Western colonialism and imperialism, perpetuated by capitalism, continue to harm Indigenous Peoples.
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As we watch our phones in disbelief and feel utterly disgusted by the violence of war, our social media feeds keep showing us one word: colonialism. This is no coincidence. From Palestine to Mexico, from New Zealand to Uganda, Indigenous communities have resisted and fought the consequences of colonialism and capitalism.
Indigenous Peoples, a term that collectively encompasses the diverse cultures and traditions of 476 million people living in over 90 countries, make up less than 5% of the world's population. Despite their small numbers, they retain social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Moreover, they account for over 15% of the world's poverty and protect more than 80% of its biodiversity.
Settler colonialism and Western imperialism continue to cast a dark pall over Indigenous communities. These structures of power and control, perpetuated by capitalism, have stripped Indigenous Peoples of their land rights, undermined their environmental stewardship, and appropriated their cultural knowledge for economic gain. The consequences of these exploitative practices are immeasurable, with profound implications for their economic well-being, cultural survival, and environmental sustainability.
Indigenous peoples are an integral part of the global community. Diverse cultures, traditions, languages, and wisdom that span all over the world. Despite constituting less than 5% of the world’s population, they represent a staggering 5,000 different cultures and speak the majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages. Yet, their existence and rights are often marginalized, their territories encroached upon, and their cultures endangered.
Carrying the knowledge of their ancestors, Indigenous peoples are the inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures that manifest in their distinct ways of relating to people and the environment. They possess social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that set them apart from the dominant societies they inevitably mingle with.
Yet, even as they continue to celebrate their identities and their ancestral wisdom, Indigenous peoples bear the brunt of systemic marginalization and socio-economic challenges. They are disproportionately represented among the world's poorest, and their rights to their traditional lands, territories, natural resources, and way of life, are under constant threat.
Colonialism is defined as “control by one power over a dependent area or people.” It occurs when one nation subjugates another, conquering its population and exploiting it, often while forcing its own language and cultural values upon its people.
By 1914, a large majority of the world's nations had been colonized by Europeans at some point. Japan, Korea, and Thailand are the only other nations never to have been colonized by Europeans.
The concept of colonialism is closely linked to that of imperialism, which is the policy or ethos of using power and influence to control another nation or people, that underlies colonialism.
Thanks to colonialism and imperialism, Indigenous peoples have been subjected to brutal episodes of forced dispossession and genocide, with their lands usurped, their resources plundered, and their populations decimated.
The long shadow of colonialism and imperialism continues to loom over them. The legacy of these historical injustices, characterized by land seizures, cultural eradication, and socio-economic marginalization, remains entrenched in modern-day policies and systems.
Today, Indigenous peoples resist forced evictions, land rights disputes, cultural extractivism, cultural appropriation, discrimination, racism, and violence. On top of that, economic disenfranchisement is constant, so let’s dive into the consequences of capitalism for Indigenous populations.
Can you imagine waking up one day to find your neighborhood bulldozed, and obliterated to make way for a giant multinational mining company? This is a tragic reality for many Indigenous communities worldwide. Our beautiful planet, these paradises of diverse ecosystems, is being plundered ruthlessly, causing irreversible damage to the environment and human rights of Indigenous peoples.
Let us first understand what we mean by multinational corporations (MNCs). These are large business entities that operate in more than one country, often having a centralized head office from where they manage global operations. Examples span various sectors, from mining to oil, logging, and consumer goods. Unfortunately, these corporations often exploit Indigenous communities, dispossessing them of their lands and resources.
The exploitation of Indigenous lands by capitalist enterprises underscores one of the most devastating impacts of capitalism on Indigenous peoples. The inexorable quest for natural resources, driven by profit and unbridled growth, often tramples on Indigenous rights, undermines their traditional land stewardship, and wreaks havoc on their ways of life.
To comprehend the extent of environmental destruction we're witnessing, consider the following:
Deforestation: MNCs, especially in mining and logging, are stripping forests bare. This not only leads to loss of biodiversity but also has severe climate impacts.
Pollution: MNCs often discharge hazardous wastes into the environment, contaminating water bodies, and causing air pollution.
Land degradation: Overexploitation of land for agriculture or mining leads to soil erosion and degradation of land quality.
MNC’s activities have led to the loss of traditional lands, affecting the Indigenous communities whose existence is intertwined with these ecosystems. Imagine the devastation of the Amazon rainforest tribes when large tracts of their ancestral lands are destroyed for logging or mining. Or consider the Indigenous communities in Arctic regions, where oil drilling threatens their very survival.
In Chile, the irregular extraction of lithium has led to significant environmental degradation, harming the ecologically sensitive habitat of the Atacameño people. In contrast, in Mexico, the construction of the ill-conceived "Mayan" Train project has resulted in the death of 10 million trees, provoking widespread protests among Mayan communities who will not benefit from the train route.
