Hawaii Betsuin DIALOGUE Project January 2023 meeting
Topic: Settler Colonialism in Hawaiʻi and Worldwide
Thursday, January 12, 2023
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Discussion Leader: Pete Doktor, Jikoen Hongwanji
In person and via Zoom
REGISTRATION: To register, please visit our Google form at https://forms.gle/m67PxJ4xov4BeXvSA. You will receive the meeting and/or Zoom location for the next DIALOGUE meeting.
More About the January 2023 DIALOGUE, from the Organizers
Settler colonialism is a distinct type of colonialism that functions through the replacement of indigenous populations with an invasive settler society that, over time, develops a distinctive identity and sovereignty, e.g., “local.” Settler colonialism is a term for when the colonizer comes to stay and as such the distinction between the colony and the imperial nation is lost. In settler colonialism, colonizers impose their own cultural values, religions, and laws, make policies that disfavor aboriginal peoples and (First) nations. Settler colonialism involves the total appropriation of Indigenous life and land rather than the selective appropriation for profit (as is the case in other forms of colonialism). It is also distinct from other forms of colonialism because the colonizer comes with the intention of making a new home on the land and as such insists on “settler sovereignty over all things in their new domain.”
What does this mean for us as Buddhists, a foreign religion by a largely settler population? How do those of us who are not Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), including institutions, not perpetuate such settler-ism or cultural appropriation? What is a Buddhist response to such social injustice?
Readings
https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/what-is-settler-colonialism
This is a great introduction to the topic; if you can only read one resource, consider this one.
https://www.thoughtco.com/american-settler-colonialism-4082454
Great overview in context of US.
Perspectives from Hawai`i:
https://www.civilbeat.org/2017/11/hawaiis-blnr-mauna-kea-and-settler-colonialism/
https://www.civilbeat.org/2017/11/settler-colonialism-still-defines-power-in-hawaii/
RESOLUTION TO CALIFORNIA-PACIFIC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2018 (will be sent to registrants)
SUBJECT: Apology for Illegal Overthrow of Hawaiian Kingdom
SUBMITTED BY: Hawai‘i District United Methodist Church, California-Pacific Annual Conference
https://globalsocialtheory.org/concepts/settler-colonialism/
Good resource if you have time/interest in one more linked resources.
About the DIALOGUE Project
The DIALOGUE Project is a project of Hawaii Betsuin’s Social Concerns Committee in which sangha members and friends are invited to explore social issues with others through a Buddhist lens. DIALOGUE typically meets on the second Thursday of every other month (some exceptions), 7:00-8:30 p.m., i.e., January 13, March 10, and etc. at Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway or by Zoom, TBA. All DIALOGUE topics are contributed by participants, all suggestions welcomed!
More at https://hawaiibetsuin.org/dialogue/.