colonialism
What indigenous communities are teaching scientists about nature
This article discusses how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has been historically devalued in favor of Western science. It explores examples of partnerships between indigenous peoples across the world and Western scientists as case studies of how to braid TEK into ecological decisionmaking. For more read here.
TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism
From a book review: “Julia Watson’s lush and meticulous new book, Lo—TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism, provides a blueprint for sustainable architecture in the 21st century. For designers of the built environment, it is a first-ever compendium of overlooked design technologies from indigenous groups around the world. For the intrepid traveler or curious citizen, it is an invitation to know millennia-old societies thriving in symbiosis with nature thanks to local ingenuity, creativity, spirituality, and resourcefulness. For the indigenous groups represented, it is a source of satisfaction from seeing contemporary design scholarship catch up with their time-tested practices.” Read the book review here.
Colonialism, The Hidden Cause Of Our Environmental Crisis
The article takes up one of the arguments of de-colonial environmentalism: that the climate crisis is linked to the history of slavery and colonialism by the Western powers. It’s a great way to connect the dots between colonialism and white supremacy, no the one hand, and the history and current efforts of environmental and conservation groups, on the other hand. Read it here.
Accomplices not Allies: an Indigenous Perspective
This provocative piece is designed to challenge notions that allyship and accompliceship can be commodified as teachable topics by what the authors call the “ally industrial complex.” For more read here.
Land Repatriation and Indigenous Solidarity Toolkit
This is a brief guide for Resource Generation members and other folks with access to land to support in education and resource sharing around land reparations. This is a great guide for conservation organizations, agencies, and land trusts interested in learning about land repatriation. For more click here.
Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack of Settler Privilege
In this two-part essay, the author examines why racism and anti-racism efforts are different from colonialism and decolonial efforts through the lens of settler privilege. This piece helps build awareness for people of all races and ethnicities who are not indigenous around how they have benefited from settler colonialism and how they may unwittingly contribute to continued colonialism. Here are links to part 1 and part 2 of the essay.
Relearning The Star Stories Of Indigenous Peoples: How the lost constellations of indigenous North Americans can connect culture, science, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
This Science Friday article and radio show episode talks about about the historical role of science in indigenous communities and considering a broader definition of science. In the piece, journalist Christie Taylor interviews Wilfred Buck, Cree elder and storyteller who teaches about indigenous astronomy. For more read and listen here.
Show Don’t Tell: Decolonize your classroom, syllabus, rules, and practices
This post for educators lays out some fundamentals to decolonizing your syllabus. For more read here.
Why don’t anti-Indian groups count as hate groups? The current understanding of ‘hate groups’ excludes those who undermine tribal rights and sovereignty.
This High Country news article discusses the impacts of colonialism and solo’d anti-racism efforts that have resulted in indigenous groups not being counted as protected classes under hate crimes laws. For more read here.
A Guide and Call to Honor Native Land
From the website: “Created in partnership with Native allies and organizations, the Guide offers context about the practice of acknowledgment, gives step-by-step instructions for how to begin wherever you are, and provides tips for moving beyond acknowledgment into action.” Visit the US Department of Arts and Culture’s website to download the guide and take steps towards equitable reconciliation.
6 More Landmarks That Should Have Their Indigenous Names Restored
Toponymns, or the story behind naming peaks, rivers, and parks, is one way to understand the history of place. Julian Brave Noisecat discusses 6 landmarks whose names should be changed back to their indigenous name. Read here.