Interrogating the Impact of Colonialism(s) on Indigenous Identity, Being, and Belonging

Dear Colleagues,

Contemporary studies of colonialism have often distinguished between different overlapping manifestations of colonialism. Identity formation, both for colonizers and the colonized, were necessary consequences of histories of colonization. This is certainly true in the North American context, as well as in other contexts across the globe. Typically, scholars consider the ways by which Indigenous peoples “lost” their identity, as if Indigeneity is inherent to some but not to others. Moreover, in certain contexts, peoples, while nationalized, are not necessarily coded as being Indigenous. Nationality seems to trump Indigeneity as two political categories with differing political hefts, dimensions of being, and thus, identity. Rarely, if ever, Indigenes are asked about their Indigeneity, and this is how they “gain” their identity as “Indigenous”. What is most readily apparent is that Indigeneity, as a category and as an identity, is irretrievably linked to histories of colonialism. Answers to such a deceptively obvious question are complex, as controversial as this topic is when it comes to understanding identity formation, being Indigenous, and how Indigenous people inhabit that identity. Certainly, commonalities among different peoples and their histories may be shared, such as senses of being and belonging. Nevertheless, how particular experiences of colonialism shape the processes of identity-making must necessarily be contextualized. Complexities abound, as do manifestations of Indigenous identity, where agreement as to who is Indigenous is not a given.

This special issue offers an interdisciplinary forum for empirical, methodological, and or theoretical papers that explore different temporal and spatial constructions of Indigeneity to highlight colonialism’s impact. Colonialism as a process should be differentiated when needed, taking into account its differing iterations such as settler colonialism, but also empire-building (imperialism) and or trade colonialism. We also welcome papers examining how colonial constructions influence Indigenous self-understanding and identity. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to the following:

• The use of race in the ascription of Indigenous identity;
• Indigenous identity as referential and strategic to the needs of the colony/state;
• Legal codification and discursive framing informing constructions of Indigeneity;
• Indigenous nation-building and the relationship between colonialism and nationalism;
• The reification of “blood quantum” and other markers of Indigenous identity;
• Indigenous erasure/invisibility;
• Colonialism, patriarchy, and relationality;
• Geopolitics and Indigenous nationalism;
• Indigenous nationalism and nation-building;
• Colonial economies and their relationships with Indigenous identity;
• Identity, “authenticity,” and structural violence.

Dr. Angela Gonzales
Dr. Judy Kertész
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• colonialism
• indigeneity
• identity
• race/racialization