The colonial use of the term ‘indigenous’, translates as a unifying, oppressive label used to question our own definitions of authenticity, belonging and hybridity.
This use of the term ultimately leads to a future where Settlers, based on their practices of silencing us can claim that the indigene, as defined by the Settler, is gone.
Colonisation has defined us as Other and lumped us together for this very purpose, i.e. a comfortable academic disposal of our very beings.
Used thusly, the word ‘indigenous’ is little more than a Settler approved term used to erase our unique identities and question our right to self-definition and self-determination, through the creation of false reconciliation projects and tooth-less resolutions and laws.
