Indigeneity: An Historical Reflection on a Very European Idea

Abstract

The word indigeneity may still not exist in mainstream English-language dictionaries, but the concept itself has deep historical roots in European religious, philosophical, and political thought — in foundational ideas about culture, land ownership, the nation-state, and ethnic minorities. After introducing the concept and discussing its significance in the current academic and political climate, the chapter traces those roots back to the first century AD, to the days of the early Christians and their proselytizing mission, which, over the next 2,000 years, would transform the world. The chapter then describes key moments in the history of Europe, its colonies, and former colonies, highlighting some of the major theological and philosophical debates that took place during the second half of the second millennium, debates that went on to shape indigenous policies for global institutions like the Catholic Church and the United Nations. These debates also shaped our understanding of indigeneity today, perhaps distracting us as well, the chapter concludes, from the social and economic challenges indigenous communities have faced for more than 500 years.