Neoliberalism and Indigenous Activism
Lizbet Limeta
Professor DeLugan
ANTH 116: Indigenous Activism in the Americas
Fall 2016
Introducing Neoliberalism and Its Impact on Indigenous Communities
There are systems deeply embedded in modern society in which a small group of elites are able to influence policies. Neoliberalism in particular perpetuates this type of system in order to benefit corporate interest. Corporations have been able to maximize their profit at the expense of marginalized communities while simultaneously maximizing their profit trough the exploitation of natural resources. Indigenous groups, often being at the bottom of the social hierarchy, will on many occasions suffer the repercussions of elitist policies. Neoliberalist …show more content…
This section is referring to the arrest of community leaders who oppose the construction of dams and hydroelectric projects in their community. The leaders who were arrested pointed to violations by the government who failed to consult with indigenous communities before allowing such projects to begin construction.
Despite intense state repression, resistance is strong. Indigenous groups are organizing around their identities to demand better implementation of their rights and to denounce neoliberalist policies. Organizing around their indigenous identity makes the struggle more personal and stronger. According to Deborah Yashar, “If land is the symbolic glue, neoliberalism is the symbolic target. Indigenous movements often denounce neoliberal state reforms for their
deleterious impact on indigenous communities” (Yashar 1998:36). Yashar argues that land is a
“symbolic glue” which allows indigenous communities to organize behind one common cause.
Land has been such an important component of indigenous culture which is why various …show more content…
Despite high assassination rates among indigenous leaders, their deaths have continued to garner attention in the international community. This has opened doors for national/transnational solidarity with other social movements. “Transnational organizing and coalition building opened up new opportunities for pueblos to influence national legislative agendas, and many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that specialize in development or human rights came to see indigenous peoples as clients” (Jackson and Warren 2005: 551). With the help of nongovernmental organizations various indigenous groups have been able to demand for action to take place against the human rights violations.
This is where the importance of self-determination comes into play. According to Andrea
Muehlebach, self-determination serves as a way for indigenous people to voice their concerns.
She states the following:
“Indigenous delegates have stated that the right of self-determination, and especially the legal personality that it confers, are crucial to their struggles. It will enable them
Lizbet Limeta
Professor DeLugan
ANTH 116: Indigenous Activism in the Americas
Fall 2016
Introducing Neoliberalism and Its Impact on Indigenous Communities
There are systems deeply embedded in modern society in which a small group of elites are able to influence policies. Neoliberalism in particular perpetuates this type of system in order to benefit corporate interest. Corporations have been able to maximize their profit at the expense of marginalized communities while simultaneously maximizing their profit trough the exploitation of natural resources. Indigenous groups, often being at the bottom of the social hierarchy, will on many occasions suffer the repercussions of elitist policies. Neoliberalist …show more content…
This section is referring to the arrest of community leaders who oppose the construction of dams and hydroelectric projects in their community. The leaders who were arrested pointed to violations by the government who failed to consult with indigenous communities before allowing such projects to begin construction.
Despite intense state repression, resistance is strong. Indigenous groups are organizing around their identities to demand better implementation of their rights and to denounce neoliberalist policies. Organizing around their indigenous identity makes the struggle more personal and stronger. According to Deborah Yashar, “If land is the symbolic glue, neoliberalism is the symbolic target. Indigenous movements often denounce neoliberal state reforms for their
deleterious impact on indigenous communities” (Yashar 1998:36). Yashar argues that land is a
“symbolic glue” which allows indigenous communities to organize behind one common cause.
Land has been such an important component of indigenous culture which is why various …show more content…
Despite high assassination rates among indigenous leaders, their deaths have continued to garner attention in the international community. This has opened doors for national/transnational solidarity with other social movements. “Transnational organizing and coalition building opened up new opportunities for pueblos to influence national legislative agendas, and many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that specialize in development or human rights came to see indigenous peoples as clients” (Jackson and Warren 2005: 551). With the help of nongovernmental organizations various indigenous groups have been able to demand for action to take place against the human rights violations.
This is where the importance of self-determination comes into play. According to Andrea
Muehlebach, self-determination serves as a way for indigenous people to voice their concerns.
She states the following:
“Indigenous delegates have stated that the right of self-determination, and especially the legal personality that it confers, are crucial to their struggles. It will enable them