Abstract

Social movement theory emphasizes the importance of resource mobilization and the strategic political processes of struggles within a society. Although it yields useful insights into the dynamics involved in a struggle, social movement theory ultimately is too narrow to grapple with all social struggles. The indigenous environmental movement breaks the mould, revealing unconsidered historical forces and variables involved in social struggles. The economic dynamics of capitalism and the history of internal colonialism must be incorporated into an account of the evolution of the indigenous environmental movement. Struggles over treaty rights and sovereignty are unique to the Native population, making their movement one of the most powerful and effective groups for protecting the environment. Although the indigenous environmental movement is connected to other environmental movements, the Native struggle remains fundamentally grounded in a challenge to the whole of society, as presently constituted, as they fight for the survival of their nations and ways of life.