In Uganda, the Koogere oral tradition is an important part of the Indigenous Basongora community. When their lands were taken and allocated to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, their cultural heritage was undermined.
The case of the Ogoni people in Nigeria is harrowing. Shell Oil's operations led to extensive environmental damage and human rights abuses. Years of oil spills contaminated the land and water, making farming and fishing – mainstays of the Ogoni livelihood – impossible.
Exploitation isn't just about economic gain. It mirrors the historical pattern of colonization, where powerful entities impose their will on those deemed less powerful. In the case of Indigenous communities, it's their lands, resources, and cultures that are being usurped without their free, prior, and informed consent. The aftermath is a tale of displaced communities, lost identities, and prolonged suffering.
Cultural extractivism is a concept rooted in colonial history. It refers to the process of taking, exploiting, or extracting elements of one culture from another, often without giving due recognition or compensation to the source culture. This form of extraction often happens without the consent of Indigenous communities and is driven by the power dynamics between cultures.
A classic example of cultural extractivism is the countless artifacts from Africa and Asia that fill Western museums. Taken during the colonial period, these items are reminders of a historical imbalance of power and wealth, showing how valuable cultural expressions were extracted and displaced.
Cultural extractivism is not an issue confined to the annals of history. It continues today in various forms, often through the commodification of cultural elements for the fashion, entertainment, and wellness industries. The challenge in addressing cultural extractivism lies in dismantling entrenched power structures and fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Cultural appropriation is marked by disrespect and exploitation, even when the “intentions” behind them were none of that. It can lead to stereotypes, prejudices, and misrepresentations of Indigenous cultures. It can also result in the erasure and commodification of these populations.
Critiques of cultural appropriation often highlight the lack of respect and understanding in the borrowing of cultural elements. It's crucial to understand that true cultural exchange requires mutual respect and consent.
Claiming self-determination and cultural preservation is not only a collective responsibility; it is a revolutionary act. It is a powerful affirmation of indigenous identities, a defiant stand against cultural erasure and a clear call for justice and recognition of their rights.
The rights of Indigenous Peoples are frequently disregarded under capitalism, often leading to non-consensual use of their lands. Indigenous peoples have the inherent right to give or withhold consent for any activities that affect their lands and resources. This principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is enshrined in international law but is almost always overlooked in practice.
The Landback movement is a political movement that calls for the return of indigenous stewardship, collective liberation, the dismantling of oppressive systems and the safeguarding of the environment.
The Indigenous approach to environmental protection, based on centuries-old knowledge and wisdom, stands in sharp contrast to the capitalist ethos of extraction and exploitation. Indigenous environmental stewardship is characterized by three core principles:
Interdependence: The recognition that humans and the Earth are mutually dependent and that our well-being is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet.
Respect for biodiversity:: Indigenous cultures accord respect to all forms of life, recognizing their inherent worth beyond their economic value.
Relationality: The belief in the interconnectedness of all things, and that any harm inflicted on the environment inevitably harms humanity.
Regrettably, the sacred relationship that Indigenous Peoples share with their lands and waters is under constant threat from capitalist forces.
If you wanna learn more about the concept of Environmental Justice and Environmental Racism, make sure you read our previous article on the impact of capitalism on the environment.
In the face of these daunting challenges, Indigenous youth are emerging as agents of change. They are leveraging technology and developing new skills to promote sustainability and advance their rights. They represent the future of Indigenous Peoples and their participation in global efforts for climate change mitigation, peacebuilding, and digital cooperation is crucial.
Youth representation in global forums brings hope and the potential for change. They are the bearers of Indigenous knowledge and culture and their active involvement in decision-making processes can help bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern solutions.
In the face of global crises, young Indigenous people are stepping up as vanguards of resilience and innovation. They are harnessing technology and skills, ensuring representation and participation in decision-making processes, and creating a robust intergenerational connection to safeguard their cultures and traditions.
Seek out their histories and who they are today. How did they live in harmony with the land? Which promises did your government make—and then break? Land acknowledgments in your meetings or introductions are merely a starting point. Being an ally to Indigenous Peoples means grappling with the fact that you may live on stolen land.
Pow-wow is not a word to substitute for meetings. Spirit animal is not your term to use, sorry not sorry. People aren’t the low man on the totem pole; they’re the new hire. These terms may seem harmless, but they are not. Language has power. Being an ally to Indigenous Peoples means showing them respect by changing our language.
Want to support the healing process and self-determination of Indigenous communities and learn more about Indigenous rights? In that case, you may want to consider helping those who have already been working on these issues for a long time. This means donating directly to Indigenous organizations. We discussed charity and effective philanthropy in our previous article, so check that as well ;)
Support local arts and culture organizations that create spaces dedicated to showcasing Indigenous creatives, journalists, and artists. It also means empowering Indigenous businesses that provide opportunities for economic development and tangible pathways out of poverty.
