Billie Eilish, “Stolen Land,” and the Growing Demand for Celebrity Accountability
Billie Eilish’s recent Grammy’s speech, where she stated “no one is illegal on stolen land,” ignited a complex debate about celebrity activism, land rights, and the historical injustices faced by Native American tribes. While her sentiment resonated with many, it also drew criticism, particularly from the Tongva tribe, whose ancestral land includes the location of Eilish’s Los Angeles home.
The Tongva Tribe’s Response: A Call for Explicit Recognition
The Tongva tribe acknowledged Eilish’s statement, noting they appreciated the visibility it brought to the history of the land. However, a spokesperson emphasized that Eilish had not directly contacted the tribe and requested explicit recognition in future discussions. This highlights a growing trend: Native American tribes are increasingly seeking direct engagement and acknowledgment from individuals and organizations benefiting from land with historical ties to Indigenous communities.
This isn’t simply about symbolic gestures. The Tongva tribe, also known as the “First Angelenos,” are seeking to ensure the public understands that the greater Los Angeles Basin remains their territory. Their response underscores a desire to move beyond generalized statements about “stolen land” to specific recognition of individual tribes and their ongoing presence.
Celebrity Activism and the Risk of “Virtue Signaling”
Eilish’s situation exemplifies the challenges of celebrity activism. While using a platform to raise awareness is valuable, failing to engage directly with the communities affected can be perceived as performative or, as some critics labeled it, “virtue signaling.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly questioned Eilish’s sincerity, suggesting she should relinquish her property if she truly believed it was on “stolen land.”
This incident reflects a broader scrutiny of celebrities who advocate for social justice causes. Audiences are increasingly demanding authenticity and a willingness to seize concrete action, not just make public statements. The backlash against Eilish demonstrates that simply acknowledging the issue isn’t enough. meaningful engagement is crucial.
The Broader Context: Land Acknowledgments and Indigenous Rights
The conversation surrounding Eilish’s speech is part of a larger movement towards land acknowledgments. These formal statements recognize the Indigenous peoples who traditionally occupied the land on which an event takes place or an organization operates. However, land acknowledgments are often criticized as empty gestures if they aren’t accompanied by tangible support for Indigenous communities.
Beyond acknowledgments, there’s a growing push for land back initiatives, which aim to return land to Indigenous control. While large-scale land repatriation is a complex undertaking, smaller-scale efforts are gaining momentum, with some organizations and individuals actively working to transfer land ownership or co-management rights to tribes.
Billie Eilish’s Real Estate Portfolio and the Focus on Wealth
Reports indicate Billie Eilish has expanded her real estate holdings, owning properties in Glendale, the Hollywood Hills, and Malibu. This has fueled criticism, with some questioning the compatibility of advocating for land rights while simultaneously accumulating wealth through property ownership on historically Indigenous land. The focus on her wealth underscores the inherent contradictions often present in discussions about privilege and social justice.
Future Trends: Accountability, Direct Engagement, and Land Back
The Eilish controversy points to several emerging trends:
- Increased Demand for Accountability: Celebrities and public figures will face greater scrutiny for their statements and actions related to social justice issues.
- Emphasis on Direct Engagement: Tribes and Indigenous communities will prioritize direct communication and collaboration with individuals and organizations operating on their ancestral lands.
- Growth of Land Back Initiatives: Expect to witness more initiatives aimed at returning land to Indigenous control, ranging from minor-scale transfers to larger-scale repatriation efforts.
- Refined Land Acknowledgments: Land acknowledgments will evolve to become more meaningful, incorporating concrete actions and ongoing support for Indigenous communities.
Did you understand?
The Tongva people traditionally lived in the Los Angeles Basin for over 8,000 years before European contact.
FAQ
Q: What is “stolen land”?
A: It refers to land that was taken from Indigenous peoples through colonization, treaties, or other means, often without their consent.
Q: What is a land acknowledgment?
A: A formal statement recognizing the Indigenous peoples who traditionally occupied the land.
Q: What is a land back initiative?
A: An effort to return land to Indigenous control or co-management.
Q: Why did the Tongva tribe respond to Billie Eilish’s speech?
A: They wanted to acknowledge her statement while emphasizing the importance of direct engagement and explicit recognition of their tribe.
Pro Tip: Before making public statements about land rights, research the specific Indigenous communities whose land you are on and consider reaching out to them directly.
Want to learn more about Indigenous land rights and the Tongva tribe? Visit the Tongva People’s website to explore their history, culture, and current initiatives.
