7.12.11

Decolonize the Occupation Movement- A Call for Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples

Occupy Movements in multiple cities across the U.S.A. have passed statements in solidarity with Indigenous peoples. These statements open the dialogue of Occupy to issues of racism, race, colonization, decolonization, indigenous struggles and more. These statements also draw important connections between the current Occupy movements and the struggles of oppressed peoples that have been going on for long before Occupy came about. Drawing these connections helps to push the dialogue, be inclusive, and be open to learning from the experiences of others involved in fighting oppression. Virginia was one of the first geographical areas to be colonized by Europeans. Occupy Richmond and other Virginia Occupations should look into passing similar statements.
This is a map of the roughly pre-colonization territories of a variety of indigenous peoples in Virginia.


As an example, here is the statement from Occupy Boston:
The following resolution was passed by the Occupy Boston General Assembly on October 8th, 2011:
RESOLUTION:  Memorandum of Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
WHEREAS, those participating in “Occupy Boston” acknowledge that the United States of America is a colonial country, and that we are guests upon stolen indigenous land that has already been occupied for centuries, Boston being the ancestral land of the Massachusett people; and
WHEREAS, members of the First Nations have continued to resist the violent oppression and exploitation of the colonizers since they first arrived on this continent, and as a result have a great amount of experience that could strengthen this movement; and
WHEREAS, after centuries of disregard for the welfare of future generations, and the consistent disrespect and exploitation of the Earth, we find ourselves on a polluted and disturbed planet, lacking the wisdom to live sustainably at peace with the community of Life; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we seek the involvement of the First Nations in the rebuilding of a new society on their ancestral land; and
As a signal to the national “Occupy” movement and to members of First Nations who have felt excluded by the colonialist language used to name this movement, it shall be declared that “Occupy Boston” aspires to “Decolonize Boston” with the guidance and participation of First Nations Peoples; and
Extending an open hand of humility and friendship, we hereby invite members of the First Nations to join us in this popular uprising now taking place across this continent.  We wish to further the process of healing and reconciliation and implore Indigenous Peoples to share their wisdom and guidance, as they see fit, so as to help us restore true freedom and democracy and initiate a new era of peace and cooperation that will work for everyone, including the Earth and the original inhabitants of this land; and
We hereby declare that Columbus Day should be referred to as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”

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