All About Women: Distinguished Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson
Jan 8, 2023
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Distinguished Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson discusses Indigenous women, white feminism, and power. She reflects on her upbringing and the influence of warrior women in her community. The podcast explores the future of First Nations women, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of maintaining culture and communities.
First Nations women need to work collectively and take power to bring about change.
First Nations women play a crucial role in maintaining culture and communities and need to come together, supporting and empowering each other.
Deep dives
Indigenous Women and Collective Power
First Nations women need to work collectively and take power to bring about change. There is a lack of action despite many people voicing their opinions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of Indigenous women looking to the future and working together. Distinguished professor Aileen Morton Robinson's groundbreaking work challenges the whiteness of feminism and questions the place of First Nations women in the feminist movement. She calls for a national movement led by older and younger women to address the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous women.
The Role of Indigenous Women and Advocacy
First Nations women play a crucial role in maintaining culture and communities. They have historically led struggles for land rights and have been at the forefront of activism. The speaker emphasizes the need for Indigenous women to come together, supporting and empowering each other. She calls for the establishment of an Indigenous female academic association and an office of Indigenous women. The speaker highlights the importance of Indigenous wisdom and advises white women to start by reflecting on their own privilege and relationships before seeking to support Indigenous women.
The Legacy of "Talking Up to the White Woman"
The book "Talking Up to the White Woman" by Aileen Morton Robinson is a seminal work that explores the relationship between Aboriginal women and white feminism. It challenges the whiteness of feminism and discusses the power dynamics and privilege embedded within it. The book, published over 20 years ago, remains relevant today. The speaker reflects on the book's impact and importance, emphasizing that it was Aboriginal women's knowledge and experiences that shaped it.
The Urgency for Change and the Human Condition
The speaker highlights the urgent need for societal change, addressing injustices, and caring for the planet. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our relationality with the earth and understanding the impacts of human behavior. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the speaker sees it as an opportunity to rethink our values and live more sustainably. She calls for a shift away from self-centeredness and possessiveness and emphasizes the need for care, sharing, and taking care of the planet.