jasdooit

Nepal, October 14 — As an Indigenous academic, I view Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12) as something more than a routine celebration. It’s about envisioning fresh opportunities in a world affected by global conflicts and the climate emergency. Indigenous knowledge, which I study and teach, goes beyond being a tool to tackle our environmental challenges. Through various worldviews and philosophies, Indigenous perspectives provide unique methods of understanding and existing—grounded in specific places and ecosystems that guide us in nurturing our environment, our communities, and future generations.

Previously referred to as “noble savage” or “uncivilised,” native populations have been pushed to the margins to support hierarchical structures. However, their perspectives—based on relationships and interdependence—are becoming more acknowledged. As indigenous groups connect worldwide and exchange knowledge, there is an increasing awareness of Trans-Indigenous viewpoints. Indigenous philosophy emphasizes that humans, other living beings, and spirits are part of a sacred network, where life is interconnected rather than separate. This approach encourages a move from control to connection, from possession to relationship, with connections being the core of existence.

The narratives and rituals that emerge from these connections are not outdated remnants of history; they are vibrant expressions of a fundamental truth—that all life is interconnected. In Limbu cosmology (the worldview in which I was raised), for instance, human health is closely linked to the mendhamang, the unseen spirit, and the mennimang, the formless spirit. These connections are not metaphorical; they represent sacred ties that remind us that harmony and respect are essential to sustaining life. Such customs are not random; they serve as containers of knowledge, handed down through generations, guiding us on how to live with honor. Indigenous perspectives encourage us to re-examine our role within the fabric of existence, not as rulers, but as participants in an ongoing dialogue.

In a time marked by conflict and environmental challenges, Indigenous perspectives present a unique opportunity to slow down and contemplate. They prompt us to reassess our direction, not by creating more innovations, but by engaging in dialogue with one another and the planet. At its heart, Indigenous knowledge reminds us that we are not rulers, but members of a broad, interwoven network of existence. It urges us to adopt equilibrium, unity, and shared accountability, encouraging us to evolve both personally and within our systems of leadership.

The quest for advancement and wealth has significantly influenced our existence, understanding, and search for purpose. These principles have evolved into deeply held beliefs, handed down through generations: the future must always be brighter than the present, just as the present has exceeded the past. Sociologist Andreas Reckwitz refers to this as the “sacred creed” of contemporary life, an unseen guide steering societies across the globe. From families to countries, we work under the conviction that achieving a better material life than previous generations is a moral duty. This limited perspective on progress contrasts with how humans have perceived themselves and their role in the world for centuries.

Belief in continuous improvement of material conditions has led us to great advancements. We are more prosperous and surrounded by technologies that were once beyond imagination. However, a different reality appears in the quiet moments between our accomplishments: Divisions grow deeper, inequality expands, and people become separated from significant sources of happiness and purpose. Progress becomes increasingly empty.

A 2021 study highlights a significant disparity: Half of the global population possesses only 2 percent of the wealth, whereas the top 10 percent hold 76 percent of household wealth and 52 percent of the world’s resources. In Nepal, the World Bank indicates a comparable gap: The richest 10 percent are three times wealthier than the poorest 40 percent.

Unceasing pursuit of material expansion carries a severe price: Ecological damage, growing disparities, and increasing aggression. These factors highlight a crucial decision: One route, well-known and easy, offers financial benefits with minimal change; the other, uncertain and demanding bravery, presents the chance for real change. It is this second path, based on Indigenous methods of existence and development, that encourages us to envision fresh opportunities. Opportunities once seen by only a few, but now, maybe, understood by everyone, in a world marked by uncertainty and the looming threat of extensive environmental harm.

In real-world applications, how does Indigenous perspective promote shifting our approaches to existence, knowledge, and actions when facing current issues? I will outline three main aspects.

First, Indigenous perspectives emphasize balance: ecological, spiritual, and material. They suggest that our actions should uphold the harmony of nature. For instance, before felling a tree, the Limbu people pay homage to tambhungna—the forest spirit—by asking for permission and vowing to plant a new one. This ceremony demonstrates a profound respect for nature, reminding us that our existence is tied to the health of all living beings. Notably, such practices go beyond just understanding interdependence and instead actively strengthen our shared connections.

Second, Indigenous perspectives promote reconciliation, tolerance, and mutual respect. In contrast to contemporary punitive legal frameworks, Indigenous governance emphasizes healing and restoration for those who have committed offenses. For instance, within the Limbu system, offenders were traditionally required to provide a rooster, alcohol, and a small sum of money. This approach aimed to encourage communal healing and recovery, guiding the community toward forgiveness instead of retaliation as the initial response.

Third, within Indigenous perspectives, genuine wellbeing is achieved collectively rather than individually; the self is seen as a part of a larger whole. Relationships with kin extend beyond family and clan, including nature and spiritual entities. This perspective raises important questions: Which relationships—human, natural, or spiritual—have I disrupted? What requires healing? What impact am I leaving for those who come after me? These considerations are central to Indigenous knowledge, highlighting that our lives are interconnected through bonds of responsibility and care throughout time.

Adopting Indigenous perspectives involves discarding established ideas and preconceptions. For instance, rather than perceiving the Limbu people as hostile or uninformed, we might consider: What could be causing their frustration? What significance does alcohol have within their culture? What expertise do they possess instead of what they lack? How have they evolved their traditions over time? What lies at the core of their communal way of life and connection to nature? What if we initiated this open-minded exploration with Nepal’s many indigenous groups to enhance our understanding?

For a long time, indigenous ideas were suppressed by those in authority, yet they have always been an integral part of global societies. In their comprehensive book The Dawn of Everything, Graeber and Wengrow demonstrate how leaders from Indigenous communities in North America not only interacted with but also challenged European Enlightenment concepts of personal freedom and equality, presenting different perspectives on society that focused on cooperation, equality, and mutual support.

Nepal, also, is abundant in this wisdom. What is essential at this moment is the bravery to view Indigenous viewpoints not as solutions to issues, but as transformative shifts in how we live—open to everyone, valuing equilibrium, harmony, and shared accountability. In the face of environmental, societal, and spiritual challenges, they urge us to change ourselves, demanding modesty, letting go of old knowledge, moving away from material growth toward appreciation and balance, and creating a future where humans are part of the web of life, rather than rulers. Although the journey may be unclear, it is the way toward recovery for both humans and other species, including the spirits.