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Decolonization and Allyship: How to be an Ally?

What is Allyship?

According to the Anti-Oppression Network, Allyship is "an active, consistent, and arduous practice of unlearning and re-evaluating, in which a person in a position of privilege and power seeks to operate in solidarity with a marginalized group" (2015). An Ally is someone who acts out of responsibility rather than guilt and who is interested in challenging larger oppressive power structures. 

From the Anti-Oppression Network's Allyship webpage

Featured Books

In Our Voices

SOURCE is Sheridan's Institutional Repository for preserving and promoting scholarly and creative works of Sheridan faculty, staff, and students. The repository is a service provided and administered by Sheridan Library in Ontario. Sheridan SOURCE created the video "In Our Voices" with Sheridan's Indigenous community on perspectives regarding effective Allyship.

Speakers include:

  • Tracy German (Professor of Film, Media, and Television)
  • Stephen Paquette (Director, Board of Governors; Member of Indigenous Education Council) 
  • Elijah Williams (Director, Indigenous Engagement)
  • Jodie Kerr-Alich (Registered Social Worker, Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator)
  • Jody Harbour (Entrepreneur, Member of  Indigenous Education Council)
  • Miguel Turato (Lead Project Manager, Facilities)