{"id":302394,"date":"2025-11-26T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/?post_type=issues&p=302394"},"modified":"2025-11-26T17:21:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T22:21:41","slug":"chemins-paralleles-autochtones","status":"publish","type":"issues","link":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/","title":{"rendered":"Honorer l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone en suivant des chemins parall\u00e8les"},"content":{"rendered":"

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(English version available here.<\/a>) <\/em><\/p>\n

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Co-\u00e9crit avec le Cercle d\u2019A\u00een\u00e9s ii\u2019 taa\u2019poh\u2019to\u2019p<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Malgr\u00e9 les accomplissements remarquables des \u00e9tablissements d\u2019enseignement sup\u00e9rieur du Canada, un probl\u00e8me persiste de fa\u00e7on end\u00e9mique sur presque tous les campus : l\u2019ignorance syst\u00e9mique des syst\u00e8mes de connaissances autochtones.<\/p>\n

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Une lueur d\u2019espoir nous offre une piste de solution : la notion des chemins parall\u00e8les, un concept issu des travaux des gardiens du savoir qui ont contribu\u00e9 \u00e0 la strat\u00e9gie de mobilisation autochtone ii\u2019 taa\u2019poh\u2019to\u2019p<\/a> de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de Calgary en 2017.<\/p>\n

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Chemins parall\u00e8les<\/h2>\n

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Le principe des chemins parall\u00e8les revivifie les pratiques de gouvernance autochtones tout en r\u00e9affirmant la souverainet\u00e9 des peuples autochtones.<\/p>\n

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La D\u00e9claration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones (DNUDPA<\/a>), adopt\u00e9e en 2007, reconna\u00eet les droits des peuples autochtones et met l\u2019accent sur leur survie, leur dignit\u00e9 et leur bien-\u00eatre. La pi\u00e8ce ma\u00eetresse de la D\u00e9claration est un appel \u00e0 l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone, particuli\u00e8rement en \u00e9ducation, o\u00f9 les lois et principes de gouvernance autochtone doivent \u00eatre revitalis\u00e9s pour assurer une autonomie et un respect r\u00e9els.<\/p>\n

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La Commission de v\u00e9rit\u00e9 et r\u00e9conciliation<\/a> du Canada tient d\u2019ailleurs compte de cette r\u00e9alit\u00e9 dans son rapport final, dans lequel elle souligne le droit des peuples autochtones de contr\u00f4ler leurs \u00e9tablissements d\u2019enseignement.<\/p>\n

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Pourtant, malgr\u00e9 ces engagements, les cadres d\u00e9cisionnels en enseignement sup\u00e9rieur excluent en grande partie les voix<\/a> et les syst\u00e8mes de connaissances autochtones.<\/p>\n

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Pour surmonter ces obstacles, nous devons repenser la relation entre les syst\u00e8mes de gouvernance autochtones et occidentaux, ce qui passe par la cr\u00e9ation d\u2019un espace \u00e9thique partag\u00e9<\/a> o\u00f9 les deux syst\u00e8mes coexistent sans se faire de l\u2019ombre, une approche fond\u00e9e sur le respect mutuel et la responsabilisation communautaire.<\/p>\n

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En avan\u00e7ant sur des chemins de gouvernance parall\u00e8les, nous avons la possibilit\u00e9 d\u2019int\u00e9grer \u00e0 la fois les perspectives autochtones et allochtones. Non seulement cette approche renforce nos syst\u00e8mes de gouvernance partag\u00e9e, mais c\u2019est aussi un moyen d\u2019honorer les principes fondateurs d\u2019autod\u00e9termination bilat\u00e9rale et d\u2019inclusion.<\/p>\n

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Michael Hart, vice-recteur et vice-pr\u00e9sident associ\u00e9 responsable des relations avec les Autochtones \u00e0 l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de Calgary, illustre ce principe en s\u2019imaginant deux canots dans l\u2019eau : chacun suit sa propre trajectoire, mais les pagayeurs peuvent se parler, \u00e9changer sur leurs exp\u00e9riences et discuter de plans pour descendre le cours d\u2019eau.<\/p>\n

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Parfois, les pagayeurs devront fournir des efforts d\u00e9lib\u00e9r\u00e9s : tendre sa propre pagaie vers l\u2019autre et attraper la sienne pour se rapprocher et se stabiliser comme une seule unit\u00e9. Par cet effort mutuel de connexion, ils ouvrent un dialogue approfondi qui transcende les diff\u00e9rences.<\/p>\n

