Ethnographer of Religion Dr. Natalie Avalos explores the deep roots of indigenous religious traditions, the impact of settler colonialism, and paths toward healing the ontological wounds of colonization. She discusses the role of land, spirituality, and community in restoring indigenous sovereignty and cultural identity.

Resources:

Dr. Natalie Avalos’ Faculty Webpage: https://www.colorado.edu/ethnicstudies/people/core-faculty/natalie-avalos

Send any questions or comments to: [email protected] 

Topic Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Decolonization and Indigenous Perspectives

03:15 Understanding Settler Colonialism

06:10 Religious Discourse in Colonial Contexts

08:57 Historical Trauma and Its Impacts

12:00 The Concept of Land in Indigenous Cultures

14:41 The Ontological Wound of Colonization

17:58 Healing Through Cultural Reclamation

20:46 Decolonization as Community Building

23:41 The Role of Religion in Indigenous Identity

26:22 Comparative Perspectives: US vs. Mexico

29:22 Mestizaje and Identity in the Americas

35:44 Navigating Native Identity in a Colonial Context

38:53 Cultural Contradictions: Indigenous Identity in Latin America

41:21 Religion as Camouflage: Indigenous Spirituality and Christianity

48:19 Experiential Understanding of Indigenous Religion

54:10 Individualism vs. Community: The Indigenous Perspective

01:00:12 Reconnecting with Indigenous Ancestry and Practices