton Wycotte, who share their own experiences, and contemplate the impact of cultural practices and the challenges faced by younger generations.
Drumming Our Way Home: Intergenerational Learning, Teaching, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing is published by UBC Press and online orders are available now.
*The term Indian (i.e. Indian hospitals, the Indian Act) is used to reflect what these colonial institutions and legislation were named. As Dr. Gregory Younging says in his book Elements of Indigenous Style, “works should avoid inappropriate terminology used in reference to Indigenous Peoples except:" when specifically describing the terminology as terminology, referring to a proper name or name of an institution or document, and if we are quoting from a historical source though they should always be flagged. (Younging, p. 61)
Dr. Georgina Martin will be presenting her research work and discussing Drumming Our Way Home at the Langara College Applied Research Centre’s Open House on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The event is open to all members of the Langara community. Register to attend now.