Decolonization Is Not a Metaphor

Summary

An essay to unsettle anyone borrowing decolonial language. Eve Tuck and K. Wayne Yang insist decolonisation “brings about the repatriation of Indigenous land and life”. As a metaphor, it allows “settler moves to innocence”, ways of easing guilt while keeping land and power. Even consciousness-raising, they warn, can stand in for “the more uncomfortable task of relinquishing stolen land”.

Rationale

A test we hold ourselves to. Our turn to interbeing draws on Indigenous traditions; deep disposition work could become a move to innocence if it never reaches land.