Resisting Exotic Puppetry: Experiences of Indigenous Women Leadership in the Academy

Indigenous women have increasingly taken up leadership roles in the academy, particularly in the time of truth and reconciliation within the Canadian context. While the institutions are keen to promote Indigenous leadership, spaces are carved out, yet there is a surge of resignations, firing, and toxic work environments. This chapter will delve into the colonial patriarchy and misogyny that intersects with Indigeneity within academic institutions. The notion of these carved out spacing being stages of performance and the exotic puppetry that often plays out particularly for Indigenous women will be underscored.