9. Decolonization.pptx

Settler Colonialism

• Definition:

  • Colonization by replacement.

Key Concepts of Settler Colonialism

• Centers on the control and capture of:

  • Territory (Land)

  • Culture

  • Consciousness

Decolonization

• Multiple Perspectives

Insights from Tuck & Yang

• "Decolonization is not a metaphor" - Key Takeaways:

  1. Decolonization should focus on the repatriation of Indigenous land and life.

  2. It should not be leveraged as a metaphor for other social justice goals.

Defining Decolonization (According to Tuck & Yang)

• Aims to change the world’s order through a historically-situated and ongoing process:

  • Varies at different historical moments.

• Is distinct from social justice, critical methodologies, or merely shifting settler perspectives.

• Relates to Indigenous sovereignty, underscoring what sets Indigenous peoples apart from other racial minorities.

• Requires acknowledgment of Indigenous sovereignty and their contributions.

Concerns Regarding Decolonization as a Metaphor

• Issues Identified by Tuck and Yang:

  • It separates the concept of colonization, particularly settler colonialism, from Indigeneity.

  • Utilizing decolonization as a metaphor can create “settler moves to innocence.”

Settler Moves to Innocence

• Definition:

  • Strategies employed to alleviate guilt without relinquishing land, power, or privilege.

Challenges to Framing Decolonization

• Examination of how framing decolonization affects public understanding and engagement.

The Decolonial Ideal (According to Tuck & Yang)

• Decolonization entails:

  • Transforming the global order rather than just exchanging positions of power.

  • Accountable to Indigenous sovereignty and future prospects, rather than to settlers.

  • Genuine decolonization necessitates the repatriation of land to sovereign Native tribes and dismantling of the imperial metropole.

Kuyaam: A Cultural Reference

• Meaning:

  • The Tongva word for "guest."

Decolonization through Kuuyam

• Conceptual Significance:

  • Can disrupt settler colonialism by:

    • Rebalancing the environment.

    • Recapturing Indigenous perspectives.

    • Supporting cultural revitalization including respect for diverse gender identities.

  • Aims to abolish institutionalized hierarchies based on race, origin, gender, and sexuality.

  • Promotes non-hierarchical relationships transcending differences.

  • envisions a future where all recognize land and water as sacred sources of life (Reference: Sepulveda, "Our Sacred Waters").

Final Thoughts

• Upcoming guest lecture will focus on language reclamation as a concrete method of decolonization.