Colonial Entanglements: Rethinking Space, Spatiality, and Spacetime

This paper interrogates the ontological and epistemological transformations of spatial paradigms within the framework of colonial hegemony, elucidating the commodification and annexation of lands as emblematic of deeper ontological fractures. Through a meticulous historiographical analysis, the study foregrounds the aggressive territorial acquisitions characteristic of colonial expansion, positing these not merely as physical dominations but as epistemicide— the erasure of indigenous and first nations spatial understandings wherein space is regarded as a living, spiritual entity, integral to all forms of life. By critically examining the socio-political fabric of colonial dispossession, particularly within the Canadian context, this research serves as a poignant critique of the eurocentric spatial paradigms that dominate modern scientific discourse on space, spatiality, and spacetime. It then extends this analysis to the cosmic realm, employing the ƛCDM model of cosmology as a metaphor for understanding the interconnectedness of the universe and the colonial imprint on our scientific and philosophical outlooks on space. Furthermore, the paper delves into the philosophical underpinnings of space, spatiality, and spacetime, tracing its evolution from ancient Greece to contemporary poststructuralist and postcolonial theories. It challenges the foundational assumptions of logic, math, and physics and encourages a decolonized approach to understanding reality, suggesting that such perspectives could unveil more nuanced insights into the cosmos. The analysis culminates in a call for a holistic reconceptualization of space, spatiality, and spacetime, advocating for a future where decolonization, inclusivity, and equity form the cornerstones of our engagement with spatial realities. It posits that embracing relationality and acknowledging the interconnectedness of all forms of existence can lead to a more just and sustainable spatial praxis, transcending historical legacies of domination and exclusion.