What is Indigenous Critical Theory?
The term “Indigenous” refers to the native or original inhabitants of a specific land or region, with distinct cultural, historical, and ancestral ties to the territory. On the other hand, “Critical Theory” draws from the broader field of critical social theory, which emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a framework for examining power dynamics, social inequality, and emancipatory possibilities. The combination of “Indigenous” and “Critical Theory” represents a paradigmatic shift. This shift centers on and around indigenous worldviews, experiences, and knowledge. And they aim to deconstruct and challenge dominant Western epistemologies and structures of power.
Therefore, indigenous critical theory is an interdisciplinary approach. It intends to address the historical and ongoing colonization, marginalization, and erasure Indigenous peoples faced when promoting decolonization, self-determination, and the reclamation of Indigenous voices, languages, and cultural practices.
Hence, the etymology of the term reflects a recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and the need for critical engagement with dominant systems of knowledge, fostering social justice and transformative change.
Origin of Indigenous Critical Theory
- Key Dates
- 1968: Founding of the American Indian Movement (AIM) in the United States.
- 1977: United Nations International Conference on Discrimination (UNICD) against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, leading to the establishment of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations (WGIP).
- 1990: Publication of “Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples” by Linda Tuhiwai Smith.
- 1991: Establishment of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCIP).
- 2007: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is adopted by the General Assembly.
- Authors Promoting Indigenous Critical Theory
- Vine Deloria Jr. (1933-2005): An influential Native American author, theologian, and activist who wrote Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto (1969) to highlight the struggles and issues Indigenous peoples faced.
- Linda Tuhiwai Smith: A Māori scholar from New Zealand who wrote Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples (1999) to discuss the impact of colonization on Indigenous research and propose alternative methodologies.
- Taiaiake Alfred: A Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) scholar from Canada known for his work on Indigenous governance and resurgence, including Peace, Power, Righteousness: An Indigenous Manifesto (1999).
- Leanne Betasamosake Simpson: A Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg writer and scholar who explores Indigenous resurgence and decolonization, known for works such as As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance (2017).
- Audra Simpson: A Mohawk scholar who critically examines settler colonialism and Indigenous sovereignty, particularly in her book Mohawk Interruptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States (2014).
- Works
- Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria Jr. (1969)
- Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples by Linda Tuhiwai Smith (1999)
- Peace, Power, Righteousness: An Indigenous Manifesto by Taiaiake Alfred (1999)
- As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson (2017)
- Mohawk Interruptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States by Audra Simpson (2014)
Principles of Indigenous Critical Theory
Some of the key principles of Indigenous Critical Theory include:
| Principal | Detailed Explanation | |
| Centering Indigenous Perspectives And Experiences | Indigenous Critical Theory prioritizes the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous peoples. It acknowledges that Western frameworks are not universal and recognizes the unique cultural and historical contexts in which Indigenous communities exist. | |
| Challenging Colonialism, Racism, And Cultural Imperialism | Indigenous Critical Theory critically examines and challenges the dominant power structures and cultural frameworks that have historically marginalized and oppressed Indigenous peoples. It addresses issues such as colonialism, racism, and cultural imperialism. | |
| Elevating Indigenous Knowledges | Indigenous Critical Theory values and elevates the unique knowledge and ways of knowing developed within Indigenous communities. It recognizes this knowledge as a legitimate and important form of knowledge production, distinct from Western knowledge systems. | |
| Challenging Epistemicide | Indigenous Critical Theory aims to challenge and overcome the ways in which Western knowledge systems and intellectual frameworks have suppressed or erased Indigenous knowledges and epistemologies. It seeks to restore and revitalize Indigenous ways of knowing. | |
| Supporting Indigenous Sovereignty | Indigenous Critical Theory advocates for the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. It works to challenge the ongoing colonization of Indigenous lands, cultures, and peoples and supports Indigenous communities in asserting their rights and autonomy. | |
| Embracing Intersectionality | Indigenous Critical Theory acknowledges that Indigenous peoples face multiple and intersecting forms of oppression, including racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism. It seeks to address and challenge these intersecting forms of oppression in a holistic and inclusive manner. | |
| Advocating For Social Justice | Indigenous Critical Theory aims to challenge and transform the power structures and cultural frameworks that have historically oppressed Indigenous peoples. It advocates for social justice, equality, and self-determination for Indigenous communities. | |
