Opportunities Created by COVID-19

Abstract

Global crises such as COVID-19 simultaneously open doors to challenges and opportunities from an Indigenous perspective. Colonial backlashes have become more frequent, carried out in anger and fear when confronted with the failures and weaknesses of the colonial social orders have become more obvious. Colonial failures to promote social equity and humanitarian justice, and to promote sustainable planetary welfare for present and future generations, could not be ignored in the context of COVID-19. Colonial social orders not only failed to protect millions of people but also significantly exacerbated pandemic vulnerability. Self-orientations have left us vulnerable and resulted in conflict and retribution with one another and with the natural world. Awareness of colonial failures provide opportunities to decolonize and re-create societies with assumptions that better align with scientific evidence. The pandemic has provided the opportunity to retire artificial hierarchies and rebuild with egalitarian assumptions that engender trust and peace. Pursuit of intergenerational sustainability well-being for the whole of the planet, including human creatures, is possible. A restitutional approach to justice will enhance progress toward an equitable existence. Indigenous psychology provides perspective on how to seek reconciliation in relationships to enhance health and psychological well-being to build a more resilient planet.