Unsettling Resistance: Decolonizing Social Movement Theory

Social Movement Studies (SMS) is the primary academic field of theorizing political mobilization. On one hand, this rich body of literature has provided important insight into the social phenomenon responsible for collective action throughout history. On the other hand, the narrative produced from Social Movement Studies has reflected a dominant-Western political culture and interpretation of Indigenous resistance.The purpose of this research is twofold: firstly, to deconstruct Social Movement Studies using critical, decolonizing theory and secondly, to explore the implications of this critique for Indigenous resistance in Canada.