The System Matters

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The System Matters

By Jason T. Rogers

I was reading a book recently, and one line hit me hard:
“It’s not the people—it’s the system.”

That idea has been sitting with me ever since. And the more I look around, the more it rings true. Whether we’re talking about education, public health, housing, or how we support Indigenous communities—the same pattern shows up.

If the system is broken, it doesn’t matter how much money you throw at it.

You can pour in funding. Hire more people. Add more programs. But if the foundation is flawed, all you’re doing is building on top of something that can’t carry the weight.

A Lesson from History

One example that really stands out is how governments have tried—again and again—to “fix” systems for Indigenous and Aboriginal communities.

The problem isn’t just underfunding. It’s deeper than that.

Over the years, governments have poured billions into education systems, health systems, and economic development programs designed to help Indigenous populations. But often, those efforts fail. Not because the people involved don’t care. Not because there’s a lack of good intentions. But because the systems being used weren’t designed by or for the communities they’re supposed to serve.

In many cases, they were created to control, not empower.
To assimilate, not respect.
To recreate a version of “success” based on outside standards, not lived experience.

And when that’s the starting point, no amount of funding can fix the outcome.

Schools Are a Clear Example

Take schools. It’s easy to say, “We just need better education.” So governments invest in new buildings, new textbooks, even new curriculum. But the question no one’s asking is: Whose system are we rebuilding?

If a school system wasn’t designed with Indigenous knowledge, values, languages, or teaching methods in mind—then it’s not really serving Indigenous students. It's just another version of the same system, dressed up to look more helpful.

A new coat of paint doesn't change the structure underneath.

That’s why so many Indigenous-led education models are focused on reclaiming traditional knowledge systems, not just modifying the existing ones. Because real progress comes from building systems that reflect the people they’re meant to serve—not forcing people to adapt to systems that were never made for them in the first place.

Systems Shape Outcomes

Here’s the thing I’m learning: systems shape behavior, and behavior shapes results.

If you want different outcomes, you have to start by redesigning the system. That means rethinking how decisions are made, who holds the power, what values are baked into the process, and how success is defined.

Throwing money at a broken system doesn’t change the outcome—it just gives you a more expensive failure.

But when you rebuild the system from the ground up—when you invite the right voices into the room, listen to the lived experiences, and honor the history behind it all—then real change becomes possible.

Still Learning

I’m not an expert in Indigenous policy or system design. But I am someone who’s trying to see things more clearly. And what I’m starting to understand is that if we want lasting change, we have to stop asking “how much funding?” and start asking “what kind of system?”

Because the system matters.
And it always has.


Resources 

📚 Books

  1. "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer

    • A beautifully written book that blends Indigenous knowledge, ecological science, and systems thinking. Kimmerer (a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation) explores how different systems of knowledge shape behavior and relationships.
    • Use for: A contrasting example of Indigenous systems of learning and thinking.

  2. "Decolonizing Education: Nourishing the Learning Spirit" by Marie Battiste

    • Battiste (Mi'kmaq scholar) writes about how Eurocentric systems of education have failed Indigenous students and what a decolonized, culturally grounded education system looks like.
    • Use for: The section about schools and education systems. Clear link to your point that systems matter more than money.

  3. "The Systems View of Life" by Fritjof Capra & Pier Luigi Luisi

    • A deeper dive into systems thinking and how systems determine outcomes in fields like biology, society, education, and economics.
    • Use for: Framing your central message—why systems shape behavior more than inputs like money.

  4. "The Reconciliation Manifesto: Recovering the Land, Rebuilding the Economy" by Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson

    • Strong critique of how Canadian systems (legal, political, economic) continue to marginalize Indigenous communities despite increased funding.
    • Use for: Historical and political context around failed government interventions.

📄 Articles & Reports

  1. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Final Report (2015)

    • Key findings on how residential schools and colonial systems were designed to erase Indigenous culture and languages.
    • Use for: Historical reference on why Indigenous-designed systems are necessary for meaningful education reform.
    • Link to summary

  2. OECD Report – “Indigenous Educational Outcomes” (2019)

    • Outlines disparities in education systems worldwide and how structural change—not just funding—is needed to support Indigenous learners.
    • Use for: Supporting data and international comparisons.

  3. Linda Tuhiwai Smith – “Decolonizing Methodologies” (Research Book & Articles)

    • Smith (Māori scholar) critiques Western research and educational systems, offering methods that are Indigenous-led and culturally respectful.
    • Use for: Your point about systems being built to assimilate rather than empower.

  4. The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development

    • Their research shows that self-governance and self-determined systems (not external funding alone) lead to better outcomes for Indigenous communities.
    • Website
    • Use for: Strong evidence that systemic change is more impactful than resource increases alone.

🧠 Researchers & Thought Leaders

  • Marie Battiste – Expert in Indigenous education and decolonization.
  • Robin Wall Kimmerer – Indigenous science scholar with a systems perspective.
  • Linda Tuhiwai Smith – Leading voice on decolonizing research and knowledge systems.
  • Jeffrey Sachs & Fritjof Capra – Systems thinkers who explain why systems shape human outcomes.
  • Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development – Policy research backing self-determined governance and education systems.

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