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Reconnaissance mutuelle des valeurs fondamentales<\/h2>\n

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Suivre ensemble des chemins parall\u00e8les requiert un engagement multilat\u00e9ral et les ressources n\u00e9cessaires pour int\u00e9grer l\u2019espace \u00e9thique aux processus d\u00e9cisionnels, en particulier dans les organismes publics.<\/p>\n

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La notion de chemins parall\u00e8les repr\u00e9sente la trajectoire de deux regroupements de communaut\u00e9s \u2013 autochtones et allochtones \u2013, chacun ayant sa propre diversit\u00e9 interne, dans un espace partag\u00e9 o\u00f9 aucune vision du monde ne domine et o\u00f9 nous nous entendons sur les fa\u00e7ons de parler, d\u2019\u00e9couter et de d\u00e9cider.<\/p>\n

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Tout en reconnaissant le caract\u00e8re distinct de leurs histoires, de leurs exp\u00e9riences et de leur engagement constitutif envers l\u2019autod\u00e9termination, ces communaut\u00e9s cheminent c\u00f4te \u00e0 c\u00f4te, chacune \u00e0 son rythme, unies par l\u2019objectif de cr\u00e9er des relations mieux \u00e9quilibr\u00e9es. Chaque communaut\u00e9 applique ses propres philosophies et connaissances tout en apprenant des autres dans le but de cr\u00e9er un syst\u00e8me partag\u00e9 qui produise des r\u00e9sultats plus justes, fond\u00e9s sur la compr\u00e9hension mutuelle et la confiance.<\/p>\n

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Pour que cette transformation perdure \u2013 et qu\u2019elle d\u00e9passe les simples ajustements en marge des grandes d\u00e9cisions \u2013, nous devons partir de nos valeurs fondamentales et b\u00e2tir des mod\u00e8les de gouvernance qui incluent r\u00e9ellement les peuples autochtones et qui reposent sur des relations solides. Ces grandes valeurs n\u2019ont pas besoin d\u2019\u00eatre identiques : en fait, elles seront presque certainement diff\u00e9rentes, mais tant qu\u2019elles se recoupent en partie, elles rendent possible l\u2019\u00e9tablissement d\u2019un espace \u00e9thique partag\u00e9.<\/p>\n

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Ces espaces favorisent l\u2019\u00e9tablissement d\u2019un dialogue et l\u2019identification de conflits potentiels, tout en encourageant une compr\u00e9hension mutuelle qui respecte la diversit\u00e9 de nos histoires, de nos perspectives et de nos fa\u00e7ons d\u2019\u00eatre. Bien que ces engagements relationnels n\u2019exigent pas d\u2019arriver \u00e0 un consensus, ils nous appellent tout de m\u00eame \u00e0 r\u00e9fl\u00e9chir aux cons\u00e9quences de nos actions et \u00e0 tendre vers des r\u00e9sultats communs interconnect\u00e9s et vers une vision \u00e0 long terme.<\/p>\n

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L\u00e9gitimit\u00e9 de la prise de d\u00e9cisions<\/h2>\n

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Les espaces \u00e9thiques s\u2019appliquent aussi au sein de groupes autochtones qui comprennent des peuples des Premi\u00e8res Nations, m\u00e9tis et inuits, chacun constitu\u00e9 de populations, de nations, de communaut\u00e9s, de familles, de syst\u00e8mes de gouvernance et de visions du monde uniques.<\/p>\n

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La plupart des chercheurs autochtones et des A\u00een\u00e9s partagent la conviction selon laquelle l\u2019autorit\u00e9 de gouverner n\u2019est pas conf\u00e9r\u00e9e par le poste qu\u2019on occupe, mais par la communaut\u00e9 elle\u2011m\u00eame. Selon la vision du monde autochtone, les leaders sont des facilitateurs et non les d\u00e9tenteurs d\u2019une autorit\u00e9 absolue.<\/p>\n

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En d\u2019autres mots, la forme sert la fonction. Le cercle est une image fondamentale dans les syst\u00e8mes autochtones de prise de d\u00e9cisions : chaque personne qui en fait partie correspond \u00e0 un petit arc de cercle, et chacune est donc une partie essentielle au tout.<\/p>\n

