White words out of Black and Brown mouths

Originally published Aug 3 2019 in my Facebook post. Republished here with edits.

Screenshot Embroidered patch in red and gold that says “LAND BACK” outlined in black and accented with red with a gold border and red background.

Do not assume that people who call themselves "social justice activists" or "leftists" have a decolonial analysis. Even if they are Black or brown. Even if they are Indigenous. Even if they say they have a decolonial analysis.

Someone once said that sometimes, white words come out of Black and brown mouths.

Decolonizing means to give the land BACK to Indigenous peoples. It doesn't mean upholding white culture on Indigenous land. It doesn't mean upholding white versions of history. It doesn't mean upholding white science. It means giving the land BACK and relearning the Indigenous understanding of the land, the water, the forests, the animals, the people, and the science and healing and history.

Anything that does not focus on giving the land BACK to its Indigenous people is upholding empire and this is true even when if the people upholding that empire are Black or brown or Indigenous.