Zed Books The Politics of Indigeneity: Dialogues and Reflections on Indigenous Activism

Provocative and original, The Politics of Indigeneity explores the concept of indigeneity across the world- from the Americas to New Zealand, Africa to Asia - and the ways in which it intersects with local, national and international social and political realities. Taking on the role of critical interlocutors, the authors engage in extended dialogue with indigenous spokespersons and activists, as well as between each other. In doing so, they explore the possibilities of a 'second-wave indigeneity' - one that is alert to the challenges posed to indigenous aspirations by the neo-liberal agenda of nation-states and their concerns with sovereignty. This manifestation of indigeneity is also deeply embedded in spiritual connections with the landscape in which it is situated, yet maintains both a strategic and pragmatic stance in its response to climate change, carbon offsets or the geopolitics of the Kyoto protocol and emissions trade. ----- Timely and topical in its focus on global indigenous politics, and featuring a variety of first-hand indigenous voices - including those of indigenous activists, scholars, leaders and interviewees - this is a vital contribution to a often contentious topic. Review 'What is indigeneity? How should it be articulated? How does one make it matter? 'The Politics of Indigeneity' is a bold and a challenging book. Multi layered and thought provoking it constantly forces the reader to re-engage and recalibrate, re-think and re-articulate assumptions and notions about many things including, importantly, indigeneity itself - a must read!' - Pankaj Sekhsaria, author of 'Troubled Islands' and editor of the Jarawa Tribal Reserve Dossier. 'This book is based on an engagement with indigenous peoples across the globe, which starts with listening to what they have to say on the subject. The authors do ask questions, occasionally challenge, but with respect and sensitivity and thus an attitude so different from underlying mainstream academic discourses in which the claim of objectivity too often is but a disguise for arrogance.' - Dr Christian Erni, Social Anthropologist, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs 'This path breaking volume exploring the exciting emergence of a new ''second wave" of indigeneity and activism is a must read for all those interested in contemporary indigenous politics.' - Jeff Sluka, Associate Professor, Social Anthropology Programme, Massey University About the Author Emma Hughes is Research Advisor for Research Management Services at Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ ----- Sita Venkateswar is Senior Lectuer in Anthropology at the School of People, Environment and Planning at Massey University Palmerston North, NZ