What in the World What's the Land Back movement?
Jun 30, 2025
Vanessa Igoe, a BBC journalist, dives into the Land Back movement, showcasing its vital role in restoring Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship. The conversation highlights historical injustices, diverse strategies for reclaiming ancestral lands, and the legal battles faced by communities like the Maori and Yurok. Guests share personal stories, emphasizing cultural significance and ongoing struggles in Australia and Canada. The discussion also spotlights how Indigenous governance can enhance biodiversity and environmental management across the globe.
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Core Goals of Land Back Movement
- The Land Back movement demands restoring Indigenous people's rights to govern and protect their land.
- It emphasizes returning land physically, legally, and spiritually, not just symbolic reconciliation.
Land Back Tactical Examples
- The Yurok tribe in California purchased 70,000 acres back to regain control.
- The Duwamish tribe in Seattle asks non-Indigenous residents to pay rent for living on ancestral land.
Challenges to Land Back Efforts
- Land claims face law delays, opposition from businesses, and societal misunderstandings.
- Some see Land Back as infringing on current property rights, though Indigenous people seek decision-making power, not forced removal.