#6 Decolonise: reparations & representation

Your plan might focus on exposing and dismantling systems of oppression and exploitation.

For example by exploring histories of colonialism, supporting those in frontlines of climate impacts or tackling inequalities in cultural and environmental movements. There is a strong connection between repair of the natural world and reparations for injustice.

group of young people gather at a workshop

The power of culture for decolonising and decarbonising society

Co-educate with and for those people who are most affected by the histories and current impacts of extractivism and harmful development.
Widen your net of cultural resources to learn from people who are nature-connected, or innovating out of traditions to regenerate places.
Radically restructure your programming to empower people and ensure their needs are met to participate.
Use your programming and influence to expose and dismantle systems of oppression and exploitation, in ways that are integrated with your decarbonisation efforts when possible.
Protect and safely restore or return intangible, indigenous heritage, in consultative collaboration.
Support those in frontlines of ecocide & climate impacts.
What can you do to tackle inequalities in cultural & environmental movements?

Some suggestions for starting in your organisation

Where can you hand power to people who have been denied it?
If children and young people are your priority, consider their needs for the future. Can you create a role to advocate for future generations, not yet born?
Can you run a truth commission?
Could you write a 100 year plan?
Can you influence international law, to advance the rights of future generations, or to implement an Ecocide Law?
Apply the Precautionary Principle: If you can’t be sure your project doesn’t cause harm, don’t do it. Ask, how can this project positively regenerate the environment?
Are all the people in your organisation cared for and treated equally and do they have a voice?

Inspiration and Resources

Cultural Gardeners

Australian cultural alliance for climate action

Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice

Based in Canada but with international intent and social media reach. Climate justice and inclusion.

Coastal First Nations

Great Bear Initiative – alliance of BC first nations using traditional and innovative culture to generate jobs and protect the forest.

Counterpoints Arts

A leading national organisation in the field of arts, migration and cultural change.

ONCA

Creating space for change, art for social and environmental justice. Based in Brighton.

People’s Palace Projects

Bring artists, activists, academics and audiences together for projects that address a wide range of social justice and human rights issues. In UK, Brazil and elsewhere.

Sand Talk

Read Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World by Tyson Yunkaporta. His answers include: Develop an embodied relationship with the place, people, creatures, and land where you live, and participate in building a culture of transition and adaptation.