Decolonization

Native American decolinization according to Taiaiake Alfred is, “the mechanics of removing ourselves from direct state control and the legal and political struggle to gain recognition of an indigenous governing authority(Alfred pg3).” The goal of this is to find a suitable version of Native self government. Alfred writes that the hope for this system is that is will represent the cultural values of the Indian Nations. While, the great fear is that the system adopted will only mirror non-indigenous systems.(Alfred pg3) Across of the process of decolonization, native political leaders have strayed from keeping with traditions and instead catered more towards western values. Taiaiake Alfred writes,“ They ignore the basic traditional teaching that just as we must respect and honour our songs, ceremonies, and dances, so too we must honour the institutions that in the past governed social and political relations among our people, because they are equally part of the sacred core of our nation's(Alfred pg4).” In order for a true process of decolonization to occur all aspects of indigenous tradition, culture and government, must be respected.(Alfred pg4) A major obstacle that stands in the way of decolonization is among Indigenous people themselves. Different people have different opinions on what is good and what's bad about tradition. A inability to come to an agreed form of decolonization is an internal struggle that nations face. (Alfred pg4) From what I learned in Alfred’s article I can see the system of decolonization for the Indian Nations possible through a balance of traditional native practices in culture and government while at the same time adopting non-indigenous practices without allowing them to over take them entirely.

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