9 Becoming an ally: The work before the work
In Working in Good Ways with Indigenous Communities: A Framework and Resource for Indigenous Community Engagement, it is noted that,
Many people make the mistake of proposing collaborations and partnerships with Indigenous people and communities without having first built a foundation for working in good ways.
Failing to build this foundation by engaging in “the work before the work” often leads to actions and choices that, although motivated by good intentions, have a harmful impact on Indigenous communities. (To learn more, please explore Working in Good Ways: A framework and resources for Indigenous community engagement)
In the context of this module, the concept of The Work Before the Work is an invitation to pause, assess, and build-up our capacity for authentic allyship with any equity-seeking groups.
What does the work before the work look like in the journey of allyship?
The “Work Before the Work” has three components: Developing literacy, Building relationship, and Practicing reflection.
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Adapted from Working in Good Ways with Indigenous Communities: A Framework and Resource for Indigenous Community Engagement
