Indigenous pathways to decolonization and sustainable self-determination
By Jeff Corntassel, Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education, & Society, Vol 1, No 1 (2012)
Amidst ongoing, contemporary colonialism, this article explores Indigenous pathways to decolonization and resurgence with an emphasis on identifying everyday practices of renewal and responsibility within native communities today. How are decolonization and resurgence interrelated in struggles for Indigenous freedom? By drawing on several comparative examples of resurgence from Cherokees in Kituwah, Lekwungen protection of camas, the Nishnaabe-kwewag “Water Walkers” movement, and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) revitalization of kalo, this article provides some insights into contemporary decolonization movements. The politics of distraction is operationalized here as a potential threat to Indigenous homelands, cultures and communities, and the harmful aspects of the rights discourse, reconciliation, and resource extraction are identified, discussed, and countered with Indigenous approaches centered on responsibilities, resurgence and relationships. Overall, findings from this research offer theoretical and applied understandings for regenerating Indigenous nationhood and restoring sustainable relationships with Indigenous homelands.
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This essay is so profound, especially in the context of Idle No More bringing the grassroots -vs- Indian Act issues to the forefront. See here:
http://warriorpublications.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/indigenous-grassroots-the-indian-act-band-council/
The 3 R’s presented in this essay really cut to the heart of why Indigeneity is unique from mainstream “social justice” issues.