Decolonization. One of the most widely debated, emotionally charged words that often leaves people feeling either confused, triggered, intrigued or all of the above. 

So what exactly does decolonization even mean and why is this word such a hot topic?

Let me start by saying that a lot of people have a lot of varying definitions and mine is just one opinion. I’ll share how I view decolonization specifically in my work as a communicator, writer, speaker, and mentor and cite the educators I’ve learned from as appropriate. 

I’ll be honest… I wonder every single day if ‘decolonization’ is truly the right word for the work that I do.

I’m well aware of the critics that warn “decolonization is not a metaphor” especially highlighted by the article of the same name by Eve Tuck and K. Wayne Yang. Perhaps it’s reconciliation and relationship building that I am doing, not ‘decolonization’. 

But until I have a better way to succinctly describe my mission, I’ll do my best to honour the weight an...