How do McPherson & Rabb define Indigeneity? Based on the evidence presented, do you agree with them that Indigeneity has survived the colonial experience? Why or why not?
In the McPherson and Rabb readings, in the Ojibwa and other Native world view, Indigeneity is defined as having close relations and identification with the land, such as rocks, soils, and other animals and acknowledging them as ‘persons’. In the Ojibwa perspective, a person can either be a human-person or an other-than-human persons. This is to imply that they show respect to nature and would treat nature as they would a human being. They also do not believe there is a hierarchy system in nature, but that humans, other animals, and the land itself are all equal. They really emphasize on “living with the land” as opposed to “living on the land” (p. 10-11).
McPherson and Rabb also defines Indigenous peoples as being welcoming and hospitable, as well as described Native people as “caring, loving, and sharing among themselves and with others” (p.3). They also stated that “Indigenous communities accept more diversity than most linguistic communities” (p. 7) implying that Native people are more open to accepting diversity. Indigenous people have a polycentric view, where they value individual perspective on a certain topic, and they blend all the views of the people and come to an agreed conclusion (p. 7).
I agree that Indigeneity has survived the colonial experience in that we can still see Native culture and traditions still alive today. Although Calicott argued that “contemporary Indigenous people have been assimilated into mainstream culture” (p. 3), there are still many Native people who live on traditional land, practicing their religion and traditional cultures. Many of the elders are still passing down the stories and practices orally to the next generations. Even though the Indigenous peoples went through many tragedies and negative stereotypes throughout history, and even today, they kept their Native values and Native world views strong and lived according to their beliefs. Therefore, Indigeneity can still be seen today.