If you're able to, consider buying Indigenous-made products. While artisan crafts may be a bit more expensive than their mass-produced counterparts, your money will impact the people who sell them more. Avoid dealing with middlemen and women, buy directly from Indigenous people.
If you're in a position to be able to offer your time, skills, and knowledge, consider supporting partners of Indigenous creators and businesses. This might include volunteering with a local school, library, or community center that provides support for Indigenous youth and community members.
Indigenous resistance is a key component in the environmental movement. Industries like mining, logging, and fossil fuels are some of the largest perpetuating factors of violence, trafficking, and murder against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. In the Americas, Indigenous Peoples are on the frontlines of the fight against fossil fuels; both their people and lands bear the brunt of the pollution.
Those of us with representation must demand our governments stop subsidizing the industries that destroy both Indigenous lands and lives. Being an ally to Indigenous Peoples means we recognize their centuries of resistance and stand alongside them as they fight to protect their lives and the planet.
Representation matters. We know that. Unfortunately, it’s up to us to show that we want and need to see different faces and hear different voices.
To be an ally to Indigenous Peoples, we must: Seek out Native media. Read books by Indigenous authors. Watch shows and movies written by and starring Native actors. Share those that you enjoy—and especially those that challenge and make you uncomfortable—with friends and family.
If you use social media, follow Indigenous leaders and content creators. If you can, compensate them for their emotional and educational labor online.
In conclusion...
Indigenous peoples are not just passive victims of the unjust realities imposed by capitalism, settler colonialism, and imperialism. They are active agents of change, leveraging their knowledge and skills to craft sustainable solutions, championing environmental justice, and pushing back against the tide of social inequality.
As we move forward, let's keep in mind that the journey towards social justice and environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility. Together, we can help dismantle the damaging structures of settler colonialism, cultural extractivism, and imperialism that have long plagued Indigenous Peoples.
It's high time we place Indigenous rights at the forefront of global discourse, respect their wisdom, and protect their lands. Only then can we start to address the devastating impact of colonialism and begin to heal the harm it has caused.
It is not enough to just understand these issues. We must also take action. We must question our actions and choices, educate ourselves and others, and challenge the structures that enable the oppression of Indigenous peoples. It is a challenge, but also an opportunity to build a more inclusive and understanding world.
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Sources
United Nations
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/Indigenous-peoples/united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-Indigenous-peoples
United Nations : Department of Economic and Social Affairs : Indigenous Peoples
https://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/news/2015/10/woman-rural-and-Indigenous-breaking-triple-layers-of-discrimination/
International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)
https://www.iwgia.org/en/palestine.html#:~:text=Indig,Ramadin%20and%20al%2DRshaida%20Bedouins.
National Geographic
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/colonialism
International Labor Organization
https://www.ilo.org/global/publications/books/WCMS_735607/lang--en/index.htm
Yucatan Times
https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2022/10/Indigenous-resistance-day-whose-day-is-it/
Forbes Mexico
https://www.forbes.com.mx/ecocidio-del-tren-maya-la-obra-requirio-la-tala-de-mas-de-10-millones-de-arboles-en-el-sureste-de-mexico-dicen-activistas/
SwissInfo.ch
https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/m%C3%A9xico-tren-maya_ind%C3%ADgenas-y-activistas-insisten-en-frenar-tren-maya-en-el-sureste-mexicano/48384368
Business and Human Rights Resource Center
media.business-humanrights.org/media/documents/2023_Transition_Minerals_Tracker_JX5pGvf.pdf
@Environment in collaboration with @Impact on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyLnIqkuoG0/?img_index=10
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United States
https://www.fao.org/Indigenous-peoples/our-pillars/fpic/en/
ICH NGO Forum
https://www.ichngoforum.org/heritage-alive-news/a-case-of-koogere-oral-tradition-in-uganda/
MSCI
https://www.msci.com/www/blog-posts/mining-energy-transition-metals/02531033947
Minority Rights Group International
https://www.minorityrights.org/2016/07/12/minority-and-Indigenous-cultures-in-africa-facing-serious-threat-new-global-report/
OECD Forum
https://www.oecd-forum.org/posts/reciprocity-respect-relationality-three-rs-to-understand-Indigenous-perspectives-on-development-in-the-green-economy
Statista
https://www.statista.com/chart/27805/Indigenous-communities-protect-biodiversity/
University of California
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/how-Indigenous-practice-good-fire-can-help-our-forests-thrive
AP News
https://apnews.com/article/Indigenous-peoples-day-history-59ac2549eba4135479e5152362785475
Greenpeace
https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/10-ways-to-be-ally-indigenous-peoples/
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