False Promises An Indigenist Examination of Marxist Theory and Practice
Ward Churchill
Volume 2, Number 2 (1989) 2 (2): 79-100
Keywords Marxism, Indigenous Peoples, Dialectical Materialism, Historical Materialism, Marxist-Leninist Revolutions, Dialectics, Eurocentrism, Production Relations, Contradictions, Surplus Value, Relationship between Marxist theory and Indigenous knowledge, Concept of relational balance in Indigenous cultures, Marxist treatment of national minorities, Alliance between Marxists and Indigenous Peoples
Abstract
This article by Ward Churchill delves into the intricate relationship between Marxist theory and indigenous peoples, focusing on various aspects such as dialectics, dialectical materialism, and the implications of Marxist practice on indigenous cultures. Churchill highlights the alignment between Marx's dialectical reasoning and indigenous systems of knowledge, emphasizing the interconnectedness and relational nature of both. The critique extends to Marx's prioritization of human agency over other relations, contrasting this Eurocentric view with indigenous perspectives that stress harmony and balance within nature. Additionally, the article explores the historical treatment of national minorities' rights in Marxist-Leninist states, revealing patterns of forcible assimilation and suppression of indigenous cultures. Churchill also discusses the potential for alliances between Marxists and indigenous peoples, advocating for an 'indigenist' agenda as a departure from traditional Marxist and capitalist ideologies, incorporating principles of 'deep ecology,' 'soft-path technology,' 'anarchism,' and global 'balkanization'.
Ward Churchill
Published September 1, 1989
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ward Churchill (Author)
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