Transformation Efforts

Transformation Efforts

As we imagine a comprehensive reparations plan for this country, we must push for true transformation and demand housing as a form of reparations for Black and Indigenous Americans. 

• All land used for perpetuating the enslavement of Black people (e.g. plantations) to be rematriated to Indigenous stewardship and profits distributed to descendants of enslaved people of the land.

• Return all public land to Indigenous stewardship with no federal or state regulation. 

  • Most movements for returning land to Indigenous communities say that land back movements are about reclaiming Indigenous jurisdiction of land. However, this statement from 4R’s Youth Movement describes how the ethos around “land back” is much more than physical land.

    • “When I hear Indigenous youth and land protectors chant “Land Back!” at a rally, I know it can mean the literal restoration of land ownership. When grandmothers and knowledge keepers say it, I tend to think it means more the stewardship and protection of mother earth. When Indigenous political leaders say it, it often means comprehensive land claims and self-governing agreements. No matter what meaning is attached, we as Indigenous nations have an urge to reconnect with our land in meaningful ways.”