Native Research Articles

Forced Disappearances, Indigenous Peoples and Socio-Environmental Conflict in Mexico

ABSTRACT Criminological research on forced disappearances is scarce despite the prevalence and seriousness of these phenomena and criminology’s growing interest in mass atrocities. By focusing on forced disappearances in Mexico, we argue that the exploitation of the natural resources of indigenous peoples through extractivism and other ecologically harmful enterprises, and these groups’ resistance to such exploitation, generates social conflict and the violent targeting of indigenous activists, resulting in increased disappearances. Consistent with this argument, we find that the proportion of the indigenous population is positively associated with the forced disappearance rate and the presence of conflicts stemming from extractive projects.

Total adiponectin in indigenous Melanesians on Kitava.

Experimental and small human studies have indicated that high total adiponectin levels have beneficial cardiometabolic effects. In contrast, however, high total adiponectin levels are also associated with higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in thoroughly adjusted epidemiological studies. To gain further insight into these seemingly contradictory results, we report results on total adiponectin from the indigenous Melanesian population of Kitava, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea, where an apparent absence of cardiometabolic disease has been previously reported. Fasting levels of serum total adiponectin were measured cross-sectionally in ≥40-year-old Kitavans (n = 102) and Swedish controls matched for age and sex (n = 108). Multivariable linear regression was used for the analysis of associations with total adiponectin when controlled for group, sex, smoking, hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes, age, and body mass index. Total adiponectin was lower for Kitavans compared to Swedish controls (Median [Mdn] 4.6 μg/mL, range 1.0-206 μg/mL and Mdn 9.7 μg/mL, range 3.1-104 μg/mL, respectively, r = .64, p < .001). Lower total adiponectin was associated with Kitavan group, male sex (only in Swedish controls), smoking (only in Kitavans and Swedish controls combined), younger age (not in Swedish controls), higher BMI, lower total, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (only in Kitavans and Swedish controls combined), and non-HDL cholesterol, and higher anti-PC IgG (only in Kitavans and Swedish controls combined). Total adiponectin in Kitavans was significantly lower than in Swedish controls.

Dynamic reciprocal contributions between Indigenous communities and cultural keystone species: A study case in Western Ecuador

Dynamic reciprocal contributions between Indigenous communities and cultural keystone species: A study case in Western Ecuador

Tele-otology for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Living in Rural and Remote Areas.

To evaluate a referral-based, tele-otology service in rural and remote areas of the Northern Territory, Australia. A retrospective observational cohort study was performed of a tele-otology service in 93 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (2011 to 2019). Assessments included face-to-face examinations performed by Clinical Nurse Consultants and audiologists, and asynchronous reviews performed by otolaryngologists. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the likelihood of ear disease, adjusted for age and gender. Intra- and inter-rater agreement was assessed between otolaryngologists. A total of 3,950 patients were reviewed (6,838 encounters, 13,726 ear assessments). The median age of patients was 9.8 years (interquartile range: 7.2 years). Overall, 62.2% of patients were identified with ear disease and 62.5% identified with hearing loss. Substantial intra- and inter-rater agreement in diagnosis was found between otolaryngologists (κ = 0.71 and κ = 0.78, respectively). The most common ear conditions identified were chronic otitis media (COM, 28.1%) and otitis media with effusion (OME, 16.5%). Topical or oral antibiotics were initiated in 14.1% of all encounters, most often for acute otitis media or COM. Surgery was recommended in 27.7% of all encounters, most often myringoplasty, adenoidectomy, and myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes. Tele-otology is a critical component of an integrated approach to evaluating ear disease in Indigenous people living in rural and remote areas. The high prevalence of OME, COM, and surgical recommendations highlights the need for community engagement, regular follow-up, and early interventions to prevent long-term hearing loss. N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

The Urgency of Recognition the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Asymmetric Decentralization in Papua and Papua Barat

