This thesis outlines the concepts that informed my critical journey of developing an understanding of what truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples of this land requires of me as a person and as an inclusive designer. My thesis is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Calls to Action published in 2015.

My journey is the story of how I become aware of the impact of my settler colonialism; a system which seeks to eliminate and assimilate beliefs and peoples that obstructs its manifestation. I acknowledge the settler colonial worldview is a systemic barrier to building relationships between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples. My journey describes how I encounter barriers based on the construct of the “Other” and my attempts to uncover personal, societal and cultural biases. My conclusion is that for reconciliation to begin, a commitment to an ongoing decolonization process is required.

I share my research journey for designers and educators to consider recognising and becoming inclusive of Indigenous peoples, their cultures and extensive knowledge systems within their research and design practices.