The Eisenberg Institute for Historical StudiesFriday afternoon’s online event focused on the possibility of radical futures and an analysis of Indigenous political thinking.
The symposium featured four panelists and explored the contributions to science, politics, and Indigenous knowledge. The symposium also emphasized the importance of Indigenous peoples for the future, rather than simply acknowledging them. FramingThey are from the past.
The event opened with remarks by Mrinalini Sinha (event moderator and director, EIHS). Sinha stated that the EIHS has worked hard to create an environment where people can exchange ideas vigorously, as demonstrated by this symposium and other discussions.
Sinha explained that the inspiration for this event was part of our year-long theme on recovery. We wanted to look at the future in a way that was not linear, but instead by looking back at the past. Concerning climate justice, for instance, those who are more fortunate may see the environmental catastrophe as a future event. We can learn from the experiences of Indigenous people who have witnessed the extinctions and environmental disasters over many centuries.
Ana Mara Len (assistant professor of Art History) began by discussing the legal framework for Indigenous thought. She said that the Constitution gives people the power to decide what they want. Instruct the courtThey are destroying the ecosystem for their own personal gain, which in turn leads to environmental degradation.
Len stated that environmental organizations should be able to give people the ability and responsibility to advocate for their environment. Their actions, on both the left and right, can only be considered political. If the state decides to move in a different direction, the vast capital resources that could be used for protecting the environment will have no impact.
Sinha then directed the conversation to Rebecca D. Hardin associate professor atU–Ms School of Environment and Sustainability. Hardin, who is a South African researcher, said that her research was eye-opening, especially her analysis of the sand. Royal Bafokeng Nation.
Hardin stated that I was astonished to see the inner workings the Bafokeng Nation. Champagne flutes and Christian Dior suits were a creative combination of their sartorial forms and their governance form these strategic acts are at risk of being lost. colonial romanticization.
Kyle Whyte (a professor in School of Environment and Sustainability) then spoke about his work in climate change for Indigenous peoples.
According to Whyte, all that climate change means is that people who were sheltered from colonialism may now feel they have something to lose. But, Indigenous peoples have been through years and years in climate and environmental chaos. People may not be as vulnerable as they think. If these methods are used, people may not suffer as much.
Whyte answered a question about government change and land defense strategies. He shared information about an Oklahoma tribe in the early 20th Century, its current situation and his perspective on how to respond to it.
Whyte stated that the tribes were facing environmental change that they did not cause and that their lands were being destroyed. The U.S. government forced them to adopt democratic processes as their land was being neglected. We engaged in land defense to try to retake control of our government and take our own decisions about technology infrastructure.
David Myer Temin is assistant professor of political science. He said that his side of the discussion was aligned with an overview. Land Back MovementA movement that aims to return Indigenous lands to Indigenous communities.
Temin stated that Land Back is not a new concept. These movements date back to the time of European colonization. Many Indigenous people speak of land back. This is not the reassertion or sale of land as a commodity, but the reaffirmation and strengthening of the relationship between the people of the land and the people of the land.
Len then spoke about the experiences in urban and regional planning as seen from the point of view of the Indigenous people.
Len said that I would teach how a territory is organized in my class. My students have a lot to be frustrated about trying to figure out practical ways to operate a territory. We live in a world that is unpredictable and we need to be more aware of our surroundings.
Temin concluded the symposium by sharing his understanding of the Green New DealIt shares many similarities with Indigenous people’s work.
Temin stated that although the Green New Deal is presented as a national program for jobs, it is actually an economic development program. Temin said that green jobs were not what they meant when they spoke of. Standing RockIt was a green occupation. They tried to criminalize it as terrorism under the laws. Patriot Act. Most jobs that are green are those that are already held by racialized people.
Daily Staff Reporter Sejal Pail can be reached via [email protected].