As the momentum behind Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ("DEI") wanes for many organizations, I feel we must continue educating on the importance of decolonization. It is no surprise to many that us Indigenous peoples are vastly underrepresented within numerous animal industries. The sad irony is that many Indigenous and Nomadic Ethnicities are the reason for some animal industries. Without us and our cultures, there would not be anything that resembles several animal industries. It is time for animal welfare take a serious look at decolonial praxis. Where "DEI" has stalled, decolonization can thrive. That is assuming those that benefit from ongoing colonialism will stay out of our way and let Indigenous peoples lead of course.
Why decolonization? To have practices that are truly inclusive and equitable, decolonial praxis is required. "Decoloniality" was coined by sociologist Anibal Quijano, "is a perspective, stance, and proposition of thought, analysis, sensing, making, doing, feeling, and being that is actional (in the Fanonian sense), praxistical, and continuing." In other words, it is about doing-or rather, undoing-and creating just situations where unjust ones have long prevailed. Decoloniality is the process. Decolonial praxis is the academic theory as a whole. You may come across "decolonization", "decoloniality" and "decolonial praxis" used interchangeably which I must admit is a habit of mine I am attempting to modify.
Decolonization can be defined as the "meaningful, deliberate & active resistance to forces of colonialism that perpetuate the subjugation and/or exploitation of our minds, bodies, & lands. Decolonization's primary purpose is to overturn the colonial structure(s) & realize Indigenous liberation." "Decolonization is not a metaphor" for other things we want to do to improve our societies (Tuck & Yang). Decolonization is not performative DEI initiatives. In fact, it is not DEI at all. Decolonization is not creating more affinity groups. Decolonization is not simply more representation. Decolonization is not omni-directional hatred of white people (but it shouldn't be led by them either).
Decolonization IS liberation. Decolonization MUST include rematriation of land and resources to Indigenous peoples. Decolonization must center Indigenous and Black folks. However, the work of decolonization is for the benefit of everyone and everything as decolonization to me means to actively do away with colonial falsehoods and return to reciprocity.
Animal welfare industries have a long history rooted in monotheism, imperialism, white superiority, hetero-patriarchy, capitalism, corporatism, resource extraction, and binary political systems. There is no one, single definition of decolonization everyone agrees on but most agree we must dismantle this hegemony. Decolonization IS for everyone. Decolonization benefits us all.
"If we are the caretakers of this land, then the obligation to alter the destiny of this society is in our collective responsibility. The damage done to our homeland is our collective burden." ~ Les Maracle
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
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Melinda Trueblood-Stimpson
Founder; scientist
Ludar Animal Behavior
OH
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