Profitization: Ignoring the Ones Who Came First

Abstract

This essay critiques the Western colonial ideology of exploiting natural resources for profit and its detrimental impact on ecosystems and Indigenous communities. It advocates for recognizing the rights of non-human entities, exemplified by the Magpie River in Quebec, which was granted legal personhood. I contrast the Western profit-driven worldview with Indigenous ontologies, which emphasize the intrinsic value of nature and its interconnectedness with human and otherthan-human entities. The paper explores how Indigenous perspectives challenge the commodification of land and water, advocating for a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence. I draw on the concept of “Pluriverse Worlding”, which recognizes multiple ways of understanding the world and rejects the Western “One-World World” mentality that imposes anthropocentric dominance. By adopting Indigenous ontologies, the paper argues, we can protect ecosystems and counter the profit-driven mindset. The paper also critiques the Western legal system’s failure to adequately protect the environment, emphasizing the need to incorporate Indigenous worldviews into environmental protection laws. This shift requires embracing Indigenous knowledge systems, fostering dialogue between Indigenous and Western perspectives. Through legal, philosophical, and practical strategies, the paper emphasizes the importance of safeguarding ecosystems and other-than-human entities for the benefit of the planet and humanity.