Indigenous Critical Literary Theory

Introduction to Indigenous Critical Literary Theory

Indigenous Critical Literary Theory is an analytical approach that centers on the literature and narratives produced by Indigenous authors and communities. It seeks to deconstruct and challenge colonial representations and stereotypes in literary works, aiming to highlight Indigenous voices, perspectives, and cultural nuances.

This theory emphasizes the importance of respecting Indigenous storytelling traditions and promoting Indigenous self-expression within the realm of literature.

Indigenous Critical Theory and Indigenous Disciplines

Indigenous Disciplines	Indigenous Critical Theory
Recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems	Deconstruction of colonialism and colonial narratives
Decolonization of academic disciplines	Recognition of the ongoing effects of colonization
Incorporation of traditional Indigenous methodologies	Empowerment of Indigenous peoples and communities
Respect for Indigenous protocols and ethics	Critique of Western epistemologies and knowledge production
Emphasis on community collaboration and engagement	Analysis of power structures and systemic oppression
Reclamation and revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultural practices	Intersectionality and understanding of the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression
Centering Indigenous perspectives, experiences, and voices	Advocacy for self-determination and sovereignty
Addressing power imbalances and promoting equity in research and education	Reclaiming and preserving Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities
Valuing holistic and interconnected approaches to knowledge	Challenging Eurocentric frameworks and paradigms
Emphasizing land-based and place-based learning	Development of alternative frameworks for social, cultural, and political analysis from Indigenous perspectives

Criticism Against Indigenous Critical Literary Theory

1. Essentialism: Some critics argue that Indigenous Critical Literary Theory can be essentialist in its emphasis on the unique perspectives and experiences of Indigenous peoples. They argue that this emphasis on identity can obscure the diversity and complexity of Indigenous communities and reinforce a static notion of Indigenous identity.
2. Lack of generalizability: Because Indigenous Critical Literary Theory centers on Indigenous perspectives and experiences, some critics argue that it may not be generalizable to other contexts or communities. They argue that this focus on Indigenous knowledge and experience may not be relevant to other groups or communities.
3. Limited engagement with non-Indigenous frameworks: Some critics argue that Indigenous Critical Literary Theory can be insular and isolated from other academic frameworks, particularly those developed in non-Indigenous contexts. They argue that this can limit the potential for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
4. Political bias: Some critics argue that Indigenous Critical Literary Theory is inherently political and biased, and that it lacks the objectivity and neutrality that is valued in other academic disciplines. They argue that this can undermine the legitimacy of Indigenous Critical Theory as an academic framework.
5. Lack of practical solutions: Some critics argue that Indigenous Critical Literary Theory can be overly focused on critique and analysis, and that it may not offer practical solutions to the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. They argue that this can limit the potential for Indigenous Critical Theory to effect real change.

Examples of Indigenous Critical Literary Theory

Work and Author	Literary Example with Features of Indigenous Critical Literary Theory
Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko	Ceremony, a novel by Leslie Marmon Silko tells the story of a young Laguna man named Tayo who returns home from World War II with post-traumatic stress disorder. The novel is often analyzed through an Indigenous Critical Theory lens, with scholars exploring the ways in which Silko centers Laguna Pueblo perspectives and experiences, challenges colonialism and racism, and elevates Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing.
Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson	Monkey Beach, a novel by Eden Robinson, tells the story of a young Haisla woman named Lisa who returns to her ancestral village in British Columbia to search for her missing brother. The novel is often analyzed through an Indigenous Critical Theory lens, with scholars exploring the ways in which Robinson centers Haisla perspectives and experiences, challenges colonialism and cultural imperialism, and advocates for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.
Tracks by Louise Erdrich	Tracks, a novel by Louise Erdrich, tells the story of two Anishinaabe families in North Dakota in the early 20th century. The novel is often analyzed through an Indigenous Critical Theory lens, with scholars exploring the ways in which Erdrich centers Anishinaabe perspectives and experiences, challenges colonialism and racism, and elevates Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing.
“Eulogy for a Native” by Sherman Alexie	Sherman Alexie is a Spokane/Coeur d’Alene writer and poet whose work often explores the experiences of contemporary Indigenous peoples in the United States. “Eulogy for a Native,” a poem, honors the life of a Native American man who has died of alcoholism and challenges the cultural and historical forces that have contributed to his struggles. The poem can be analyzed through an Indigenous Critical Theory lens to explore how Indigenous peoples have been impacted by colonization, cultural genocide, and systemic oppression.
“My Heart is a Phoenix” by Louise Bernice Halfe	Louise Bernice Halfe is a Cree poet from Canada whose work often explores the experiences of Indigenous women. “My Heart is a Phoenix,” a poem, uses imagery from Cree culture to explore the themes of survival and resilience. The poem can be analyzed through an Indigenous Critical Theory lens to explore how Indigenous women have been impacted by colonialism, racism, and gender-based violence, and to celebrate the strength and resistance of Indigenous women.

Keywords in Indigenous Critical Theory Literary Theory

1. Decolonization: It is the process of undoing the cultural, political, and economic impacts of colonialism, and reclaiming Indigenous knowledges, identities, and ways of being.
2. Sovereignty: It means the right of Indigenous peoples to govern themselves and determine their own futures, free from outside interference and domination.
3. Indigenous epistemologies: It means the ways of knowing and understanding the world that are rooted in Indigenous cultures, languages, and histories, and that challenge Western ways of knowing and understanding.
4. Cultural imperialism: It mans the process by which dominant cultures impose their values, beliefs, and practices on subordinate cultures, often leading to the erasure or marginalization of Indigenous cultures and identities.
5. Positionality: It means how an individual’s social, cultural, and historical location shapes their experiences, perspectives, and understandings.
6. Resilience: It means the ability of Indigenous peoples to resist and survive the impacts of colonialism and oppression, often through the revitalization and reclamation of Indigenous knowledges, languages, and practices.
7. Oral tradition: It means the transmission of cultural knowledge and history through spoken word, often through storytelling, song, or ceremony.
8. Indigenous futurisms: It means the imagining of Indigenous futures that are rooted in Indigenous knowledges, languages, and cultures, and that challenge Western notions of progress and development.
9. Intersectionality: It means the recognition that multiple forms of oppression (e.g. racism, sexism, colonialism) intersect and reinforce each other, and that an individual’s experiences are shaped by multiple and overlapping identities.
10. Land-based knowledges: It means the ways of knowing and being that are rooted in Indigenous relationships with the land, and that challenge the Western separation of humans from nature.

Suggested Readings

1. Deloria Jr., Vine. Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto. University of Oklahoma Press, 1988.
2. Dunbar-Ortiz, Roxanne. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States. Beacon Press, 2014.
3. Kimmerer, Robin Wall. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Milkweed Editions, 2013.
4. Robinson, Eden. Monkey Beach. Vintage Canada, 2001.
5. Simpson, Leanne Betasamosake. As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance. University of Minnesota Press, 2017.
6. Smith, Linda Tuhiwai. Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples. Zed Books, 2012.
7. Tagaq, Tanya. Split Tooth. Viking, 2018.
8. Womack, Craig. Red on Red: Native American Literary Separatism. University of Minnesota Press, 1999.