Broadly speaking, we can think of land back as the regeneration of Indigenous laws on Indigenous lands and waters. It is a call to liberate stolen lands and waters from current colonial encroachments and legal fictions. It’s no secret that Indigenous peoples protect and govern 80% of the world’s biodiversity, and given these close interrelationships, community health and the health of the lands and waters are closely related. Land back is a pathway to climate justice.
For further study:
- Land Back: A Yellowhead Institute Red Paper
- Rooted: A Publication on Indigenous Law - special issue on "Land Back"
- Indigenous Resistance Against Carbon
Dr. Jeff Corntassel is a writer, teacher and father from the Cherokee Nation. He is currently Associate Professor in the Indigenous Studies Department at the University of Victoria and Associate Director of the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE). His research and teaching interests focus on "Everyday Acts of Resurgence" and the intersections between Indigenous resurgence, climate change, gender, and community well-being. He is currently completing work for his forthcoming book on Sustainable Self-Determination, which examines Indigenous climate justice, food security, and gender-based resurgence.
Deans' Lecture Series
Research is continually reshaping the way we live and think. In these online talks you'll hear from distinguished members of the faculties at the University of Victoria and learn about their research interests.
