Who is Indigenous?: World Parliament of Indigenous Peoples

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 concerns a kinship based, creative, dynamic and storied participation in natural world environments - the degree to which the natural world 'speaks into' human consciousness. It is on this basis that I argue that indigeneity is deeply necessary in our world today.

Please note: My posts concerning the first round table of the World Parliament of Indigenous Peoples is not an official record of the meeting but rather the posts contain my thoughts and ideas regarding topics raised in our discussions.