Aro-Mind

A second and critical question posed at the first round table of the World Parliament of Indigenous Peoples is 'who is to be regarded as indigenous'? Of course, this is another issue that raised considerable discussion, naturally. In my view, there are two ways to answer this question. The first way, and the one most commonly used, is a definition which arises from a common experience of colonisation (usually by European peoples) and the historical association of an indigenous community with a specific place or places. Another way of thinking about indigenous cultures alights upon the centrality of the earth mother in their worldviews and their active and conscious connection and connecting with the earth. The unification of an indigenous community with earth, sea and sky is perhaps the defining feature of an indigenous culture, in my view. I find this a more enriched and meaningful way of thinking about indigenous cultures and worldview and indigeneity generally. Indigeneity c...

During 7-10 January I attended the first round table of a proposed 'World Parliament of Indigenous Peoples'. The round table took place at Booshakthi Kendra, the Dalit Ashram, near Tumkur, Karnataka, India. Our hosts were the Dalit people lead by Mrs Jyothi with philosopher husband MC Raj. It was a wonderful privilege to be invited. Naturally, there was a big question over the use of the word 'parliament'. We are concerned not to adopt concepts from non-indigenous cultures particularly and especially if these concepts arise from and advance colonizing cultures. In our discussions we alighted upon the following points: 1. There is a 'new wind' blowing in indigenous communities worldwide. We wish to encourage this and believe there is much merit in indigenous peoples continuing to meet regularly. 2. These discussions are preliminary and there is a long way to go to finalise the purpose, design and function of any organization that might emerge. 3. We do not wish t...