Have you heard the term unconscious bias, or hidden bias? It refers to the implicit stereotypes about certain groups of people that are held deeply within us, often beyond our conscious awareness. We all have unconscious bias, because we’ve all been socialized in worlds that perpetuate stereotypes. Having unconscious bias doesn’t make you a bad person. But, in the context of Indigenous engagement, if we don’t uncover and mitigate the unconscious biases held toward Indigenous Peoples, it can affect interactions and opportunities for collaboration.
Where does unconscious bias toward Indigenous Peoples come from?
Some influences include:
- Colonial histories, which entrenched negative stereotypes against Indigenous Peoples and used those stereotypes as justification to dispossess Indigenous Peoples of their lands and forcibly erase cultures.
- Lack of cultural understanding and awareness, as mainstream education fails to adequately cover Indigenous histories and worldviews.
- Media, which perpetuates stereotypes and negative portrayals of Indigenous Peoples.
- Systemic inequities in education, health care and employment, which reinforce stereotypes of marginalization and poverty, among others.
How do we become aware of and address our unconscious biases?
Addressing unconscious bias requires self-reflection, awareness and education on an individual level, as well as stereotype-busting policy reforms and efforts to promote inclusivity and equity at societal and systems levels.
At the IEI, we help you start this journey by:
- Enhancing your cultural competence by expanding your understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories and worldviews; and
- Engaging in reflective practices to uncover your biases and take conscious steps to counteract and mitigate them, so that you’re ready for respectful Indigenous engagement and Ethical Space-based relations.
As values-based IEI leaders, this individual understanding will help you examine the unconscious biases that may be embedded in your organization, so you can influence inclusive and equitable policies and practices in Indigenous engagement and all aspects of your work.