Decolonization
Some people describe decolonization as the (formal) legal and political decolonization of the 19th and 20th century (via the independence of a former colony for example). [1]
Decolonization would therefore be an emancipation from the influence of the colonists by the historically colonized peoples. It can be seen from a formal angle (according to the writings, procedures, etc.) or real (in the facts). Even formal decolonization of indigenous peoples never took place.
Decolonialism, in which decolonial studies are included, can be understood as "critical thought that denounces the political and cultural hegemony of the West " and seeks to remedy it. -Anacaona [2]
Decolonialism proceeds by:
| A decolonial education serving to become aware of our collectively internalized colonialism (colonial baggage) “The intellectual who has followed colonialism on the level of the abstract universal will fight so that colonist and colonized can live in peace in a new world [ ...] Colonialism has infiltrated him with all its ways of thinking [...]. The colonial context is characterized by the dichotomy it inflicts on the world. Decolonization unifies this world by taking away its heterogeneity by a radical decision, by unifying it on the basis of the nation, sometimes of the race [...] The minimum required being that the last become the first." -Paul Siblot [3] |
| Listening to colonized groups |
| Taking action based on the will of colonized groups |
For Indigenous groups, decolonization materializes in different ways:
- A physical return of the territory which goes through:
- A questioning of state domination, particularly linked to the use of repression
- Greater power for local, indigenous and non-indigenous communities
- The creation of a movement with a transformational vocation in the face of empire states with an inexhaustible destructive force [4]
- The implementation of specific recommendations from reports including: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada , Joyce's Principle and the Commission of Inquiry into Relations between Indigenous Peoples and Certain Public Services .
We suggest checking out the HUB's event on decolonizing climate activism. Speakers include: Jaydene Lavallie, a Two-Spirit Michif-Cree woman currently living in Dish with One Spoon Territory (Hamilton, ON). She spends most of her efforts on anti-extractive and land defence struggles, but has also dedicated herself to defending Hamilton against gentrification, fighting patriarchy inside and outside of organizing circles, and pushing for animal liberation. Also included is Sakej (James) Ward, who belongs to the wolf clan. He is Mi’kmaw (Mi’kmaq Nation) from Esgenoopetitj (Burnt Church First Nation, New Brunswick). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Masters in Indigenous Governance. Sakej has a long history of advocating and protecting First Nations inherent responsibilities and freedoms.
We also suggest reviewing Ellen Gabriel's thoughts on non-Indigenous allyship which the HUB heard we spoke to her in Kanehsatake in 2021.
If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca.