Asymmetric decentralization is a special method given to certain provinces in Indonesia amidst the diversity of cultures, customs and specialties of certain regions. The central government's policy in the form of regional autonomy apparently has an impact on indigenous communities, resulting in frequent conflicts and unclear recognition of customary rights, especially in Tanah Papua. The aim of the research is to determine the importance of recognizing indigenous communities in asymmetric decentralization in Papua and West Papua. The research method used is qualitative, data was obtained by searching the literature and presented with descriptive analysis. The results of this research are that Indonesia does not yet have regulations at the "law" level that recognize the existence and rights of indigenous peoples, especially in Papua and West Papua. One of the government's admissions is that through Asymmetric Decentralization with special autonomy it still causes public dissatisfaction. Therefore, recognition of people's rights through draft laws or "laws" is very important to implement. According to the research, ratifying the Indigenous Peoples Bill is essential for strengthening the legal and policy foundation for indigenous peoples' rights fulfillment.

Review on the ethnomedicinal and nutritional value of some wild edible plants used by the tribal of Koraput District of Odisha, India

Due to its abundance of plant genetic resources, Odisha is often called a genetic refuge. However, the south Odisha tribal regions, despite their abundance of natural resources, have received scant ethnobotanical research. Human cultural diversity in Koraput is well-known, and the area is also a biodiversity hotspot for several food crops and forest species. The purpose of this study is to consolidate all available information on the ethnomedical uses of wild plants by indigenous peoples in the Koraput district. The reviewed nutritional analysis studies show that numerous species have high nutrient content, some of which are superior to some domesticated varieties. Wild edible plants are used as indigenous food and remarkably improve the nutritional security of several tribal people of Koraput. However, systematic study on the nutritional potential of these wild edible plants is meager. The present study evaluated the Carbohydrate, Fat, Protein, and Fiber content in selected wild edible plants of Koraput. Research shows that several species of tubers are in danger of extinction and hence included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened and Endangered Species. For this reason, the optimal use of this biodiversity is to meet the inhabitant's present and future food. The medicinal needs depend on extensive phytochemical inquiry, safe conservation, and sustainable use of wild tuber, all require strong community participation, which also fulfills the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3, i.e., zero hunger and good health and well-being.

Overview of geographical indications in northeast Brazil

The Geographical Indication (GI) is a distinctive signo f recognition of the quality and/or notoriety of a product or service. It is a legal tool that provides protection to na asset. It has two species: Designation of Origin (DO) and Indication of Origin (IP). Brazil has heterogeneous geographical characteristics according to its socioecnomic and territorial development, making some of them producer and consumer centers. The country is divided into five region. The Northeast region is composed of nine states and currently has 16 GIs in the IP modality, which represent 18.18% of the total granted in Brazil, and two in the DO modality, which represent 7.69% of the national total. The present work aims to prospect GI registration in the IP modality in the Northeast Region of Brazil and its growth over time. The methodology used was exploratory and descriptive, using as a tool the bibliographic review in scientific journals and on the website of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The first of IP occurred in 2009, while in the DO species it was in 2011. In 2012 there was the highest number of registrations, with 4 concessions. Bahia leads in the number with five, two of which are shared with Pernambuco. Maranhão does not yet have any IP granted. The Northeast Region has grat potential to register other products as GI, due to its demographic area, population, tradition, culture, ethnic diversity, rich biodiversity, traditional peoples, quilombolas and indigenous people with their vast knowledge of arts, drinks and plant cultivation.

Settler colonial studies: a historical analysis

ABSTRACT This text is a historical analysis of Settler Colonial Studies (SCS). Partly because most SCS scholars in principle only see those polities as settler colonies whose settlers eventually became a majority and gained independence—i.e. principally the United States, Canada, Australia, and Aotearoa/New Zealand—some historians have critiqued it. At the same time, historians have used it to revisit their research. Throughout, though, they have engaged SCS in area- and period-specific journals, without bundling their insights. This historical analysis of SCS addresses that issue. It has two parts. As shorter first part unpacks the historical-political background for SCS’s Anglo-bias: the similar and linked domestic political trajectories of Canada, the United States, Aotearoa/New Zealand, and Australia’s indigenous peoples from the 1950s and their centrality in the internationalization of indigenous politics from the late 1960s to the 1990s. A longer second part analyzes three issues both central to SCS and relevant to historians: structuralism, colonialism versus settler colonialism, and the settler-native binary.