Indigenous Critical Theory and Literature
| Key Point | Explanation | Example from Literature |
| Indigenous literary traditions | Indigenous Critical Theory recognizes the rich and diverse literary traditions of Indigenous peoples, encompassing oral storytelling, poetry, songs, and written works. These traditions hold cultural and historical significance and contribute to the understanding of Indigenous literature. | Example: The Round House by Louise Erdrich incorporates Anishinaabe storytelling traditions and explores the impact of colonization on a Native American family, highlighting the importance of Indigenous literary traditions in conveying cultural heritage and resilience. |
| Decolonizing literary analysis | Indigenous Critical Theory challenges Western-centric frameworks of literary analysis. It seeks to decolonize literary analysis by centering Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, and experiences. This approach aims to dismantle colonial biases and provide alternative interpretations of Indigenous literature. | Example: In An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, the author employs a decolonizing lens to examine the history of Indigenous peoples, highlighting the importance of decolonizing literary analysis in recontextualizing historical narratives. |
| Reclaiming Indigenous narratives | Indigenous Critical Theory aims to reclaim and amplify Indigenous narratives that have been marginalized or silenced by dominant discourses. It emphasizes the significance of Indigenous voices and stories, addressing historical erasure of Indigenous experiences in literature. | Example: Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson explores the experiences of a Haisla woman navigating her Indigenous identity and challenging colonial narratives, exemplifying the reclamation of Indigenous narratives and the power of Indigenous storytelling. |
| Resurgence and cultural revitalization | Indigenous Critical Theory explores how literature contributes to Indigenous resurgence and cultural revitalization. It examines how Indigenous authors and works assert Indigenous sovereignty, challenge colonial narratives, and promote cultural continuity and healing. | Example: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer combines scientific knowledge and Indigenous wisdom to advocate for environmental sustainability and the revitalization of Indigenous relationships with the land, showcasing the role of literature in cultural revitalization. |
| Intersectionality in Indigenous literature | Indigenous Critical Theory acknowledges the intersectional nature of Indigenous experiences and identities and explores how this is reflected in Indigenous literature. It addresses themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability, examining the complexities and interconnectedness of oppression and resilience. | Example: Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq delves into the coming-of-age story of a young Inuk girl, intertwining themes of Indigenous identity, spirituality, and the impacts of colonization, highlighting the intersectionality of Indigenous experiences in literature. |
| Indigenous futurism and speculative fiction | Indigenous Critical Theory engages with Indigenous futurism and speculative fiction, which envision alternative Indigenous futures and challenge colonial structures. It analyzes how Indigenous authors use these genres to explore decolonial and transformative narratives. | Example: Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse presents a post-apocalyptic world where Navajo mythology and culture blend with elements of speculative fiction, exemplifying Indigenous futurism as a means of reimagining Indigenous futures and resisting colonial norms. |
| Activism and social justice in Indigenous literature | Indigenous Critical Theory examines how Indigenous literature engages with activism and social justice. It explores how Indigenous authors address issues such as land rights, cultural preservation, environmental justice, and Indigenous rights, contributing to broader movements for social change. | Example: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline portrays a dystopian future where Indigenous peoples are hunted for their bone marrow, addressing themes of colonization and advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental justice through storytelling. |
| Indigenous literary criticism and theory | Indigenous Critical Theory encompasses the development of Indigenous literary criticism and theory. Indigenous scholars and critics analyze Indigenous literature through an Indigenous-centered lens, providing unique insights and perspectives that challenge dominant literary theories. | Example: Red on Red: Native American Literary Separatism by Craig Womack critically examines the literary strategies employed by Indigenous authors to assert cultural sovereignty and challenge dominant literary theories, exemplifying the development of Indigenous literary criticism and theory. |
Suggested Readings
- Deloria Jr., Vine. Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto. University of Oklahoma Press, 1988.
- Dunbar-Ortiz, Roxanne. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States. Beacon Press, 2014.
- Kimmerer, Robin Wall. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Milkweed Editions, 2013.
- Robinson, Eden. Monkey Beach. Vintage Canada, 2001.
- Simpson, Leanne Betasamosake. As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance. University of Minnesota Press, 2017.
- Smith, Linda Tuhiwai. Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples. Zed Books, 2012.
- Tagaq, Tanya. Split Tooth. Viking, 2018.
- Womack, Craig. Red on Red: Native American Literary Separatism. University of Minnesota Press, 1999.