Last Updated on October 3, 2013
As an analyst of social conflict where democratic values are being challenged, I try to inoculate audiences targeted by social viruses like conspiracism. To illustrate this particular social virus presently infecting the indigenous peoples movement, I recently posted an article at Continuity titled The Indigenous Non-Profit Industrial Complex: A Petri Dish for Conspiracism.
While conspiracism is not unique to the indigenous peoples movement, the radical left within this movement has a unique history and challenge as we attempt to implement the rights of indigenous peoples under international law. In order to be a partner of indigenous governing authorities in achieving indigenous self-determination, indigenous activists need to understand the pitfalls of conspiracism. Otherwise, they can become impediments to, rather than catalysts for, constructive reform.
While this is not a topic many are comfortable discussing, it nevertheless is one we need to discuss in order to move forward together. While there will undoubtedly be those who cannot make the adjustment, for others these discussions will provide the education needed to make sense of our changing reality, and to organize more effectively.
Across the world right now, Indigenous peoples are facing a renewed assault on their lands, rights, and ways of life.
From extractive industries pushing deeper into ancestral territories, to governments rolling back hard-won protections,
the threat is global—and it is growing.
What makes this moment especially dangerous is how little attention it receives.
Stories like this are disappearing in real time. Mainstream media
barely covers it and the coverage is fragmented. The public is left without the context
needed to understand what is truly at stake.
That is exactly why IC Magazine exists..
For more than 20 years, IC has reported on Indigenous struggles worldwide — consistently, independently, and without compromise.
We don’t follow news cycles; we trace patterns. We don’t sensationalize; we provide context.
And when the world looks away, we stay focused.
But this work is increasingly difficult to sustain.
We refuse to lock our reporting behind a paywall. We don’t sell access through subscriptions.
And we don’t answer to advertisers. IC Magazine survives solely because readers like you choose to
support independent Indigenous journalism.
Please donate today if you can. Every contribution helps us to continue this crucial work.
Thank you,
John Ahni Schertow
Founder and Editor in Chief