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Cela dit, l\u2019autod\u00e9termination s\u2019\u00e9tend au-del\u00e0 des structures de gouvernance lorsqu\u2019on parle de la souverainet\u00e9 des peuples autochtones dans leurs relations avec d\u2019autres peuples autochtones, des peuples allochtones, le territoire, les g\u00e9n\u00e9rations futures, et les entit\u00e9s non humaines. La souverainet\u00e9 relationnelle<\/a> n\u00e9cessite des syst\u00e8mes de gouvernance qui conf\u00e8rent aux peuples autochtones l\u2019autonomie dont ils ont besoin pour d\u00e9terminer leurs propres structures, proc\u00e9d\u00e9s et priorit\u00e9s, guid\u00e9s par des cercles d\u2019A\u00een\u00e9s repr\u00e9sentant diverses nations et communaut\u00e9s.<\/p>\n

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Pratiquer une gouvernance ax\u00e9e sur la coexistence<\/h2>\n

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Prenons l\u2019exemple d\u2019une r\u00e9union o\u00f9 les traditions orales et \u00e9crites peuvent coexister en milieu universitaire.<\/p>\n

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L\u2019A\u00een\u00e9 Reg Crowshoe, coauteur de cet article, insiste sur l\u2019importance de valider les bonnes pratiques de gouvernance orales et \u00e9crites : on peut signaler le d\u00e9but d\u2019une r\u00e9union en frappant avec un maillet (tradition occidentale) et\/ou avec une c\u00e9r\u00e9monie de purification (tradition autochtone); le d\u00e9roulement peut \u00eatre guid\u00e9 par un ordre du jour \u00e9crit (occidentale) et\/ou des souhaits exprim\u00e9s oralement (autochtone); et les r\u00e9sultats peuvent \u00eatre ratifi\u00e9s par un vote (occidentale) et\/ou une chanson (autochtone).<\/p>\n

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C\u2019est au pr\u00e9sident ou \u00e0 la pr\u00e9sidente de la r\u00e9union de choisir la voie \u00e0 suivre \u2013 tradition orale et\/ou \u00e9crite. Les personnes participantes peuvent exprimer leur pr\u00e9f\u00e9rence avant la r\u00e9union, ou la signaler par leur d\u00e9cision d\u2019\u00eatre pr\u00e9sentes ou non.<\/p>\n

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Le principe des chemins parall\u00e8les en tant que dimension centrale d\u2019une r\u00e9forme de la gouvernance peut \u00eatre adopt\u00e9 par des organismes publics, priv\u00e9s et \u00e0 but non lucratif. Pour reconna\u00eetre pleinement le fait que diff\u00e9rentes communaut\u00e9s ont leur propre identit\u00e9, leur propre histoire et leurs propres perspectives, nous devons nous efforcer de cr\u00e9er des espaces sains et \u00e9thiques ouverts au dialogue.<\/p>\n

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Ces espaces nous am\u00e8nent \u00e0 \u00e9couter, m\u00eame en cas de d\u00e9saccord, \u00e0 analyser conjointement les d\u00e9fis soci\u00e9taux, \u00e0 remplir nos obligations l\u00e9gales, morales et culturelles et \u00e0 en apprendre plus les uns sur les autres avec humilit\u00e9 et ouverture.<\/p>\n

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Il revient \u00e0 chaque unit\u00e9 de gouvernance sur ce territoire de d\u00e9terminer pour elle-m\u00eame la forme que prendra cet espace \u00e9thique.<\/p>\n