Progress Toward Onchocerciasis Elimination in Brazil.

The single onchocerciasis-endemic focus in the remote Amazon rainforest is shared by Brazil and Venezuela and affects primarily the indigenous Yanomami people. Regional elimination of onchocerciasis is challenged by the magnitude and inaccessibility of this area. In Brazil, 272 onchocerciasis-endemic communities are operationally organized through 21 health centers ("polos bases"). Mass drug administration of ivermectin began in 1995, with 36 effective biannual rounds (≥85% coverage of the eligible population) through 2022. The national on chocerciasis program maintains community-level monitoring to prioritize treatment activities and epidemiological surveys. The Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas and the WHO onchocerciasis elimination guidelines have helped Brazil move toward its goal of stopping ivermectin treatment by 2025 and verifying transmission elimination by 2030. Additional challenges to the Brazilian onchocerciasis program include cross-border movements and insecurity due to illegal mining and inter-community conflicts. The new government in Brazil offers hope given its commitment to the equity of indigenous people and preservation of the Amazon environment.

Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in South African Geography Education Curricula for Social Justice and Decolonization

This paper analyzes the integration of indigenous knowledge into South African geography education as an intersection of social justice and decolonial imperatives. Historically, colonial education systems have marginalized indigenous epistemologies by privileging Western knowledge as universally superior. Integrating indigenous perspectives into curricula can counter this legacy by promoting cognitive justice and unsettling Eurocentric dominance. However, meaningful integration requires moving beyond superficial additions of indigenous elements within unchanged Western-centric curricula as this risks appropriating indigenous knowledge in disempowering ways. The paper argued that ethical integration necessitates recentring indigenous knowledge systems in their own right alongside Western frameworks to enact pluralistic, horizontal cognitive frameworks. A qualitative literature analysis identified key themes around recognizing indigenous epistemologies, dismantling enduring hierarchies, and developing responsible community-centred integration processes. While systemic constraints pose barriers, integrating indigenous perspectives into geography education holds the transformative potential to advance both social justice inclusion aims and decolonial decentralization agendas. This convergence provides opportunities to develop anti-oppressive curricula that empower marginalized knowledge and ontologies. However, realization requires extensive efforts to sustain reflexivity and enable indigenous self-determination over knowledge. Ultimately, the paper underscored that indigenous knowledge integration must move beyond tokenism towards fundamentally transforming education systems through ethical, empowering processes grounded in partnerships with indigenous communities. This is vital for nurturing students able to navigate the world through plural epistemologies and enacting both social justice and decolonial futures. Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge, Decoloniality, Social justice, Geography Education

Empowering communities through data literacy: a qualitative study exploring Indigenous Australian perceptions, engagement and understanding of data

Data literacy is an essential competency needed to use data to inform decisions and participate in contemporary society. Importantly, in the context of Indigenous health it enables engagement with health services and facilitates health management, Indigenous data sovereignty and Indigenous data governance. However, while Indigenous data sovereignty and Indigenous data governance are gaining momentum globally, there are no mechanisms for understanding or enhancing data literacy within Indigenous communities. To explore this, a research project was co-designed between the QUT Centre for Data Science and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS), a community-controlled health service in Queensland Australia, to provide insights into the current state of data literacy, community perceptions of data, and identify community suggestions for enhancing data literacy. Furthermore, by utilizing an Indigenist research design, the project ensured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ ways of knowing, being, and doing were privileged and prominent throughout research design, data collection and analysis. The qualitative study included 20 semi-structured interviews with Brisbane Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples who had accessed or engaged with ATSICHS. This paper presents insights into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ perspectives on data and data literacy, which may benefit community-controlled organizations and other Indigenous communities within Australia and around the world.

