Video Library » Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Indigenous psychologies

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Colonization

The following video provides a brief introduction into the European colonization of Africa and how these invasions were motivated by economic, social and political factors.

A Brief History of European Colonization in Africa

Discussion questions:

• What psychological strategies did the colonial powers adopt to justify their actions towards the indigenous occupants of the land being conquered?
• What did the colonial powers do in order to maintain their positon of power over indigenous people?
• What have been some of the ongoing consequences of colonial rule in African countries?

The following humorous video begins with the statement that the world did not end in 2012, but that humans are still doing a pretty good job to end it. The skit then flippantly depicts a competition between Australia and Canada for who is the best at grabbing resources off indigenous peoples and trashing the planet.

The War on Terra - Canada vs Australia

Discussion questions:

• What are your thoughts about colonialism, progress, indigenous rights and the environment? How are all of these things connected?
• What, if anything, has changed since this video was made in 2013?
• What are the implications of the current path of progress for the future of the planet and humanity?
• Why should such questions matter for psychology?

Indigenous health

This video below is about health for American Indians, and covers indigenous views, issues and experiences.

Don't Get Sick After June: American Indian Healthcare

Discussion questions:

• Why did the video start with a short narrative of what the earth means to indigenous people in America?
• Why do you think many indigenous health services run out of money? What should be done to address this?
• How and why is indigenous health related to issues of land, resources and rights?

The interconnected/cobweb self

Orlando Bishop is the Director of Shade Tree Multicultural Foundation, an organization that combines new ideas with traditional ways of knowledge from South and West Africa. In the video below, Bishop talks about interconnectedness through describing the meaning of sawubona – an African Zulu greeting meaning ‘we see you’.

Sawubona

Discussion questions:

• What are some of the main points Bishop makes about interconnectedness using the concept of sawubona?
• How is such a greeting similar to or different from the ways in which people greet each other in your community?
• What can such indigenous views and wisdom offer to psychology and wider society?