according to the concept of settler colonialism, colonizers cannot simply “become natives” as the term “native” refers to the indigenous people who inhabited a land before colonization, and the act of colonization inherently dispossesses and marginalizes those populations, making it impossible for colonizers to truly integrate as “natives” without addressing the historical power imbalance and injustices committed.

Key points to consider:

Definition of “Native”: Indigenous peoples are considered “native” because they are the original inhabitants of a land, with deep cultural and historical ties to it.

Power Dynamics: Colonization involves the forceful takeover of land and subjugation of indigenous populations, making it impossible for colonizers to simply claim the identity of the people they displaced.

Cultural Appropriation: Attempting to fully assimilate into a native culture without acknowledging the historical context of colonization can be seen as cultural appropriation.

However, it’s important to note:

Individual Actions: While a colonizer cannot become “native” in the true sense, individuals can actively work towards reconciliation by learning about indigenous cultures, supporting indigenous rights, and acknowledging the history of colonization.

Complex Situations: In certain contexts, there might be cases of individuals with mixed heritage, where ancestry ties them to both colonizer and indigenous populations, creating complex identity issues.