&lt;i&gt;FADS&lt;/i&gt; gene polymorphism and the history of the formation of the indigenous populations of Siberia

The polymorphism of the rs174570, rs74771917, and rs7115739 FADS-gene loci in Siberian populations was studied. It was shown that the frequency of the rs174570-T variant marking haplotype A with a reduced level of fatty acid desaturase expression in the modern indigenous populations increases in the direction from the south to the north of Siberia. Similarly, an increase in the frequency of the TTT haplotype at the rs174570, rs74771917, and rs7115739 loci was observed in the northern direction. However, in ancient times, the populations of Eastern Siberia (its northeastern part, Baikal region, and Primorye) were characterized by an equally high frequency of the rs174570-T variant (over 80%). It was shown that the main influx of the rs174570-C allele (and the CCG haplotype) to northeast Siberia occurred relatively recently, over the past 300 years, as a result of mating contacts between indigenous populations and immigrant groups of predominantly eastern European origin. The gene flow intensity (for the rs174570-C allele) is estimated to be 1.5-4.4% per generation. The appearance of the rs174570-C variant in the population of the Baikal region has been registered since the Eneolithic epoch, which is apparently associated mainly with the advance of the Afanasievo culture tribes to the east of Siberia. Meanwhile, analysis of paleogenomic data showed that the TTT haplotype, with high frequency distributed in modern Eskimos and Amerindians, was present in the upper Paleolithic population of the Amur region, and therefore its carriers apparently took part in the formation of the ancient Beringian population.

Stakeholder mapping to support invasive non-native species management in South America

Effective long-term management of invasive non-native species (INNS) in South America is a pressing yet complex task. Critically, the environmental, historical, cultural, and economic idiosyncrasies of the region call for the inclusion of a plurality of views from those sectors of society receiving the negative and positive impacts of INNS. This is a multifaceted, and often daunting, task that can be aided by an early identification of stakeholders – those affected by or with an interest in INNS and their management – accompanied by targeted stakeholder engagement. Here, we report the procedures and results of a stakeholder mapping activity aimed at identifying stakeholders and designing engagement strategies. Using expert knowledge procedures, we compiled comprehensive lists of stakeholders for six case-studies in South America: (i) invasive grasses (Urochloa spp.) in Brazil; (ii) glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) in Argentina; (iii) lodgepole and Monterey pines (Pinus contorta and P. radiata) in Argentina; (iv) American mink (Neogale vison) in Argentina and Chile; (v) lodgepole and Monterey pines in Chile; and (vi) German yellow-jacket (Vespula germanica) in Chile. Overall, we identified 250 stakeholders, which, based on their interest and influence, were classified into “context settlers” (2%), “key players” (47%), “crowd” (5%), and “subjects” (49%). We outlined strategies to engage with each of these four groups and for each of our six case-studies. Across case studies, communication with stakeholders was the most common engagement strategy proposed (27%; 19 of 70 strategies), followed by active involvement of stakeholders in INNS research and management (23%). Our results highlight the importance of considering power imbalances, as those stakeholders more likely to benefit from INNS were assessed to have more influence over INNS management relative to local and indigenous communities. Our work illustrates how to identify stakeholders in a rigorous and rapid manner, which should be complemented with the involvement of the stakeholders themselves.

Women and Urbanisation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

This study examines women's role in the urbanisation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. From the standpoint of feminist theory, urbanisation is believed to create expanded opportunities for the general populace as well as for women, who typically face discrimination in rural economies. However, the initial FCT master plan ended up being distorted by the dynamics and complexities of Abuja's urbanisation and growth process over time, which is driven by political and economic realities. There are drawbacks to urbanisation in civilisations with strong sociocultural norms and values, such as the fact that women must endure various forms of gender inequality, discrimination, and exclusion, particularly in the political sphere, which present significant difficulties. This study makes use of secondary data to demonstrate how the FCT's 2003 reconstruction to its original Master Plan provided chances for active participation in which women were included for both native people and newcomers. In a similar vein, the Federal Capital Development Authority's (FCDA) and other local council offices, which hired indigenous people for their departments and agencies, significantly altered the way of life for women from being rural farmers to empowered workers. In order to address the issues facing women in the FCT, empowerment must be a multifaceted process that transforms the economic, political, social, psychological, and legal conditions of the weak (women). It must also aim to demolish cultural, traditional, and social norms that devalue, disempower, and dispossess women, with a primary goal of meeting their needs.

