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Fellow Travellers

@fellowtravellers.bsky.social

We are a Toronto-based collective of anti-imperialist, pro-Indigenous sovereignty, decolonial communists that do mutual aid. DONATE NOW!
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Fellow Travellers

@fellowtravellers.bsky.social

Fellow Travellers Reader #6
Your Decolonization Will Not Be Instagrammed
2/2

The phenomena of this colonial fear presents itself in many ways throughout the settler-colony, but particularly affects the well-intentioned settler-ally in 3 stages:
1. Action-Paralysis
2. Paternalism
3. The Path of Least Resistance

The settler-ally, born of colonialism, too often fails to resolve this burning contradiction, instead offering up paternalistic prescriptions and (consciously and sub-consciously) picking and choosing Indigenous allies who fit most neatly into the very limited colonial imagination.

Whether the entry-point for the well-intentioned settler-ally is the result of their first Google search or the first Instagram account they come across, the settler-ally is, at this point, placated, and feels good about having overcome their action-paralysis. Soon, however, the paternalism kicks in, as the settler-ally tries to gain a foothold of control. This can look like anything from trying to organize “on behalf of” Indigenous peoples/Nations/organizations with whom they have little to no relations, to, in extreme cases, pretending to be Indigenous themselves. If/When this is challenged, instead of engaging in self-criticism/learning/reflecting/changing, the settler-ally’s easiest move is to simply find another cause, movement, organization, person, Instagram account, etc. where they won’t be challenged in the same way and which will make them feel better about their refusal to change.

On the macro or Nation-wide scale, we have seen many historical and contemporary examples, most clear of which is perhaps the Canadian settler-colony’s implementation of the Band council system imposed in 1876 (Indian Act), in which a bureaucratic Indigenous strata linked to local administration and corporate accommodations has come to hold great power over large Indigenous communities. This is the group that academics generally opt to ally with. It is a contradictory stratum that is simultaneously an emerging comprador bourgeoisie, state functionary, and social activist.

But make no mistake about it, this is a mass relationship that is reproduced not only on the macro scale, but very much lives within NGOs, smaller organizations, and individuals, too.

The solution, being in real relation, is obvious, but requires honest engagement, a willingness to engage in self-criticism, and checking paternalism at the door.

The solution to the FEAR OF KNOWING and of BEING KNOWN, is RELATIONALITY.

The solution is to know uncomfortable realities, to know the mistakes that you and others have made, and to know how to move forward in a good way.

Our next post will cover some uncomfortable truths, the mistakes and self-criticisms we’ve made, and how we will be moving forward.

October 12, 2025 at 6:40 PM

Fellow Travellers

@fellowtravellers.bsky.social

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