How Indigenous peoples' Traditional Knowledge is saving lives.

The year 2020 will always be remembered as the year of science and adjustment. Not only are we developing a new awareness of the importance of preserving the environment, but we also realized that scientific discovery is fundamental for the well-being of all terrestrial species.

Science is necessary and helps save people lives without a doubt. Still, In the modern world, we tend to undervalue traditional knowledge, and putting aside the millennial wisdom that we have intrinsic within us. Traditional knowledge can help science by providing valuable solutions to new challenges

At Nomadic Tribe, we want to consider the pandemic as a watershed moment, allowing us to build a better, fairer and sustainable world in which the rights and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples are respected. Therefore, what happens when science and traditional knowledge come together and prove to be successful for the well-being of an entire community?

Let's dive into some of the most successful initiatives around the globe to get inspiration from indigenous peoples’ wisdom!

"Indigenous peoples are seeking their solutions to this pandemic taking action, and using traditional knowledge and practices such as voluntary isolation, and sealing off their territories, as well as preventive measures – in their languages."

[COVID-19 and Indigenous peoples, United Nation Department of Economic and Social Affairs conference.]

Igorot and Karen tribes - Traditional self-isolation used to prevent infections.

“Indigenous peoples continue to do what they have done for centuries—Adapting to change while maintaining their cultures and traditional ways of life. They are taking action and finding their own unique solutions during this global pandemic. Their resilience in overcoming these challenges serves as an inspiration to us all.” Anne Nuorgam (Chair, Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues)

[COVID-19 and Indigenous peoples, United Nation Department of Economic and Social Affairs conference.]

Self-isolation does not represent something new to Indigenous Peoples, and these practices are used to face off the last COVID-19 emergency.

Igorot peoples of Luzon (Philippines) traditionally practice temporary self-isolation to protect their members in crisis periods or in case of a tragedy to recover the community spiritually and emotionally. Ngilin is the name used for quarantine: during this period, people are not allowed to make unnecessary movements or noises, and no one can enter or leave the community. More: in this period, cooperation and support are rules to be observed by every community member. Pudongs do the warning of Ngilin period, local trees placed at every entrance of the village, used to warn people that the area is off-limit.

The Kroh yee (village closure) is a similar practice existing among the Karen people of Thailand It’s a regular part of the ritual included in the sixth month of the lunar calendar: the Kroh yee can differ and be used during severe crises, as seventy years ago during a cholera outbreak.

Indonesian Iban Dayak – Pro-active communities.

In Indonesia, indigenous people numbered between 50 to 70 million. For the COVID-19 emergency, they have been among the most proactive communities. The Iban Dayak community of Sungai Utik, a Borneo island, live in one of Indonesia's last traditional longhouses characterized by dozens of family apartments and communal spaces. When news of the coronavirus arrived, the 150 longhouse residents immediately closed off access to outsiders and tourists as a way to prevent contagious diseases. This was possible considering that food was not an issue, because there’s still talented hunters and foragers in the community.

India - Cooperation as the key to safety

“As far as Indigenous peoples are concerned, they have tried their best using local medicines, setting up helping centers that are more dignified in the forest areas. They even conducted schooling and also exams. A lot of creative methods happened, even some of the good practices […] some of the communities have decided to redistribute the lands so that people will not go back to the cities […]” Gam Shimray (Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact)

[COVID-19 and Indigenous peoples, United Nation Department of Economic and Social Affairs conference.]

In India, which is considered to be in the middle of the next virus’ epicenter, communities are opening dialogue between villages and trying to help one another with fruitful cooperation. Many villages set up centres in the forest to help the ills and to assist the elderly during the pandemic, no matter their ethnic background. Furthermore, students are back to their home villages and are setting up schools for the children.

Amazonia – Indigenous coalitions and new approaches to traditional knowledge through Social Media

“Our indigenous elders are the guardians of history, traditions, languages and culture, and are particularly vulnerable. They deserve special attention to safeguard and prevent bioculture loss.” Anne Nuorgam (Chair, Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues)

[COVID-19 and Indigenous peoples, United Nation Department of Economic and Social Affairs conference.]

The Amazon rainforest is desperately trying to protect their populations. Because of the lack of local Government's measures to protect the communities, the ethnocultural characteristics of these populations are at risk, and the indigenous peoples' main goal is to protect their elders. Elders are scared to reach for help in hospitals because of the general idea that health workers give priority care to younger people. Therefore, the Waorani people in Ecuador at the beginning of the pandemic started a legal process against the Ecuadorian Government, which was not taking enough precautions to protect the community of five thousand from the risk of cultural extermination. However, in June, they won the case, and they have been collaborating with indigenous coalitions and universities ever since. A medical brigade administered 150 rapid tests in the area, which was most hit by the virus, tracking symptoms and treating ill people.

Furthermore, indigenous organizations and local communities have created interactive videos to explain the virus to people better, translated into five different Amazonian languages, and distributed to villages with access to social media. This initiative was carried out by the organizations without the help of any institution, and it was self-organized.

Australia- The Government, protects Indigenous People and traditional Knowledge!

From the 11th of August 2020, the Australian State of the Northern Territory will be closed for 18 months. This was announced by Governor Michael Gunner, who added that additional police patrols would be deployed to ensure that the ordinance is observed. Gunner's drastic decision was made to protect the indigenous population who live in remote places and are much more vulnerable: “Territories first. This is what I think is right to do to make sure that some of the most vulnerable people in the world are safe."

NOMADIC TRIBE TEAM

Cover photo Indigenous family, social distancing. iStock.com/grandriver