Re-envisioning Resurgence

Re-envisioning resurgence: Indigenous pathways to decolonization and sustainable self-determination, Corntassel uncover the theoretical and applied understanding for regenerating Indigenous nationhood while restoring sustainable relationships with Indigenous homelands. The article explores possible Indigenous pathways to decolonization and resurgence and identifies how these applied to decolonize practices are demonstrated today The introduction of the article, Corntassel emphasizes the lack of representation for the Indigenous people in the statement “Indigenous peoples inevitably confront the ongoing legacies of colonialism that have disrupted their individual and community relationships with the natural world”( Corntassel, 87). The environmental injustice and racism that continues to be prevalent, influences the struggles of minorities to maintain a sustainable lifestyle and further increase health risk. A Mohawk scholar Taiaiake Alfred best-described colonialism as the “process of forced dispossession and attempted acculturations—a disconnection from land, culture, and community—that has resulted in political chaos and social discord.” I was drawn to the statement made by Taiaiake Alfred because it highlights the theme of production and consumption within the U.S. The social norms that emphasize the “need for more” create an ongoing issue of valuing material possessions above maintaining natural resources. However, everyday decolonization and resurgence practices can help transcend the politics of distraction and focus on the revitalization of Indigenous communities. Last term, I took a sociology class that introduced Native Feminism. Native feminists came up (Re) model, which essentially allows them to (re)write, (re)right, and (re)riting. These concepts are encouraged to embrace the traditional practices while critically analyzing the historical impact that has occurred to their people and land. 

Jojola in Indigenous Planning and Community Development presented the indigenous planning framework that mitigates the influences and encroachment of globalization. The future of Indigenous planning should promote sustained territories to encourage the value associated with land-tenure that would harbor a sense of identity. Not to mention, the collective effort from the society will be required for the indigenous planning. The people need to bring “clarity and cohesion to its planning process through its timeless worldview”(Jojola, 15). Jojola introduced different organization, which includes academics, students, practitioners, and professions from all racial background who values a collective ideology on how to plan communities for Indigenous communities. Doing It for Themselves introduced transformation planning, which is to “transform the institutional bases of indigenous subordination in post settler states”(182). There needs to be involvement from the Indigenous people with taking the planning role— building alliances, managing resources, and mediating decisions. Lane and Hibbard suggest that transformation planning is crucial for indigenous survival.