Abstract

The paper I propose to present will discuss how dominant European control over indigenous populations have included economic exploitation and the degradation of native populations throughout the world. Many dominant societies justify their influence, control and illegal territorial acquisitions by proclaiming: They were/are destined to rule over indigenous populations. Most recently, however, many indigenous people have demanded the return of their stolen or illegally seized lands and conquered territories. Furthermore, many respective indigenous individuals have denounced dominant European cultures and continue to fight outright for a restoration of their lost languages and traditional values and native cultures. Nevertheless, many indigenous populations operate today organizationally, governmentally and administratively in the same fashion as Europeans. In this way, dominant cultures throughout the world have been able to maintain control and power - as well as their spheres of influence - over indigenous populations, creating an enduring legacy.