Exploratory Study: Forms of Animism and Dynamism in the Islamic Religious System and Culture in the Indigenous Community of Kampung Kuta, Ciamis District

This exploratory study delves into the intricate interplay between animism, dynamism, and the Islamic religious system within the indigenous community of Kampung Kuta in Ciamis District. Despite the predominant influence of Islam in the region, the inhabitants of Kampung Kuta have maintained a unique blend of traditional animistic beliefs and dynamic cultural practices, shaping a distinctive religious landscape. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing ethnographic methods such as participant observation and in-depth interviews to unravel the nuanced expressions of animism and dynamism within the community's religious framework. The results of this study indicate that Nyuguh is an inseparable part of the culture of the Kuta village community and collaborates with the values of Islamic religious ideology. The conclusions of this study can inform future research on the complex relationship between Indigenous spirituality and religious ideology, encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of religious dynamics in diverse cultural settings.

Enhancing participatory governance in biosphere reserves through co-creation of transdisciplinary and intergenerational knowledge

In the context of the current global climate and biodiversity crisis, urgent action is needed to improve participatory and co-productive governance in territories under sustainability directives, such as biosphere reserves. These territories comprise a global network with the potential to apply and replicate sustainability actions, improve livelihoods, and boost climate change resilience while reducing impacts on the environment and the biodiversity in all continents. In the biosphere reserves network’s 50 years of existence, progress and setbacks have been reported in different regions around the world, and there is an urgent need to envision alternative futures. In this contribution, we describe the results and reflections of our ‘Open Academy’ that enhanced the participatory governance in La Campana–Peñuelas Biosphere Reserve in Central Chile. We crossed the traditional assessment with the principles of transdisciplinary and intergenerational knowledge co-creation. The results show that the traditional performance assessment shows a generally poor performance and reveals the weaknesses of the governance system of the reserve’s management. The extraction of water by mining and agroindustry, uncontrolled urbanization, wildfires, weak social participation, and low integration of indigenous communities are crucial issues for the performance of biosphere reserves. On the other hand, these territories have the potential as models toward post-extractive economies. Enhancing participatory governance, biosphere reserves shall serve as a) agents for configuring the future as an eco-social pact with the territory; b) pilot test areas for alternative futures; and c) places to promote the social collective as a conscious agent of the future.

A Preliminary Study of 3D Printing Home Designs for Improving Efficiency and Sustainability of Indigenous Housing in Canada

Canada has been experiencing a significant housing crisis in recent years, especially in remote and Indigenous communities, yet most of the existing construction approaches have not been rapid, sustainable, and affordable enough to meet community needs. To address this challenge, this study explores the feasibility of 3D printed (3DP) housing and develops a design that is informed by Indigenous housing requirements and is realized through a physical design prototype tailored for the implementation of 3DP homes. Site visits and community engagement were integral parts of the research to help deliver invaluable insights that guided the design process, ensuring cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The prototyped 3DP design offers efficient and sustainable solutions customized to the unique cultural and climatic needs of Indigenous communities in Canada. The final 3DP design seamlessly integrates traditional Indigenous architectural elements, such as a circular shape inspired by pit houses, with modern construction techniques, yielding a flexible, sustainable, and culturally pertinent home design. Future research work will be focused on how the proposed 3DP design can be adapted to enable mass customization to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of Indigenous communities across Canada.

