As We Have Always Done

Our presence is our weapon, and this is visible to me at every protest, every mobilization, every time a Two Spirit person gifts us with a dance at our powwows, every time we speak our truths, every time we embody Indigenous life. Nishnaabeg intelligence. The core of Indigenous resurgence lies in the brilliance and complexity of Indigenous thought systems, continually generated in relationship to place. This intelligence is not just intellectual but also emotional, spiritual, and physical, and it is the foundation for creating ethical, sustainable Indigenous worlds. Elders as teachers. The aut

Lesson 1: Indigenous Brilliance: Resurgence from Within

This principle from As We Have Always Done is backed by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 2: Kwe as Method: Embodied Knowledge and Refusal

This principle from As We Have Always Done is backed by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 3: Dispossession: Beyond Land to Bodies and Spirits

This principle from As We Have Always Done is backed by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

How to Apply As We Have Always Done's Lessons

The real value of As We Have Always Done lies in its applicability. After reading, the most important step is identifying which of Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's principles speak most directly to your current situation.

Consider keeping a journal while reading — noting where the ideas challenge your current approach and where they confirm what you already suspected. The friction of your own resistance often points to the most important insights.

Key Quote

"Indigenous Brilliance: Resurgence from Within" — Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, As We Have Always Done

About the Author

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is the author of As We Have Always Done. The book reflects years of research, observation, and synthesis of evidence from multiple disciplines.