Indigenous Resistance to Continued Colonization

Synonyms

Anti-assimilation; Decolonization; Religious freedom; Sacred rights

Background

Historical and continued colonization and assimilation efforts have focused on colonizing the Indigenous mind in order to support and continue the elimination of Indigenous usage of land. However, in the face of continued attempts to disconnect Indigenous cultures from their land, these cultures have pursued various paths of resistance. While examples of resistance can be found throughout the world, this entry will focus on Caribbean resistance efforts. The entry will begin with a brief recounting of colonization in the Caribbean as it relates both to Island Indigenous populations and to the transportation of African Indigenous into the Caribbean. Next, the discussion will focus on some of the ways these Indigenous populations continue to resist assimilation attempts. Finally, the entry will examine how the resistance is linked to territorial rights issues.

“These [colonial] systems for organizing,...