[Un]Conscious Colonialism – Why is “Native Spirituality” a Pagan Genre?

Abstract: Entrenched definitions and genres are incredibly hard to dismantle, even those created in the early days of modern Pagan and New Age modalities. And yet what if those original definitions were blind spots rooted in an [un]conscious colonialism? Found within Pagan and New Age spaces for decades now, the subgenre of “Native Spirituality” has been a convenience directed entirely by white people. In today’s hopeful climate of Turtle Island First Nations resurgence and healing, and in alignment with anti-racism, social justice and decolonization efforts everywhere, the interrogation of the “Native Spirituality” subgenre is long overdue. Led by a white anti-racism educator and scholar-practitioner of the ancestral arts, “[Un]Conscious Colonialism – Why is ‘Native Spirituality’ a Pagan Genre?” will conclude with a loving encouragement to examine the harm in our spiritual practice(s) and make change. Today, examining our white privilege and challenging racism, have become positive aspects of a holistic spirituality.

Presenter bio: Pegi Eyers is the author of the award-winning book Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community, a survey on social justice, white studies, intercultural competency, uncolonization, nature spirituality, sacred land, the ancestral arts and the holistic principles of sustainable living. Pegi self-identifies as a Celtic Animist, and is an advocate for the recovery of authentic ancestral wisdom and traditions for all people. She lives in the countryside on the outskirts of Nogojiwanong in Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg territory (Peterborough, Ontario, Canada), on a hilltop with views reaching for miles in all directions. www.stonecirclepress.com

Presenter affiliation: Independent scholar