Doing the Inner Work for Sustainable Practices

Abstract

In the authors’ evaluation and systems work, they highlight the need to continuously work on our inner selves as a critical facet of our overall practice. By incorporating reflection as a way of practice, the authors are able to tap into their lived experiences as a path of criticality and look beyond competencies to recognize how a mindset of reflectivity impacts their work. The authors are grounded in the Northern Door of the Medicine Wheel because by doing the inner work, they are able to tap into the wisdom of Ancestors and Elders and come to their work grounded, rested, and reflective of all forms of knowing for collective work. Additionally, the authors are also of good mind to work from a place of abundance, rooted in community-centred practices that are not solely for us, but sustainable for future generations that come after us as well.