Ethical Relationality: A Framework for Inclusive and Respectful Connections

Some of the working principles and explorations of Postmarginal have been informed by the concept of ethical relationality by Dr. Dwayne Donald, a descendent of the amiskwaciwiyiniwak (Beaver Hills people) who works as a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. Ethical relationality provides a vital framework for rethinking how we engage with one another across historical, cultural, and social divides. Grounded in Indigenous philosophies and articulated through the concept of Indigenous Métissage, it challenges us to recognize and honor the complex web of relationships that connect individuals, communities, and environments. 

Defining Ethical Relationality

Ethical relationality is an ecological understanding of human connection. It acknowledges that our relationships are shaped by our distinct histories, experiences, and contexts, while emphasizing the responsibility to engage with these differences thoughtfully and respectfully. Unlike approaches that prioritize universal sameness, ethical relationality encourages us to hold the tensions created by diversity without seeking to resolve or assimilate them. This requires attentiveness to the unique positionalities of individuals and groups, recognizing that our varied perspectives contribute to a richer, more nuanced understanding of our shared world.

The Importance of Ethical Relationality in Decolonization

In settler-colonial contexts like Canada, where historical injustices and ongoing inequities continue to shape relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, ethical relationality offers a path toward decolonization. It moves beyond surface-level acknowledgment of diversity by fostering deeper, more meaningful engagement with the complexities of shared histories and responsibilities.

Ethical relationality is particularly significant in fields like education, public policy, and the arts, where cultural narratives and knowledge systems are continuously shaped and contested. By centering ethical engagement, it provides a foundation for addressing inequities and amplifying marginalized voices, creating opportunities for more inclusive and just practices.

A Braided Model of Connection

The metaphor of a braid illustrates the principles of ethical relationality. Each strand represents a distinct perspective, history, or knowledge system, interwoven to create a unified whole that respects the integrity of its individual elements. This image challenges binary thinking and the hierarchies it creates, offering instead a vision of interdependence and mutual respect.

The braided approach demonstrates that difference is not a barrier but a strength, enabling the creation of connections that are both equitable and meaningful. It reminds us that our shared futures depend on the ability to recognize and sustain the relationships that bind us to one another and the environments we inhabit.

The Path Ahead

Ethical relationality is not a static framework but a dynamic, ongoing practice. It requires continuous reflection, learning, and dialogue to navigate the complexities of human connection in ways that are both inclusive and transformative. As societies grapple with the legacies of colonialism and the challenges of fostering equity and inclusion, ethical relationality offers a compelling vision for the future. By engaging with its principles, individuals and institutions alike can work toward a world where diversity is not simply acknowledged but embraced as essential to collective well-being. This framework challenges us to reimagine our relationships, not as obstacles to overcome, but as opportunities to build a more just and interconnected world.