Implications of Social Media Usage on Jukun Culture: A Multidisplinary Approach

The intrusive impact of social media has revolutionised communication globally, thereby altering the status quo in virtually every aspect of life in the society. This is manifestly seen in the influence social media exerts on indigenous cultures in most especially developing countries like Nigeria. Jukun culture which is a rich traditional culture from Taraba State, Nigeria is not spared from this unfortunate reality. This study therefore, ascertains the implications of social media usage on Jukun culture from a multidisplinary point of view. Specifically, the study unravels the socio-cultural perspectives of social media usage on Aku-uka’s transitional rites; examines the perceptions of Jukun stakeholders on the implications of social media usage on Jukun traditional rites and proffers possible ways of integrating social media for promotion and transmission of Jukun culture. Anchored on cultural imperialism theory, the study adopts indepth interview to elicit relevant data from Jukun stakeholders on the implications of social media usage on Jukun culture. Among other things, the study found out that the use of social media breaches some aspects of Jukun culture and that certain foreign practices are also being introduced. The study recommends that indigenous pages and accounts should be created on different social media handles for the preservation and propagation of culture in its original form. Conclusively, social media usage has a double-edged impact on Jukun culture with the negative impact competing side-by-side with the positive impact.

CHERISHING CUSTOMARY LAW: THE DISPARITY BETWEEN LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL INTERPRETATION OF CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES IN SOUTH AFRICA

The constitutional recognition of customary law in South Africa has opened a new conduit for the development of customary law. With the courts taking the lead in addressing customary law disputes, the interpretation of customary law has come with setbacks. This article argues that the development and reform strides made by the judicial and legislative institutions appear of modest benefit to the people they strive to protect, advance and regulate, especially during interpretation and reform. The article seeks to confront the judicial interpretation of customary law based on the recent High Court case of Sengadi v Tsambo. The court had to consider an application for four types of relief. The court deviated from the factual nature of customary law in relation to a spouse’s burial rights when it concluded that a valid customary marriage and all the validity requirements outlined under the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act had been met. Indicating the factuality of customary law when it relates to marriage and its link to burial rights, “that a male descendant of the household belongs to his paternal family, his place and existence being one with his paternal roots. His right to belong to his paternal family is absolute and customary.” The above ignored, yet crucial cultural practice informs the interpretation of customary law under the constitutional guise. The Constitution affirms the right to practise and observe one’s culture. In Sengadi v Tsambo, to determine the burial rights of a spouse, the court employed a narrow and strict interpretation instead of interpreting the cultural practice of bridal integration against a holistic customary background. The article advocates for courts to adopt purposive interpretational approaches in reforming customary law. It emphasises for the consideration of the interpretational rules and theoretical frameworks proposed by legal scholars to reflect the factual nature of customary law. As the positivist approach to customary law undermines the pluralistic nature of the South African legal system. The article pioneers for the recognition of living customary law as holistic, and an integral normative system of indigenous people of South Africa, while taking into account the history and context of this legal system.

Polymetallic contamination drives indigenous microbial community assembly dominated by stochastic processes at Pb-Zn smelting sites

Indigenous microbial communities in smelting areas are crucial for maintaining fragile ecosystem functions. However, the community assembly process and their responses to polymetallic pollution are poorly understood, especially the taxa in each bin from the amplicons that contributed to the assembly process. Herein, microbial diversity, co-occurrence patterns, assembly process and the intrinsic mechanisms across contamination gradients at a typical PbZn smelting site were systematically unravelled by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed a consistent compositional profile among the indigenous communities across sampling sites, wherein genera KD4–96 from Chloroflexi and Sphingomonas from Proteobacteria emerged as the most abundant taxa. Network modularity of the high- and middle-contaminated communities at Pb and Zn smelting sites was >0.44, indicating that community populations were clustered into modules to resist high heavy metal stress. Stochastic processes dominated the community assembly, with the greatest contribution from drift (DR), which was significantly correlated with Pb, Zn, Cr and Cu contents. What's particular was that the DR-controlled bins were dominated by Proteobacteria (typical r-strategists), while the HoS-controlled bins were by Chloroflexi (typical K-strategists). Furthermore, the proportion of DR in the bins dominated by Sphingomonadaceae (phylum Proteobacteria) increased gradually with the increase of heavy metal contents. These discoveries provide essential insights for community control in restoring and mitigating soil degradation at PbZn smelting sites.