Indigenous Peoples’ Day & the importance of indigenous and life-centered perspectives

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the US. For me, it’s a reminder of the importance of indigenous and life-centered perspectives in the world today.

They serve as a vital correction to the mainstream worldview and orientation in the world today. This mainstream worldview has justified treating nature primarily as a resource, which, in turn, has led to the massive global ecological crisis we are now living. Since it also includes a view of nature as separate from us, there is also a remarkable mainstream complacency about this crisis.

THE ORIGIN OF THE WORLDVIEW OF SEPARATION AND POWER-OVER

Where did this worldview and these assumptions come from?

They seem to have appeared with the agricultural revolution about ten thousand years ago, and they were likely invented to justify all that came with the agricultural revolution: wealth inequality, ownership of land and living beings, social hierarchies, domestication of plants and animals, control and use (and abuse) of living systems and living beings, and so on.

ASSUMPTIONS OF SEPARATION AND POWER-OVER

What are some examples of these worldviews and assumptions?

We are separate from nature. Humans have a special status. Only humans have souls. Non-humans are inferior.

Nature is infinite. Nature is an infinite source of resources for us. Nature has an infinite capacity to absorb our waste.

The sacred is out there in a god in the sky.

One end of each polarity is inherently better than the other: Heaven and hell. Light and dark. Spirit and matter. Mind and matter. Men and women. Adults and children. Whites and non-whites.

We understand things by taking them apart to the smallest parts.

Thoughts can tell us the truth. If one thought is true, a different one has to be wrong.

Emotions are good or bad, desirable or undesirable.

If you gain, I lose. (Zero-sum thinking.)

And so on.

MORE LIFE-CENTERED PERSPECTIVES

What are some examples of worldviews that are more life-centered and can help us today?

Systems views. This planet is a living system. We are temporary and local expressions of this living system.

This universe is made up of nested systems (holarchies). We are smaller systems within larger systems, and we contain smaller systems.

We are nature. We are nature thinking, feeling, developing technology and civilization, reflecting on itself, and so on.

Everything is the sacred – humans, non-human beings, nature, this living planet, the universe.

We can find solutions that benefit individuals, society, ecosystems, and future generations.

Thoughts are questions about the world. They are mental images and words to help us orient and function in the world. They cannot give us any full, final, or absolute truth. Realty is always more than and different from our ideas about it.

Multi-generational thinking benefits us now.

All “conscious beings” are consciousness to themselves and essentially the same, it’s only the body and psyche the consciousness functions through that differs.

This living planet that we are all local and temporary expressions of, is itself a local and temporary expression of this evolving universe. We are the local eyes, ears, thoughts, and feeling of the universe. The sacred is in all of it, all the expressions of this living planet, the universe, and existence as a whole.

INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES

The examples of life-centered views listed above are not all indigenous perspectives, of course, even if some or all of them may be roughly in the same family. (I am not sure, it’s not for me to say.)

So what are some indigenous perspectives? How do us non-indigenous find and learn from them?

The best is to get to know indigenous people, of course. I follow some indigenous people on social media, and I have read quite a few books written by indigenous people.

One that’s on my list is An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, which seems to be mostly the post-colonial indigenous history. On my shelf, waiting to be read, is also Brading Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, along with How to Be Animal by Melanie Challenger (not from indigenous perspective but aligned).

THE RIGHTS & POSITION OF THE INDIGENOUS

This is, of course, not only about the importance of life-centered and indigenous perspectives, although those are crucial for us to transform our civilization to be more ecologically sound and sane.

This is also about the rights and role of the indigenous people around the world. They have been treated in the most terrible ways by agricultural and colonialist cultures around the world, and still are. They have been displaced, lied to, raped, killed, forbidden to use their language and follow their traditions, and more. And their rights still seem far down on the list of priorities of most mainstream societies.

For them to have a strong position in society, to live in the way that is right for them, and have what they see as vital, is not only important for them but for all of us. It’s about their and ours dignity, and – as mentioned above – their perspectives are invaluable to the world today.

MORE RESOURCES

I asked ChatGPT 4o for a list of books from an indigenous perspective

Indigenous Literature and Worldview

1. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
   A Potawatomi botanist blends Indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches to explore our relationship with plants and the natural world.
2. The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World by Wade Davis
   An anthropologist explores the wisdom of various Indigenous cultures and their deep connection to nature, highlighting the importance of preserving these traditions.
3. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
   A dystopian novel about a future where Indigenous people are hunted for their bone marrow, blending themes of colonization, survival, and identity.
4. I, Rigoberta Menchú: An Indian Woman in Guatemala by Rigoberta Menchú
   The autobiography of a K’iche’ Maya woman detailing her community’s struggles during the Guatemalan Civil War, emphasizing Indigenous resistance.
5. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
   A reexamination of U.S. history from the perspective of Native Americans, focusing on the impacts of colonization and Indigenous resilience.
6. The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King
   A critical yet humorous exploration of Native American history and present-day issues, questioning the dominant narrative in North America.
7. Sámi Nature-Centered Writing (Various Authors)
   Works by Sámi authors, such as Nils-Aslak Valkeapää, focus on their connection to nature, reindeer herding, and their fight for cultural survival in Northern Europe.

