In her 2015 work, The White Possessive: Property, Power, and Indigenous Sovereignty, Aileen Moreton-Robinson (Goenpul from Minjerribah, Quandamooka FN) explores the way in which white nation-states (Australia, Canada, the United States, New Zealand) use racial logics to disrupt Indigenous territorial sovereignty explicitly through structures of colonial territorial possession. “The white possessive” is not simply the…
Tag: cultural appropriation
An analysis of the Inukt boutique
I have delved into the issue of cultural appropriation/misappropriation before, attempting to explain where I think the line should be drawn, and I’ve also discussed the need to ensure authenticity when approaching stories and resources attributed to Native Americans. To briefly (and inadequately) sum up those arguments (really, read the longer posts): Some items/symbols are…
Let’s promote a “Buy Native” trend!
A lot of attention has been drawn to the native fashion trend in the past year or so. From violations of the Navajo trademark, to No Doubt and Victoria’s Secret experiencing a long-overdue backlash to the all-too common misuse of Plains warbonnets; the issues surrounding ‘native inspired’ fashion are being talked about on a wider…
Ruby Love Joy, from squaw headbands to gaia breastplates.
Back in March of this year, I came across an online store called Ruby Love Joy. Based in Australia, this site featured (as you can see in this picture) a lot of men and women in face paint and “warrior inspired” headdresses. You will likely recognise a number of the pictures as they’ve been featured…
Check the tag on that “Indian” story.
Stories and sayings attributed to Native Americans have been floating around probably since settlers stopped spending all of their time and energy on not dying. I am not entirely certain why stories that never originated in any indigenous nation are passed around as “Native American Legends”, but listener beware. You’ve probably seen this one at…