In this one-hour talk, Taiaiake Alfred explores the Psychophysical Effects of Environmental Racism especially as it pertains to the Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) community of Akwesasne. His lecture was delivered on September 20, 2012 as part of Power/Society/Environment, a newly-established annual lecture series based at the University of Ottawa.
A Professor in Indigenous Governance and in the Department of Political Science at the University of Victoria, Taiaiake Alfred is a specialist in studies of traditional governance, the restoration of land-based cultural practices, and decolonization strategies. An indigenous intellectual of international renown, he is the author of many scholarly publications and writings, including Wasáse (Broadview, 2005); Peace, Power, Righteousness (Oxford University Press, 1999/2009); and Heeding the Voices of Our Ancestors (Oxford University Press, 1995).
Currently he is studying the effects of environmental contamination on Indigenous cultural practices, with a special focus on the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, and is working in the context of the United States’ Natural Resources Damages Assessment process as a consultant with a number of Indigenous communities to assess cultural injury due to industrial and nuclear contamination of the natural environment, and to design land-based cultural restoration plans. To read more see Alfred’s website.
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