The Hidden Weight of “Wild”: Why We Need to Rethink This Word

Every word we choose either reinforces the status quo or opens doors to new possibilities.

CONTENT WARNING: Discusses specific instances of Indigenous oppression and ecocide.

What comes to mind when you hear the word wild ? Untamed forests, roaring rivers, or creatures roaming free? Or perhaps it’s something deeper — a feeling of awe, chaos, or even danger. But here’s the truth: wild isn’t just a word — it’s a loaded weapon.

For centuries, the term has been used to erase Indigenous presence, dismiss traditional knowledge, and justify violence against Black and Indigenous peoples. Every time we use wild without thinking, we reinforce systems that exploit land, bodies, and cultures.

This essay dives into why wild perpetuates colonial harm, how it erases Indigenous stewardship, and what we can do to dismantle its legacy. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about avoiding the word — it’s about freeing ourselves from the stories that bind us to colonial norms.

What Does “Wild” Really Mean?

At its core, wild is more than a neutral descriptor — it carries with judgment. European colonizers used it to create binaries: civilized versus savage…