Individualism and individuality from an Indigenous/Native American Christian Perspective

"From the Native American historical perspective there is a difference between individualism and individuality. Individualism was imported as part of colonialism. It was the rugged individualism of Manifest Destiny: the concept that the morality of any action is dictated by the ones who have the power. The individuality of Native America opposed this idea by allowing every person to be a unique part of the whole. Morality was the expression of a diverse community which allowed people to be themselves. Individuality is human freedom in the context of community. Individualism is human ambition in the context of competition."---The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston of the Native American/Indigenous Ministries of the Episcopal Church