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Cet article fait partie de la s\u00e9rie R\u00e9inventer la gouvernance dans un monde complexe<\/strong>. Retrouvez la s\u00e9rie compl\u00e8te et poursuivez la lecture ici<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(English version available here.) Co-\u00e9crit avec le Cercle d\u2019A\u00een\u00e9s ii\u2019 taa\u2019poh\u2019to\u2019p Malgr\u00e9 les accomplissements remarquables des \u00e9tablissements d\u2019enseignement sup\u00e9rieur du Canada, un probl\u00e8me persiste de fa\u00e7on end\u00e9mique sur presque tous les campus : l\u2019ignorance syst\u00e9mique des syst\u00e8mes de connaissances autochtones. Une lueur d\u2019espoir nous offre une piste de solution : la notion des chemins parall\u00e8les, un concept […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":302383,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","ep_exclude_from_search":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false},"categories":[],"tags":[],"article-status":[9449],"irpp-category":[6602],"section":[],"irpp-tag":[7107,7127,7184],"class_list":["post-302394","issues","type-issues","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","irpp-category-gouvernance-autochtone","irpp-tag-diversite","irpp-tag-droits-de-la-personne","irpp-tag-transparence"],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nHonorer l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone en suivant des chemins parall\u00e8les<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Les chemins parall\u00e8les aident les universit\u00e9s \u00e0 respecter la gouvernance autochtone, cr\u00e9er un espace \u00e9thique et revivifier les syst\u00e8mes d\u00e9cisionnels.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Honorer l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone en suivant des chemins parall\u00e8les\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Les chemins parall\u00e8les aident les universit\u00e9s \u00e0 respecter la gouvernance autochtone, cr\u00e9er un espace \u00e9thique et revivifier les syst\u00e8mes d\u00e9cisionnels.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Policy Options\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/IRPP.org\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-26T22:21:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/canoes.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1221\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"678\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@irpp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" 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parall\u00e8les aident les universit\u00e9s \u00e0 respecter la gouvernance autochtone, cr\u00e9er un espace \u00e9thique et revivifier les syst\u00e8mes d\u00e9cisionnels.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/fr\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/indigenous-parallel-paths\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/fr\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/indigenous-parallel-paths\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/fr\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/indigenous-parallel-paths\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/canoes.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/canoes.jpg\",\"width\":1221,\"height\":678,\"caption\":\"Co-authored with the ii\u2019 taa\u2019poh\u2019to\u2019p Circle of Elders Despite the remarkable achievements of Canada\u2019s higher education institutions, there remains an endemic and unresolved issue present on virtually every campus: systemic ignorance of Indigenous knowledge systems. One bright light on a path forward is the notion of parallel paths which comes from a concept brought forward by the knowledge keepers who contributed to the University of Calgary\u2019s Indigenous Engagement Strategy ii\u2019 taa\u2019poh\u2019to\u2019p in 2017. H2:Parallel paths The principle of parallel paths revitalizes Indigenous governance practices while reaffirming Indigenous sovereignty. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted in 2007, recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing their survival, dignity and well-being. Central to this is the call for Indigenous self-governance, particularly in educational systems, where Indigenous laws and governance principles must be revitalized to ensure true autonomy and respect. Canada\u2019s Truth and Reconciliation Commission underscores this in its final report, highlighting the right of Indigenous Peoples to control their educational institutions. Despite these commitments, however, the current decision-making frameworks in higher education largely exclude Indigenous voices and knowledge systems. To overcome these challenges, we must reimagine the relationship between Indigenous and Western governance systems. This involves creating a shared ethical space where both systems coexist, each respecting without overshadowing the other \u2013 an approach grounded in mutual respect and community accountability. By walking parallel paths in governance, we unlock the potential to integrate insights from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. Not only does this approach strengthen our shared governance systems but it also honors the foundational principles of bilateral self-determination and inclusion. Michael Hart, vice provost and associate vice president of Indigenous engagement at the University of Calgary, describes such parallel paths as two canoes in the water: each canoe and its paddler are on their own journey, yet they can communicate, share experiences, and discuss plans for moving downstream. At times this requires deliberate effort from each paddler; each canoer must extend their oar to reach the other, grab the other\u2019s oar and come together to stabilize one another as one unit. In that moment of mutual, effortful engagement, they initiate a deepened dialogue across their differences. H2:Mutual recognition of core values Living parallel paths demands multilateral commitment and the requisite resources to integrate ethical space into decision-making, particularly within public institutions. The notion of parallel paths represents the journey of two sets of communities \u2013 Indigenous and non-Indigenous \u2013 each with their own internal diversities, in a space between our worldviews where neither side dominates and we agree on how we\u2019ll talk, listen, and decide. While acknowledging their distinct histories, experiences, and constitutional commitments to self-determination, these communities travel side by side, each at their own pace, united in the goal of creating more balanced relationships. Each community draws on its own philosophies and insights, learning from one another to govern a shared system in pursuit of fairer outcomes grounded in mutual understanding and trust. For this transformation to thrive \u2013 beyond mere adjustments