COLONIZATION

Lateral Violence

Misdirected anger, shame, or blame, or other negative behavior as a result of trauma and oppression.

Lateral violence is intimately connected to trauma and colonization.

Lateral violence is a misdirected expression of pain and suffering.

Lateral violence experienced by ILR practitioners often takes the form of shaming and blaming.

Lateral violence is often tied to conflict over power.

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    LEXICON
    Colonization
    Philosophies, practices, and systems for violent subjugation of Indigenous people.
    Learn more »

Lateral violence experienced by ILR practitioners is often an attack on one’s identity, authenticity, or authority.

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“He didn’t even grow up here.”
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“That language program doesn’t even really help anybody.”
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“They are ruining our language.”
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“He barely knows how to speak.”
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“They’ve had that program for ten years and still nobody can talk.”
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“She doesn’t sound like the old folks used to.”
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“My grandma told me to stay away from them.”
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“That language program costs too much money.”
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“They aren’t even traditional.”

Lateral violence negatively impacts your wellbeing as an ILR practitioner.

Constant exposure to lateral violence can lead to trauma and burnout.

ILR practitioners must learn to protect themselves from lateral violence.

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    LEXICON
    Burnout
    Physical, mental, and/or emotional fatigue resulting from chronic stress.
    Learn more »

Protecting yourself from lateral violence.

REFLECTION

What boundaries do you need to set around lateral violence in your ILR practice?

Explore the Lexicon

Healing

Internal Awareness

ILR Practice

Colonization

Impact