Engaging communities that have historically been marginalized poses a prevalent challenge for numerous organizations. This challenge often stems from the reluctance of a significant portion of these communities to participate. This reluctance is rooted in longstanding disparities and injustices that have become deeply embedded within an organization’s structures due to historical colonial practices.
The concept of “Decolonizing the Boardroom” involves a critical examination of conventional governance frameworks and an exploration of their historical underpinnings. This process allows us to discern how colonial legacies have significantly influenced these frameworks over time, often sidelining Indigenous perspectives in the decision-making process. Decolonizing the boardroom is an essential endeavor aimed at rectifying these historical wrongs and ensuring that decisions are reached equitably and inclusively.
In this course, we courageously challenge you to reimagine the current colonial systems and structures, and work towards ensuring that all voices are not only heard but genuinely included in their processes. We encourage you to embark on a profound exploration of why decolonization is essential in the light of equity. The course equips you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies essential for championing Indigenous perspectives in the boardroom. As Alroy Baker wisely noted, “Indigenous perspective is not just for Indigenous People; it is for everyone because it’s about being a good human.” Throughout this course, you are invited to leave behind the fear of making mistakes, as growth is a journey that welcomes imperfections. We encourage you to adopt a fluid and adaptable approach, recognizing that equity and inclusion are ongoing processes, rather than fixed destinations.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand Indigenous Perspectives
- Demystify “Decolonization” and the understanding of Indigenization
- Step into the shoes of Indigenous voices in the boardroom
- Situate oneself through Positionality
- Understand the dimensions of diversity within Indigenous communities across Canada
Course Curriculum
Part 1: Why Decolonize?
Part 2: The Road to Decolonization
Modes of Learning and Resources
- 3 downloadable resources and course transcript
- 6 links to online resources
Course Access & Duration
This course is on-demand, meaning that you can take it anytime, at your own pace. The course will take approximately 1-2 hours to complete from start to finish. You have one year (365 days) to complete the course from the date of purchase before it will automatically expire in your account. However, once you open a course for the very first time, you will have unlimited access to complete the course within 3 months. You can choose to take the course in one sitting or in smaller bites. Either way, the course is entirely flexible and up to you how fast you complete it within the 3-month time frame!
Course Level/Prerequisites/Certification Credits
Introductory level, no prerequisites.
Recommended Companion Courses:
Diversity, Sensitivity & Inclusion Training
IDEA Fundamentals
Introduction to Unconscious Bias
DEI Best Practices for Nonprofits
Final Exam
The final exam is optional but highly recommended. If you choose not to complete the final exam, the course status on your eLearning dashboard will show as incomplete and you will not receive a certificate of completion.
Price
$99 – this price includes unlimited access to the course for 3 months and all the course downloads.
About the Course Author
Jessie Williams
Indigenous Consultant, Synergy Executive and Boards Consulting Group
Dean, Indigenous Initiative for VCC
Jessie is a citizen of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Leaning on wisdom gained from her lived experience, educational journey, professional practice, and elder teachings, she develops and delivers reconciliation and decolonization efforts that enhance Indigenous presence, voice, and capacity.
With a wealth of experience as a Board of Director, Jessie approaches governance through a holistic lens, emphasizing reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her impactful contributions extend to roles such as Director on the provincial First Nations Education Steering Committee, Chair of the Post-Secondary subcommittee, Board of Governor for Capilano University, and Board Member at Minerva BC, among others.
Jessie is committed to fostering reciprocal and strategic partnerships across diverse sectors, fortifying the well-being of individuals, communities, and society at large. Passionate about catalyzing systemic change, she actively engages in dialogue on individual and shared responsibility, particularly within the realms of racial, gender, and worldview diversity, drawing from the rich perspectives of First Nations.
Beyond this, Jessie is dedicated to promoting Indigenous representation and gender equality in leadership spaces, decision-making tables, and executive positions. Her advocacy reflects a commitment to uplifting and empowering underrepresented voices, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future.
