Kanien’kehaka Educator, Author and Activist Taiaiake Alfred talks about the realities and challenges of nativism, decolonization and indigeneity in this lecture, entitled, From Noble Savage to Righteous Warrior: Regenerating and Reinscribing Indigenous Presence.
An internationally recognized Kanien’kehaka (Mohwak) intellectual and political advisor, Taiaiake Alfred is well known for his incisive critiques and groundbreaking work in the fields of Indigenous governance and political philosophy.
In the past, Taiaiake has served as an advisor on land and governance and cultural restoration issues for many indigenous governments and organizations, and he has authored several important books including Wasáse: Indigenous Pathways of Action and Freedom and Peace, Power, Righteousness. Currently, Taiaiake serves as a Professor of Indigenous Governance at the University of Victoria.
On March 6, 2010, Taiaiake was in Vancouver to deliver this welcomed lecture as part of the Global Encounters Initiative Symposium at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Speaking for a little under an hour, Taiaiake takes the time to explore a number of essential observations concerning the realities and consequences of nativism, the process of decolonization on a personal and collective level, and the heart of what it means to be “indigenous.”
A big thanks to UBC for fixing this video. To see more great lectures from the Global Encounters Initiative Symposium, please visit http://www.youtube.com/user/UBC