Date

8-18-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to flip the story of colonization form the perspective of the colonizers, and instead, make room to discuss the power and strength that Indigenous women hold to resist and exist despite the genocidal nature of settler-colonization. This is specifically done through the information given by literature written by Indigenous authors and artwork created by Indigenous peoples. Through these depictions of women, both fictionally and non-fictionally, we see the numerous ways that Indigenous women heal, build community, and resist colonial powers. Throughout the reading and analysis of about fifteen unique texts, there were some particular themes that occurred repeatedly displaying patterns in the healing methods utilized by Indigenous women. Some of the most prominent methods found were, healing through connections to family, community, land, and the universe, and cathartic fictional depictions of violence. Through analysis it was observed that much healing comes from living beings, the earth and the people that surround us. There is much more to this information than just the methods that Indigenous women utilize to heal. We all have our own position with the danger that faces Indigenous women. As the culmination of this project, I urge readers to assess their own position and what they can do individually to make this country safer and decolonize their lives. There are numerous resources for this available online and within this report, but the first step is always reflection on the multiple colonial systems that we all take part in.

Department

English

Thesis Comittee

Dr. Joyce Rain Anderson, Thesis Advisor
Dr. Ann M. Brunjes, Committee Member
Dr. Lee Torda, Committee Member

Copyright and Permissions

Original document was submitted as an Honors Program requirement. Copyright is held by the author.

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