Decolonizing Wealth (Second Edition): Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance

by Edgar Villanueva, Berrett-Koehler Publishers (publisher)

This second edition expands the provocative analysis of the racist colonial dynamics at play in philanthropy and finance into other sectors and offers practical advice on how anyone can be a healer.

The world is out of balance. With increasing frequency, we are presented with the inescapable truth that systemic racism and colonial structures are foundational principles to our economies. The $1 trillion philanthropic industry is one example of a system that mirrors oppressive colonial behavior. It’s an industry whose name means “the love for humankind”, yet it does more harm than good.

In Decolonizing Wealth, Edgar Villanueva looks past philanthropy’s glamorous, altruistic façade and into its white supremacy, savior complexes, and internalized oppression. Across history and to the present day, the accumulation of wealth is steeped in trauma. How can we shift philanthropy toward social reconciliation and healing if the cornerstones are exploitation, extraction, and control?

Drawing from native traditions, Villanueva empowers individuals and institutions to begin to repair the damage through his seven steps to healing. In this second edition, Villanueva adds inspiring examples of people using their resources to decolonize entertainment, museums, libraries, land ownership, and much more.

Everyone can be a healer and a leader in restoring balance - and we need everyone to do their part. As Villanueva writes, “All our suffering is mutual. All our healing is mutual. All our thriving is mutual.” Are you ready?

Genres: Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published July 27, 2021

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an era where DEI is being portrayed in a negative light, Villanueva’s book, Decolonizing Wealth, is a clarion call to resist those trends and dig deep into our shared humanity to address ongoing issues that plague our societies. Though written for an American audience, I found Villanueva speaks well to Canadian concerns. What I did not expect was the nonprofit (NFP) and foundation angle from which he writes. Having worked in the NFP sector for around 20 years (in addition to 15 years of vocational church ministry), I was inspired by the way Villanueva leads the reader to deep reflection on the practice of charity and philanthropy. The call is not simply to add indigenous or black persons to existing structures, but to rethink and re-engage around the issues of our day, ensuring all experience the freedom “to speak [their] own voice, to offer [their] own divergent ideas, to bring [their] full self to bear on the work” (57). His approach to decolonization is truly inspiring: to connect, relate, and belong. Highly recommended, especially to those who provide funding and to the nonprofits who utilize such funding–but the work applies to all who seek to forge a more just society.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this in two days and think I need to read it again! So many lightbulb moments. Feels almost like a Substack article (i.e., very approachable). I don't completely agree with his theory of change but really appreciate the critique of philanthropy and how it mirrors practices of colonialism and enslavement. Also was intrigued by the idea of money as "medicine" (something to restore balance).

[Christianne Wilhelmson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a relevant roadmap AND devastating to read today knowing some of the progress laid out in the book has been dismantled in 2025...and the road back will be hard.