Survivance

Definition

Survivance refers to the active presence and persistence of Indigenous cultures, identities, and traditions in the face of colonial oppression and assimilation. It highlights not only survival but also resistance, creativity, and the continuous adaptation of Indigenous peoples as they navigate and respond to external pressures, particularly during and after significant events like the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Survivance emphasizes the ways in which Indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural practices despite the destructive impact of colonization by the Spanish.
2. The concept was popularized by Indigenous scholar Gerald Vizenor, who argues that survivance is about storytelling and the ongoing creation of narratives that assert Indigenous identity.
3. Survivance is often expressed through art, literature, and ceremonies that reflect the resilience and adaptability of Indigenous cultures.
4. During the Spanish conquest, many Indigenous communities resisted not just through military means but also by preserving their languages, rituals, and social structures.
5. Survivance plays a crucial role in contemporary movements for Indigenous rights and sovereignty, emphasizing that Indigenous peoples are active agents in shaping their futures.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of survivance illustrate the relationship between Indigenous peoples and colonial powers during the Spanish conquest?
  • Survivance showcases how Indigenous peoples navigated the challenges posed by colonial powers during the Spanish conquest. Rather than simply surviving in a passive sense, many groups actively resisted assimilation by maintaining their cultural practices, languages, and social structures. This resistance highlights a dynamic interaction between oppressor and oppressed, where Indigenous communities asserted their identities despite external pressures.
• Discuss the role of storytelling in promoting survivance among Indigenous cultures affected by colonization.
  • Storytelling serves as a vital mechanism for promoting survivance among Indigenous cultures. It allows for the transmission of cultural knowledge, histories, and traditions across generations. By sharing stories that reflect their experiences under colonial rule, Indigenous peoples can assert their identities, challenge dominant narratives, and foster a sense of community resilience. This narrative tradition not only preserves cultural practices but also empowers communities to continue adapting to modern challenges while honoring their heritage.
• Evaluate how the idea of survivance can inform contemporary discussions around Indigenous rights and decolonization efforts.
  • The idea of survivance is essential in informing contemporary discussions about Indigenous rights and decolonization. It emphasizes that Indigenous peoples are not just passive victims of colonialism but active participants in shaping their futures. By recognizing survivance as a foundational concept, movements for rights can focus on empowering Indigenous voices, preserving cultural practices, and advocating for self-determination. This understanding challenges traditional narratives of victimhood and highlights the agency of Indigenous communities in reclaiming their identities and governing themselves within modern society.

Related terms

Colonialism: A practice where a country establishes control over a foreign territory, often exploiting resources and suppressing local cultures.

Cultural Resilience:

The ability of a community to maintain and adapt its cultural practices despite challenges, including oppression and change.

Decolonization:

The process of undoing colonial rule and reclaiming Indigenous identities, cultures, and governance structures.