Decolonizing decolonization projects: neoliberalism, Indigenous services, and Indigenous strategic change in Taiwan and Canada

This article argues that though decolonization is an ongoing struggle globally, neoliberalism blunts the impacts of state and institutional decolonization projects. Drawing on the literature and three examples, the article explores the unintended consequences of decolonizing efforts in human services and universities, specifically how they reinforce neoliberalism and perpetuate aspects of ongoing colonialism. The analysis shows that adherence to managerial metrics and logics erases important aspects of decolonization such as Indigenous self-determination, sovereignty, and cultural safety. The article identifies five elements that should be present if decolonization is to be advanced decisively and shows that in each example, neoliberalism is foregrounded rather than the sovereignty of Indigenous people. We conclude that the examples analysed are a form of neoliberal colonialism rather than colonialism’s undoing.