Decolonial Refeminization and Resurgence in Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s Dancing on Our Turtle’s Back

Abstract

This article examines Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s Dancing on Our Turtle’s Back (2011) in light of Indigenous feminist views on gender, refeminization, decolonization and resurgence. In particular, it focuses on how Simpson retrieves the stories of the Nishnaabeg people to envision ways of moulding the present and future of Indigenous women/peoples beyond the anthropocentric, settler-centric and patriarchal paradigm. The retelling of ancestral stories is fundamental both for her personal growth as an Indigenous woman, mother and activist, and for her people in their journey towards decolonizing Indigenous bodies and self-determination that will enable their resurgence by reinstating a respect for women, the feminine and the land.

DOI: 10.17456/SIMPLE-247

Keywords: Indigenous, Decolonization, Refeminization, Resurgence, Nishnaabeg stories.

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