Indigenous and Colonial Vocabulary

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Indigenous

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Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; relating to the original inhabitants of a region.

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Sovereignty

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The authority of a state or group to govern itself without external interference.

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Colonialism

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The practice of acquiring control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

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Decolonization

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The process of undoing colonial systems, reclaiming autonomy, and restoring Indigenous practices, cultures, and governance.

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Assimilation

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The process by which a minority group adopts the customs, attitudes, and culture of the dominant society.

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Cultural Appropriation

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The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without permission.

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Reparations

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Compensation or actions taken to repair harm caused by historical injustices, such as colonization or forced assimilation.

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Self-determination

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The right of people to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

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Treaty

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A formal agreement between nations, often used historically to outline land rights and relationships with Indigenous groups.

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Land Back

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A movement advocating for the return of ancestral lands to Indigenous stewardship and governance.