at the margins of decision-making \u2013 we must start with our core values and build governance models that genuinely include Indigenous Peoples and are grounded in strong relationships. These values need not be identical; in fact, they certainly will not be the same, but insomuch as there is overlap, those shared values can sustain a shared ethical space. In a shared ethical space, we invite dialogue, identify potential conflicts, and encourage mutual understanding that respects our diverse histories, perspectives, and ways of being. Although these relational commitments do not force agreement, they challenge us to reflect on how our actions impact one another and to build toward interconnected, shared outcomes with a long-term lens. H2:Decision-making legitimacy Ethical space also applies within Indigenous communities comprising First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit peoples which are each made up of distinct peoples, nations, communities, families, governance systems and worldviews. Common across most Indigenous scholars and elders is the shared belief that governing legitimacy is derived not from positional authority but from the community itself. In the Indigenous worldview, leaders are facilitators more than absolute authorities. In this way, form follows function because central to Indigenous ways of decision-making is the circle, a concept that underscores the importance of each person as a small arc that makes up the whole. But self-determination extends beyond governance structures with respect to the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples in their relationships with other Indigenous Peoples, non-Indigenous Peoples, the land, future generations, and non-human entities. Relational sovereignty requires governance systems that empower Indigenous Peoples to determine their own structures, processes and priorities, guided by circles of elders representing different nations and communities. H2:Practicing coexisting governance Consider the example of a meeting where oral and written traditions can coexist in the halls of a university. Elder Reg Crowshoe, co-author of this article, speaks to the importance of cross-validating oral and written governance practices: a meeting can be called to order with a gavel (Western) and\\\/or a smudge (Indigenous); the proceedings may follow a written agenda (Western) and\\\/or oral vows (Indigenous); and the outcomes may be ratified by a vote (Western) and\\\/or a song (Indigenous). It is for the chair to identify their preferred path \u2013 oral and\\\/or written ways. People may confirm their preference by voicing it before the gathering, or by their decisions to attend. Adopting parallel paths as a central dimension of governance reform can be adopted by public, private, and non-profit institutions. Recognizing that different communities have unique identities, histories and perspectives, we must strive to create healthy, ethical spaces for dialogue. These spaces are where we listen, even in disagreement, jointly assess societal challenges, fulfill our legal, moral and cultural obligations, and learn from one another with humility and open-mindedness. It is for each governing unit on this land to determine what an ethical space looks like for them.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/fr\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/indigenous-parallel-paths\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/fr\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Honorer l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone en suivant des chemins parall\u00e8les\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/fr\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/fr\\\/\",\"name\":\"Policy Options\",\"description\":\"Institute for Research on Public Policy\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/policyoptions.irpp.org\\\/fr\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Honorer l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone en suivant des chemins parall\u00e8les","description":"Les chemins parall\u00e8les aident les universit\u00e9s \u00e0 respecter la gouvernance autochtone, cr\u00e9er un espace \u00e9thique et revivifier les syst\u00e8mes d\u00e9cisionnels.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"Honorer l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone en suivant des chemins parall\u00e8les","og_description":"Les chemins parall\u00e8les aident les universit\u00e9s \u00e0 respecter la gouvernance autochtone, cr\u00e9er un espace \u00e9thique et revivifier les syst\u00e8mes d\u00e9cisionnels.","og_url":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/","og_site_name":"Policy Options","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/IRPP.org","article_modified_time":"2025-11-26T22:21:41+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1221,"height":678,"url":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/canoes.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@irpp","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/","url":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/","name":"Honorer l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone en suivant des chemins parall\u00e8les","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/canoes.jpg","datePublished":"2025-11-26T22:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-26T22:21:41+00:00","description":"Les chemins parall\u00e8les aident les universit\u00e9s \u00e0 respecter la gouvernance autochtone, cr\u00e9er un espace \u00e9thique et revivifier les syst\u00e8mes d\u00e9cisionnels.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/canoes.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/canoes.jpg","width":1221,"height":678,"caption":"Co-authored with the ii\u2019 taa\u2019poh\u2019to\u2019p Circle of Elders Despite the remarkable achievements of Canada\u2019s higher education institutions, there remains an endemic and unresolved issue present on virtually every campus: systemic ignorance of Indigenous knowledge systems. One bright light on a path forward is the notion of parallel paths which comes from a concept brought forward by the knowledge keepers who contributed to the University of Calgary\u2019s Indigenous Engagement Strategy ii\u2019 taa\u2019poh\u2019to\u2019p in 2017. H2:Parallel paths The principle of parallel paths revitalizes Indigenous governance practices while reaffirming Indigenous sovereignty. