Indigenous Traditions

Indigenous Traditions

 

Explore the Faith for Earth Resource

In this section you will engage with the wisdom of indigenous tribes across the globe and learn about what undergirds their deep relationship with the natural world.

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Introduction: The Declaration of the Alliance of Guardians and Children of Mother Earth 

"We, Guardians and Children of Mother Earth, Indigenous Peoples and allied partners, held our Second Assembly, and our prophecies, our wisdom, our insights have allowed us to see that life on Mother Earth is in danger..." Read More & Listen to Diane Tomhave

Global Indigenous Perspectives on Earth & Climate Change

Indigenous cultures around the world are using their deep knowledge of nature to address the consequences of climate change. Below are some examples of these global efforts:

Africa Links to an external site. Australia Links to an external site. Alaska Links to an external site. United States Links to an external site. Canada Links to an external site. Asia - Indonesia Links to an external site. Pacific Islands Links to an external site.  Finland Links to an external site.

 

Getting A Sounding: Voices from Around the World

 

Angaangaq 'Uncle' Angakkorasuaq - Melting The Ice in Our Hearts & Understanding Our Inner Depth

 

Eriel Deranger - Modern Colonialism, Personal Involvement In Solutions, & Rethinking Climate Change

 

Questions for Classroom & Community

 

• Are people inherently a part of nature, or do we exist outside of nature and simply interact with it to satisfy our needs? How does each perspective affect how a person interacts with the natural world around them?
  
  
• What is your personal covenant with other humans, with nature, and with the earth?  What is your society’s or your cultural group’s covenant? 
  
  
• Storytelling is an important part of Indigenous traditions. What is your personal story with nature? 

 

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more? Explore the additional resources below: 

• Indigenous Links to an external site. - Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
• Earth-Based Spirituality: An Indigenous Paradigm Links to an external site. Parliament of the World's Religions
• Indigenous Pacific Approaches to Climate Change Links to an external site. ResearchGate
• The Rights of Indigenous People in Asia Links to an external site. ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
• Indigenous Peoples and the Nature They Protect Links to an external site. UN Environment Programme
• Indigenous Peoples Increasingly Engaging in Climate Action Links to an external site. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change