A reflection by a fellow from NS GovLab’s third cohort — Samara Ohm
One of NS GovLabs guiding principles is Discomfort happens; it’s temporary. I would like to offer a revision- Discomfort happens; its temporary….but probably not, nor should it be, and you should embody this discomfort and then reflect on it and then maybe reflect some more and then when you think your done being reflective, be reflexive.
We have come a long way since our first gathering over four months ago in the sacred spaces of Windhorse Farm. We were strangers awkwardly trying to navigate each other’s presence; keen to bring forth our values and expertise, hesitant of the friction we could potentially cause. Since day one, we have dug into uncomfortable topics and exercises that many of us have the privilege to be blissfully unaware of.
GovLab is grounded in systems change. Embedded in our current systems is the legacy of colonialism which has constructed pathways that do not work for many, if not most groups of people. Elder Debbie Eisan has guided us through the GovLab process sharing her indigenous teachings. From day one our Cohort was informed of the Indigenous Elder’s council we would be presenting our findings and early-stage prototypes to. The day came and the elders graciously, and boldly made it clear to me that despite our anti-oppressive training, the blanket exercise, and sessions on bias, we demonstrated what we were striving to avoid. The path of least resistance and comfort that many of us chose in our research led us to the risk of replicating what we know is not currently working.
Of course, working toward systems change isn’t comfortable or quick. Participating in hard conversations is a step but it is only one step of many. Continuously stepping outside of what we know and confronting our feelings and reactions and to question how they (often unknowingly) inform our actions is part of this journey.
This will be a long, messy process but if we dig into it with grace, and the openness and compassion as showed to us by the Elders Council, I think we will be on our way.
