Indigenous

Special Notice: Please note that this webpage is in the process of being rolled out to the public. We apologize for the inconvenience, and relevant sections will be added soon.

Welcome to the Indigenous and Neurodiversity Intersection section of ND Upgrade. This space is dedicated to exploring how neurodivergence uniquely impacts Indigenous communities. We delve into the cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape the experiences of neurodivergent Indigenous individuals. In the process, we also take it upon ourselves to introduce principles behind Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) initiatives ().

By sharing stories, research, and resources, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the strengths and challenges faced by these communities. Join us in celebrating the resilience and diversity of neurodivergent Indigenous people.

Land Acknowledgements

Land acknowledgements are formal statements that recognize the Indigenous peoples as the original inhabitants and stewards of the land. They acknowledge the historical and ongoing relationship between Indigenous peoples and their territories.

Land acknowledgements are important because they:

  1. Honor Indigenous Heritage: They pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land.
  2. Raise Awareness: They educate the public about Indigenous history and contemporary issues.
  3. Foster Reconciliation: They are a step towards acknowledging past injustices and fostering better relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Including land acknowledgements is a meaningful practice that shows respect and promotes awareness and reconciliation. To learn which Indigenous communities to recognize for your specific region, we encourage you to refer to Native Land Digital.

Vocabulary

Additional Resources

Here, we provide a curated list of valuable trusted resources to deepen your understanding of Indigenous issues. These resources include institutions, researchers, legal frameworks, and educational multimedia content.

Intersectional Researchers

  • Sophie Strassmann-Peña is a researcher with a background in economics from McGill University who integrates intersectional perspectives into her work.
  • Jeremiah D. Simmons is a postdoctoral student at Standford University in the department of psychiatry who has produced and presented research on Indigenous neurodivergence.

Recognized Institutions

International

Canada

Authorship for this page is assisted, but not written, by ChatGPT.

References

Strassmann-Peña, Sophie. 2023. Indigenous Neurodivergence.