Imperialism and Hunting

Abstract

Hunting is an essential part of socio-economic life for Indigenous peoples worldwide. For many, it allows for cultural continuity and is a source of partial or full income. This article intends to explore how hunting practices have been impacted by European imperial views of “progress” over the past 400 years, and how perceived progress can be destructive to some aspects of social life. To do this, the place of Indigenous hunting practices in global processes is examined. From the 17th century fur trade, to the fall of fur, recent anti-fur campaigns and environmental movements, ‘Western’ views on fur and hunting have grounded Indigenous practices in the global economy. This is seen through the application of world-systems and underdevelopment theory.

Keywords

• Imperialism
• Hunting
• Fur trade
• Indigenous
• First Nations
• Nunavut