Source 1: This Library Takes an Indigenous Approach to Categorizing Books
- By Sydney Worth
- 3/22/19
The article “This Library Takes an Indigenous Approach to Categorizing Books” by Sydney Worth discusses the innovative approach taken by the Xwi7xwa Library at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, in categorizing its books. The library, which serves Indigenous students and researchers, utilizes an Indigenous classification system developed by librarian Jeanette Armstrong and others. This system reflects Indigenous ways of organizing knowledge, focusing on themes such as land, language, and spirituality rather than traditional Western categories like history or literature.
The main claim of the article is that the Xwi7xwa Library’s adoption of an Indigenous classification system represents a significant departure from Eurocentric library practices and contributes to the decolonization of academic spaces. The thesis is that libraries should consider alternative classification systems that are more inclusive and reflective of diverse cultural perspectives. The source was created to highlight the unique approach of the Xwi7xwa Library and to promote discussion about decolonization in library science and academia more broadly. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems into institutional practices.
Considering the creator, Sydney Worth is likely to bring a perspective sympathetic to Indigenous rights and decolonization efforts. This bias might lead to a positive portrayal of the Xwi7xwa Library’s approach and a critical examination of Western-centric library practices. However, it’s important to recognize and critically evaluate any potential biases in the article while also appreciating the valuable insights it provides into Indigenous knowledge systems and efforts to decolonize academic spaces.
Source 2 : The coloniality of planting
- By Ros Gray and Shela Sheikh
In the article “The Coloniality of Planting” it explores the historical and contemporary connections between botany, colonialism, and environmental injustice. The main claim of the authors, Ros Gray and Shela Sheikh, is that the practice of botany has been deeply entwined with colonial expansion and violence. Botany, initially perceived as a peaceful and benign scientific discipline, played a crucial role in the expansion of empires through exploratory voyages, plant collection, and the establishment of plantation systems. The authors argue that the very act of planting was a form of colonial violence, involving the clearing of land, destruction of ecosystems, and imposition of monoculture crops.
The article also highlights the role of botany in reinforcing systems of oppression, including slavery and scientific racism. Notable botanists of the 18th century, such as Carl Linnaeus, Hans Sloane, and Joseph Banks, contributed to the development of scientific racism and the justification of colonialism. Colonial botany involved the extraction of local knowledge and the erasure of Indigenous knowledge and ecological practices, reinforcing hierarchical power structures.
Moving on, the article discusses the ongoing legacy of coloniality in contemporary environmental injustices, such as environmental racism and unequal access to green spaces. It emphasizes the need to question and challenge colonial narratives embedded in landscape and gardening practices, advocating for alternative histories, cultivation practices, and forms of environmental justice.
The source was most likely created to raise awareness about the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism on botanical practices and environmental inequalities. Ros Gray and Shela Sheikh would likely bring a critical and decolonial perspective to the article, highlighting the intersections between colonialism, botany, and environmental injustice. Their work may reflect a commitment to challenging dominant narratives and advocating for social and environmental justice.