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted in 2007, recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing their survival, dignity and well-being. Central to this is the call for Indigenous self-governance, particularly in educational systems, where Indigenous laws and governance principles must be revitalized to ensure true autonomy and respect. Canada\u2019s Truth and Reconciliation Commission underscores this in its final report, highlighting the right of Indigenous Peoples to control their educational institutions. Despite these commitments, however, the current decision-making frameworks in higher education largely exclude Indigenous voices and knowledge systems. To overcome these challenges, we must reimagine the relationship between Indigenous and Western governance systems. This involves creating a shared ethical space where both systems coexist, each respecting without overshadowing the other \u2013 an approach grounded in mutual respect and community accountability. By walking parallel paths in governance, we unlock the potential to integrate insights from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. Not only does this approach strengthen our shared governance systems but it also honors the foundational principles of bilateral self-determination and inclusion. Michael Hart, vice provost and associate vice president of Indigenous engagement at the University of Calgary, describes such parallel paths as two canoes in the water: each canoe and its paddler are on their own journey, yet they can communicate, share experiences, and discuss plans for moving downstream. At times this requires deliberate effort from each paddler; each canoer must extend their oar to reach the other, grab the other\u2019s oar and come together to stabilize one another as one unit. In that moment of mutual, effortful engagement, they initiate a deepened dialogue across their differences. H2:Mutual recognition of core values Living parallel paths demands multilateral commitment and the requisite resources to integrate ethical space into decision-making, particularly within public institutions. The notion of parallel paths represents the journey of two sets of communities \u2013 Indigenous and non-Indigenous \u2013 each with their own internal diversities, in a space between our worldviews where neither side dominates and we agree on how we\u2019ll talk, listen, and decide. While acknowledging their distinct histories, experiences, and constitutional commitments to self-determination, these communities travel side by side, each at their own pace, united in the goal of creating more balanced relationships. Each community draws on its own philosophies and insights, learning from one another to govern a shared system in pursuit of fairer outcomes grounded in mutual understanding and trust. For this transformation to thrive \u2013 beyond mere adjustments at the margins of decision-making \u2013 we must start with our core values and build governance models that genuinely include Indigenous Peoples and are grounded in strong relationships. These values need not be identical; in fact, they certainly will not be the same, but insomuch as there is overlap, those shared values can sustain a shared ethical space. In a shared ethical space, we invite dialogue, identify potential conflicts, and encourage mutual understanding that respects our diverse histories, perspectives, and ways of being. Although these relational commitments do not force agreement, they challenge us to reflect on how our actions impact one another and to build toward interconnected, shared outcomes with a long-term lens. H2:Decision-making legitimacy Ethical space also applies within Indigenous communities comprising First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit peoples which are each made up of distinct peoples, nations, communities, families, governance systems and worldviews. Common across most Indigenous scholars and elders is the shared belief that governing legitimacy is derived not from positional authority but from the community itself. In the Indigenous worldview, leaders are facilitators more than absolute authorities. In this way, form follows function because central to Indigenous ways of decision-making is the circle, a concept that underscores the importance of each person as a small arc that makes up the whole. But self-determination extends beyond governance structures with respect to the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples in their relationships with other Indigenous Peoples, non-Indigenous Peoples, the land, future generations, and non-human entities. Relational sovereignty requires governance systems that empower Indigenous Peoples to determine their own structures, processes and priorities, guided by circles of elders representing different nations and communities. H2:Practicing coexisting governance Consider the example of a meeting where oral and written traditions can coexist in the halls of a university. Elder Reg Crowshoe, co-author of this article, speaks to the importance of cross-validating oral and written governance practices: a meeting can be called to order with a gavel (Western) and\/or a smudge (Indigenous); the proceedings may follow a written agenda (Western) and\/or oral vows (Indigenous); and the outcomes may be ratified by a vote (Western) and\/or a song (Indigenous). It is for the chair to identify their preferred path \u2013 oral and\/or written ways. People may confirm their preference by voicing it before the gathering, or by their decisions to attend. Adopting parallel paths as a central dimension of governance reform can be adopted by public, private, and non-profit institutions. Recognizing that different communities have unique identities, histories and perspectives, we must strive to create healthy, ethical spaces for dialogue. These spaces are where we listen, even in disagreement, jointly assess societal challenges, fulfill our legal, moral and cultural obligations, and learn from one another with humility and open-mindedness. It is for each governing unit on this land to determine what an ethical space looks like for them."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/2025\/11\/indigenous-parallel-paths\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Honorer l\u2019autod\u00e9termination autochtone en suivant des chemins parall\u00e8les"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/#website","url":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/","name":"Policy Options","description":"Institute for Research on Public Policy","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issues\/302394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issues"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/issues"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/302383"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=302394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=302394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=302394"},{"taxonomy":"article-status","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-status?post=302394"},{"taxonomy":"irpp-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/irpp-category?post=302394"},{"taxonomy":"section","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section?post=302394"},{"taxonomy":"irpp-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/irpp-tag?post=302394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}