Shamanism and Spiritual Practices

8. Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy by Mircea Eliade
   Although not Indigenous, this is a classic study of shamanism around the world, examining Indigenous practices through a broad lens.
9. The Spirit of the Shuar: Wisdom from the Last Unconquered People of the Amazon by John Perkins and Shakaim Mariano Shakai Ijisam Chumpi
   A journey into the Shuar people’s shamanic wisdom and their deep connection with nature.
10. Of Water and the Spirit: Ritual, Magic, and Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman by Malidoma Patrice Somé
    A Dagara shaman from Burkina Faso recounts his initiation into shamanism, sharing profound insights into the spiritual world of his people.
11. The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge by Jeremy Narby
    Narby investigates the knowledge of Amazonian shamans, linking their visions to modern science and DNA.
12. Secrets of the Talking Jaguar: A Mayan Shaman’s Journey to the Heart of the Indigenous Soul by Martín Prechtel
    Prechtel shares his experience living among the Tzutujil Maya, detailing their spiritual practices and sacred relationship with the Earth.
13. The Jaguar That Roams the Mind: An Amazonian Plant Spirit Odyssey by Robert Tindall
    Tindall’s exploration of Amazonian shamanism focuses on the use of ayahuasca and Indigenous spiritual practices.
14. Shamanic Voices: A Survey of Visionary Narratives by Joan Halifax
    A collection of testimonies from shamans worldwide, offering a glimpse into their spiritual journeys and relationships with nature.
15. Walking with the Earth Mother: Shamanic Path of the Taino People by José Barreiro
    A deep exploration of the spiritual practices of the Taíno people and their worldview centered around harmony with nature.

Nature, Ecology, and Indigenous Perspectives

16. Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World by Tyson Yunkaporta
    An Indigenous Australian perspective on how ancient wisdom and systems of knowledge can address modern problems.
17. Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future by Patty Krawec
    Krawec offers a blend of Indigenous history, personal narrative, and a call to restore our relationships with each other and the Earth.
18. Dancing on Our Turtle’s Back: Stories of Nishnaabeg Re-Creation, Resurgence, and a New Emergence by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
    This book highlights the Nishnaabeg people’s connection to the land and their resurgence in reclaiming their culture and ecological knowledge.
19. As Long as Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice, from Colonization to Standing Rock by Dina Gilio-Whitaker
    A history of Indigenous environmental struggles in the U.S., focusing on land rights, water protection, and environmental justice.
20. Black Fox: A Story of Life in the Boreal Forest by Barbara Gowdy
    A unique fictional tale told from the perspective of a fox in the boreal forest, reflecting on the interconnectedness of life in nature.
21. Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California’s Natural Resources by M. Kat Anderson
    A detailed look at how Indigenous Californians managed ecosystems sustainably for thousands of years.
22. Original Instructions: Indigenous Teachings for a Sustainable Future edited by Melissa K. Nelson
    A collection of essays from Indigenous leaders worldwide, focusing on spiritual and cultural teachings for ecological sustainability.
23. Wisdom of the Elders: Sacred Native Stories of Nature by Peter Knudtson and David Suzuki
    Indigenous stories from around the world provide deep ecological wisdom and reflections on humanity’s relationship with nature.

Memoirs, Reflections, and Spiritual Narratives

24. The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative by Thomas King
    A series of lectures that explore how stories shape our understanding of identity, culture, and history, from a Native perspective.
25. Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog
    An autobiographical account of a Lakota woman involved in the American Indian Movement (AIM), discussing activism, culture, and identity.
26. My Conversations with the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path to Every Day Life by José Luis Stevens
    Stevens recounts teachings from shamanic traditions worldwide, with insights into how these practices can be integrated into daily life.
27. Lame Deer, Seeker of Visions by John (Fire) Lame Deer and Richard Erdoes
    A Lakota holy man shares his life story and spiritual teachings, providing insight into traditional Lakota shamanism, visions, and ceremonies.
28. Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux by Black Elk and John G. Neihardt
    Black Elk recounts his life as a healer and visionary of the Lakota people, touching on spirituality, the Ghost Dance movement, and the clash of cultures.
29. The Sacred Pipe: Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux by Joseph Epes Brown and Black Elk
    This book presents Black Elk’s teachings on the sacred rites of the Lakota people, explaining their spiritual significance and cultural importance.
30. Fools Crow by Thomas E. Mails
    A biography of the revered Blackfoot healer and spiritual leader, sharing his wisdom and the spiritual teachings of his people.
31. The Wind Is My Mother: The Life and Teachings of a Native American Shaman by Bear Heart
    Bear Heart, a Muskogee Creek shaman, shares his personal journey and the wisdom of his people, offering spiritual guidance and reflections on life.
32. Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine by Larry Dossey
    While not Indigenous, this book explores the intersection of spirituality and medicine, often referencing Native American spiritual practices in healing.
33. Spirit of the Shaman: Connecting with Your Energy Body by Adrian Kezele
    This book delves into shamanic teachings and techniques from various Indigenous cultures, focusing on healing and energy work.

These books provide a wide range of Indigenous voices, covering shamanism, spirituality, our relationship with nature, and reflections on identity, history, and culture. Authors like Black Elk and Lame Deer offer profound insights into Native American spirituality, while other Indigenous voices from around the world broaden the scope of these teachings.