We Are a Part of the Land and the Land Is Us: Settler Colonialism, Genocide & Healing in California

Abstract

This essay proposes that the history of California includes the intended destruction and decimation of native cultures, including their forced removal, illegal land acqui- sition, slavery, separation of families, and outright murder enacted by the private cit- izenry and governmental agencies during European contact can be defined as geno- cide as outlined by the United Nations Geneva Convention, 1948. The lasting legacy of contact on aboriginal lifeways and tradition, as well as the recent resurgence of native traditions and culture is addressed to suggest that the health and healing of native communities lies in reconciling the past to make passage into the future.