> Susan,
> I found your posting of great interest. Could you please give more
> information? This being one of those things that I'd never thought of, I
> can see where there's a direct connection between colonialism and present
> day problems. Thanks.
> Jess
Jess--
I've received several e-mails re my posting on the link between
colonialism in the Americas and the "United Kingdom," and I'm still
mulling at least two points over in my head.
First, I think it's interesting for people who are not
indigenous to the Americas (i.e. can trace their roots to lands
outside the Americas) to consider why their people originally came to
the Americas. In many cases, like my own, their relatives will be
victims of the same colonial forces that were/are acting on
Indigenous peoples in the Americas. My people came from Ireland to
Canada during the potato famine, which happened because of land and
social conditions imposed by British colonizers. Having made this
link, I find it easier to see my work (with Indigenous movements for
self-determination) as real solidarity work, because I can personally
understand how colonialism can affect families and communities.
Second, here in Wales, where the the self-determination movement by
the Welsh is constantly belittled and vilified by the ruling classes
in London, there are clear historical links with movements for self-
determination by Indigenous peoples/nations in the Americas. It's
easier for me now to see these movements as part of a world-wide
struggle against colonialism and imperialism.
What do you think?
Susan