User:SequoiaLovesFrogs/Rematriation

The term Rematriation describes the process of "returning to the sacred Mother". This returning specifically refers to the restoring of relationships between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands (typically through the repossession of those lands), the use of traditional and cultural Indigenous knowledge to care for the Earth, and the honoring of Indigenous matrilineal systems. A theoretical concept initially introduced through Indigenous feminist scholarship, Rematriation has grown into a worldwide movement led by Indigenous women.

Origin

Rematriation stems from a reframing of the concept of Repatriation. While both concepts describe the returning of cultural items and/or lands to the Indigenous groups from which they originated, Rematriation reframes the concept in terms of the matrilineal structure of many Indigenous groups. In honoring the societies structured around women, Rematriation opposes the patriarchal dynamics and systems of violence embedded in the system of Repatriation. It is important to note, however, that this shift in terminology is simply cultural, as laws and policies still remain under the term Repatriation. Headed by Indigenous women, the concept of Rematriation morphed into a broader social movement for uplifting the voices and knowledge of Indigenous women and restoring the relationships between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands.

Rematriation in Use

Rematriation is the name of a non-profit, multi-media initiative that aims to put the concept of Rematriation into practice through film production, content creation, and community engagement and outreach specifically designed for Indigenous audiences. Founded by Michelle Schenandoah, the initiative began with Rematriation Magazine, eventually expanding to include more avenues of storytelling. As a community of Haudenosaunee and Indigenous women, Rematriation works to shift harmful and simplified narratives, defy stereotypes, and use personal experiences for positive change and connection. In addition to its name and Indigenous heritage, the group interacts with the concept of rematriation through furthering education and creating gatherings and spaces solely tailored to Indigenous women and their experiences. Through the uplifting of these underrepresented voices, they aim to recenter Indigenous communities and raise awareness about human's need to live in balance with Mother Earth.

ReMatriate Collective

Many Land Trust organizations actively publicize their support for the Rematriation movement. For example, the Sogorea Te' Land Trust introduced the "Rematriate the Land Fund," which produces and obtains funds specifically dedicated to funding the return of stewardship of Indigenous lands and all related costs. They, too, have actively publicized the importance of the movement, erecting billboards (in conjunction with the NDN Collective) reading "REMATRIATE THE LAND."