In 2022, the CAG approved a new Standing Committee of the CAG for Decolonizing and Indigenizing the Professional Association. The rationale for this Committee is steeped in the recognition that as a profession and discipline, Geography has played and continues to play an active role in shaping the settler colonial enterprise in what is now called Canada, subjecting Indigenous Peoples to ongoing colonial and racist violence, and Land dispossession (Hunt 2014; Daigle 2016). Kobayashi and Peake (2000) outline, “the discipline played a founding role in establishing the systems of imperialist expansion and colonial power through which the western world became a dominant center and its white inhabitants became normative, authoritative, and privileged” (399).

Unique to the CAG, this Committee includes two Knowledge Keepers. The Committee recognizes that Knowledge Keepers are generally understood to be those who have been taught by Indigenous Elders within their community. Their roles are flexible and the Committee works collaboratively with them. Their work includes:  Providing insight and feedback on ideas and actions related to our work plan; Guiding actions and decision making; Being present to help us remain grounded in our work; Asking the ‘hard’ questions; Providing guidance on how to elevate Indigenous ways/knowledges in the professional association; and Advising on how to foster culturally safe spaces in the CAG.

The purpose of this panel session is to have a “fireside chat” with the Committee’s two current Knowledge Keepers, Adele ᒪᐢᑿᓱᐤᐏᐢᑵᐤ Arseneau and Celeste Smith (Oneida), about their observations and involvement in the work of this Committee and the CAG as a whole.