For Indigenous Minds Only: A Decolonization Handbook

by Waziyatawin Angela Wilson (Editor/Contributor), Michael Yellow Bird (Editor/Contributor), George Blue Bird (Contributor)

For Indigenous Minds Only features Indigenous scholars, writers, and activists who have collaborated for the creation of a sequel to For Indigenous Eyes Only (SAR Press, 2005). The title reflects an understanding that decolonizing actions must begin in the mind, and that creative, consistent decolonized thinking shapes and empowers the brain, which in turn provides a major prime for positive change. Included in this book are discussions of global collapse, what to consider in returning to a land-based existence, demilitarization for imperial purposes and re-militarization for Indigenous purposes, survival strategies for tribal prisoners, moving beyond the nation-state model, a land-based educational model, personal decolonization, decolonization strategies for youth in custody, and decolonizing gender roles. As with For Indigenous Eyes Only, the authors do not intend to provide universal solutions for problems stemming from centuries of colonialism. Rather, they hope to facilitate and encourage critical thinking skills while offering recommendations for fostering community discussions and plans for purposeful community action. For Indigenous Minds Only will serve an important need within Indigenous communities for years to come.

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction, Social Justice, History

284 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2012

About the author

Waziyatawin is Wahpetunwan Dakota from the Pezihutazizi Otunwe (Yellow Medicine Village) in southwestern Minnesota. She received her Ph.D. in American history from Cornell University in 2000 and earned tenure and an associate professorship in the history department at Arizona State University where she taught for seven years. She also held the Indigenous Peoples Research Chair in the Indigenous Governance Program at UVic. Her interests include projects centering on Indigenous decolonization strategies such as truth-telling and reparative justice, Indigenous women and resistance, the recovery of Indigenous knowledge, and the development of liberation ideology in Indigenous communities. She is a compelling speaker and is often invited to give talks and interviews, appearing on many radio and television programs.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a phenomenal collection, but the title isn’t just meant to be provocative—it really is a book that will really only resonate with indigenous readers. Doesn’t matter how committed you are to decolonisation, this has a very specific audience in mind. There’s still value in reading it, but it’s immediately apparent if it’s not written with you in mind. And that’s just fine.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the capacity to drastically change the way you look at your world. A collection of essays, questions, activities, and articles, it not only presents a framework for reclaiming your indigenous mind, but also neurodecolonizing your thought patterns, and daily habits. A collaboration of brilliant and fierce native writers, the perspectives are from many tribes and nations, and also singular in the call to return to traditions and begin a process of transformation and reclamation for the future. To read, really read, even just one chapter in this book is to begin a shift in your perception of the world.

[Karen Kohoutek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow read for me, with a long time between its essays (on an assortment of topics, including the Indigenous response to the colonizers' wars, dealing specifically with the Iraq War, which was pretty thought-provoking!) to digest them. There are many angles to beginning to undo the damage of colonialism, both psychological and in material terms, and a lot of thinking ahead needed to face a future of climate change and economic disruption. I appreciated the focus both on re-learning traditional ways, but keeping in mind the reality of the current situation. A great balance.