Indigenizing the next decade of astronomy in Canada

TL;DR

This paper proposes a set of recommendations for the Canadian astronomy community to promote Indigenous inclusion, develop Indigenous-based educational materials, and acknowledge Indigenous contributions, aligning with reconciliation efforts.

Contribution

It introduces specific recommendations for CASCA and individuals to support Indigenous inclusion and learning in Canadian astronomy, emphasizing cultural acknowledgment and access.

Findings

Developed ten key recommendations for CASCA organization.

Outlined strategies for Indigenous inclusion and education.

Highlighted the importance of acknowledging Indigenous contributions.

Abstract

(Abridged) The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada published its calls to action in 2015 with 94 recommendations. Many of these 94 recommendations are directly related to education, language, and culture, some of which the Canadian Astronomy community can address and contribute to as part of reconciliation. The Canadian Astronomy community has an additional obligation since it benefits from facilities on Indigenous territories across Canada and the world. Furthermore, Indigenous people are still underrepresented at all levels in Canadian astronomy. The purpose of this Community Paper is to develop recommendations for the Canadian astronomy community to support Indigenous inclusion in the science community, support Indigenous learning by developing Indigenous-based learning materials and facilitate access to professionals and science activities, and to recognize and acknowledge the great contributions of Indigenous communities to our science activities. As part of this work we propose the ten following recommendations for CASCA as an organization and throughout this Community Paper we will include additional recommendations for individuals: astronomers, students and academics.