un-natural law

In January 2016, an armed group led by Ammon Bundy took over a place known as the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, in high desert lands near Burns, Oregon. Bundy stated that the lands should be returned to the ranchers, who were its rightful owners because they were the first people to put the land to beneficial use. The racism, entitlement, and outright falshood of this claim compelled me to seek a better understanding of how American ideas about land developed, and how they were used to justify the seizure and colonization of indigenous lands in what is now called the Continental United States. Along the way I have encountered not just John Locke and the idea of Natural Law, but the Doctrine of Discovery, papal bulls, Calvinism and more. I’ve listened to Native voices that provide a counternarrative emphasizing connection to land over possession: from historic tribal leaders responding to deceitful treaties, to contemporary individuals and organizations such as Dina Gilio-Whitaker, NDN Collective, and Red Nation, who are working for environmental justice and restitution.

The result of my research will ultimately be an exhibit, website and book composed of maps, drawings, and essays.