Howard Adams (Métis)
1921-2001
Revolutionary Métis Marxist scholar and professor Howard Adams grew up in a Métis community in Saskatchewan. He was a leader in the struggle for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and socialism.
Excerpt from Prison of Grass - Chapter 14 "The Failure of Native Leadership
“Divide and Rule” is a basic method of oppressive action that is as old as imperialism itself. Since the colonizer subordinates and dominates the rank-and-file natives, it is necessary to keep them divided in order to remain in power. The oppressor cannot permit himself the luxury of tolerating the unification of indigenous people, which would undoubtedly cause a serious threat to the status-quo rule. Accordingly oppressors prevent any method and any action by which the oppressed could be awakened to the need for unity. Concepts such as unity, organization and struggle are immediately labeled as dangerous. These concepts are dangerous to the oppressor because he knows they are necessary for actions of liberation. It is in the interest of the colonizer to continuously weaken the oppressed, to isolate them, to create and deepen rifts amount them. This is done be various means, from repressive methods of police action to forms of cultural imperialism and community action programs. The colonizer manipulates the people by giving them the impression that they are being helped, e.g., community development programs, free education, etc.
Back to Article Listing
