Common Questions About Landback, Answered

Introduction

Yesterday, while speaking with an Indigenous person about allyship, I received a call to action. I was asked to spread awareness about the Landback movement. Landback is a topic of significant controversy in so-called Canada, where anti-Indigenous sentiment is still common. Today, I am honoring the call to action I received and want to talk to you about Landback; what it is and what it means for settlers.

A quick disclaimer before we begin: I myself am a settler of European descent. I am not, nor do I claim to be, an expert on the subject of Landback. I am simply sharing with you what I have learned from the Indigenous folks I’ve spoken with. If you want to do further research on the Landback movement after reading my article, there are plenty of resources online written by Indigenous people. I advise you seek them out. Here is a great place to start.

Landback - What Is It & What Does It Look Like?

At its core, the Landback Movement is an Indigenous lead movement that seeks the return of Indigenous sovereignty and governance over the land. It is an act of resistance against the systems and governments that seeks to destroy the Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their spirits. It is a way to fight back against the beast that is colonialism.

Answering the question of what that looks like is more difficult, as it means different things to different people and different Nations. For some, Landback means that all the land is returned to Indigenous hands. For others, it means honoring the treaties that were broken by colonizers. And for others still, it simply means that Indigenous voices are given more power when it comes to how the land is used and conserved.

Does Landback Mean Settlers Will Be Kicked Off The Land?

While this is certainly a view of some Indigenous people, the majority of people I’ve met do not want to kick settlers off of Turtle Island. I believe that the fear of this happening comes from the colonial “us vs them” mindset. This mindset says that because colonizers waged war and stole the land from Indigenous peoples, that Indigenous people must want to do the same to settlers. Which just isn’t true - many Indigenous people have settler friends or family members, after all!

What it does mean is that settlers might have to share their private property, or pay a small tax to live on the land. For example, ranchers might have to be willing to take guidance from Indigenous peoples in the best way to use the land, or it could mean that Mount Rushmore is no longer open as an attraction (it’s a celebration of white supremacy and genocide, anyway. Ew.).

If you’re a home owner, don’t worry; your house will still be yours. Indigenous people are not trying to displace you.

Why Does Landback Matter?

Landback matters because it is a chance for Indigenous peoples to live in full connection with themselves and with the land, in a way that is largely not possible under colonial systems. It is an opportunity to more effectively bring back endangered ceremonies and languages, reconnect with ancestors, and honor traditional ways of knowing and living in connection with the land. These are all things that are hugely significant in creating better outcomes for Indigenous people.

If you care at all about climate change and conservation, then Landback should matter immensely to you. Indigenous peoples are the world’s best protectors of biodiversity, with some research suggesting that they currently protect as much as 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity. Additionally, there has been significant environmental restoration when land is placed back into Indigenous hands.

Finally, Landback is a chance for settlers and Indigenous people to move forward together; not as enemies, but as allies. It is an opportunity to heal the land, each other, ourselves, and our communities. That is a beautiful thing!

How Can Settlers Support Landback?

To support Landback, settlers must learn to take a back seat. For far too long, Indigenous people have been silenced, talked over, and ignored. Their resistance to colonialism has been labeled as “extremism”, and white settlers have been taught to view them as dramatic people who need to “get over” the “past”. It is time for us, as settlers, to stop talking and begin listening to Indigenous voices. If an Indigenous person tells us about their experience with racism and colonialism, it is not our place to argue with them or invalidate their experiences.

The best way that we, as settlers, can support Landback is by spreading awareness.

Algorithms favor white folks. If you’re white, use your platform to center Indigenous voices by reposting their videos, and always remember to credit them.

Follow Indigenous creators on social media. Listen to what they have to say. Don’t automatically jump to defensives if you get called out. I personally recommend following Notorious Cree, Che Jim, Shina Nova, Indigenous TV, Show Me Your Mask, and the NDN Collective.

Talk to your settler friends and family about Landback and Indigenous liberation. If you hear something racist or incorrect, say something.

Use your self-expression to spread the word. Stores like Resist Clothing and Red Rebel Armor are great Canadian, Indigenous-owned clothing brands to support. If you’re an artist, writer, poet, or any other form of creative, consider ways that you can use your talents to support the Landback movement and other Indigenous liberation efforts.

If you have the money, consider donating to Indigenous-lead reconciliation and decolonization efforts, such as your local friendship center or the National Center for Truth & Reconciliation.

Conclusion

Landback is not something that settlers need to be afraid of. Instead, it is a powerful movement that guarantees a better future for everyone; Indigenous, settler, and non-human alike. It’s time for settlers to stop dominating the conversation and instead listen, learn, and support Indigenous people as they create the path forward.

Until next time, dear reader!