Native Research Articles

A Non-hierarchical Syncretic Framework to Assess Environmental Contaminants by Interdisciplinary Integration of Geoscience Methods and Culturally-Centred Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Approaches

Different soil and water pollution sources around an undisclosed First Nation (The FN) in Northern Ontario (Canada) are linked by community health documents and oral histories to a cluster of blood cancer. The site's environmental hydrogeochemical records available are difficult to follow, whereas geophysical data reveals possible pathways of contaminants displayed as 3D maps of subsoil contrasting geoelectrical properties. Through an Indigenous Integrated Knowledge Translation (IIKT) strategy, we have co-constructed with The FN an interdisciplinary framework of non-hierarchical syncretic exchange between geoscience-based environmental engineering praxes and Indigenous Knowledge. The IIKT is articulated through Talking Circles of flexible multidirectional exchanges between The FN and the research team, to address community-identified needs and maintain qualitative and contextual value in the investigative agenda. The Talking Circles have guided our efforts to collect, handle, integrate, and understand hydrogeochemical and geophysical data. Thus, we build a culturally-appropriate knowledge base for self-sufficient environmental monitoring capacities with the community to ensure informed decisions about the land. The sustainability of the proposed framework relies on the non-invasiveness and low cost of the environmental/engineering tools used, the transparency of the community-driven results obtained, and its scalability to other Indigenous communities.

A Comprehensive Review on Biological and Chemical Diversity in Aesculus L. Genus (Sapindaceae)

Abstract: Aesculus L. is a genus of 12 to 19 woody species, representing one of the most acclaimed examples of inter-continental incoherence of the plants native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is traditionally valued in Ayurveda and the Chinese system of medicine for its various species that possess antitumor, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Current studies on this genus have revealed the presence of specific saponins with a multispectrum of pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications. A repertoire of literature related to the biological, taxonomical, phytochemical and ethnopharmacological aspects of Aesculus genus and its uses in different indigenous populations was explored. An inventory of all the species of this genus that were found to be useful as per ethnopharmacological literature was prepared. The ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the individual species are outlined in this review. The extensive information cited here has adduced the likely areas where the important species of this genus can illustrate significant therapeutic intervention in the management of chronic disorders including diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and cancer. The wide range of its pharmacological actions is attributed to the distinct phytochemicals occurring in the species, especially the triterpenoidal saponins like aescin. This review amplifies the recent studies on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects, which alludes that these species have noteworthy therapeutic potential.

Challenges for a Brazilian Amazonian bioeconomy based on forest foods

The creation of a forest bioeconomy based on the extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFP) is being recommended to create wealth from standing forests and halt deforestation in Amazonia. Current proposals do not recognize the limits of this system, nor the impacts of capitalism that drive NTFPs with elastic demand into monoculture plantations. We use a narrative review to revisit the history of these ideas and examine public policies. Among 2,253 Amazonian NTFPs, 1,037 produce edible fruits and 131 of these are extremely abundant (hyperdominant) across the biome and common in the extractive economy. Low productivity per hectare in the forest, low return on labor to harvest the production, and scarcity of labor are three critical limits to expanding supply, with the last being the most critical in forest areas. Overcoming these limitations requires changes in public policies and public investment for health care, communication, logistics, and especially for quality education designed for rural areas and a forest bioeconomy. A mix of public policies to alleviate market failures and increase supply, efficiency, and demand via R&D, minimum prices, payment for environmental services, distinct types of certifications may be able to make food NTFP harvesting, processing, and commercialization lucrative enough to halt rural exodus and keep forest specialists in standing forests. An Amazonian forest bioeconomy depends upon both social and biodiversity, and the full participation and collaboration of Indigenous People and local communities in developing these value chains that can contribute to food security.

Culture and local wisdom of the lampung indigenous people on the Pesisir Barat in the utilization of the Repong Damar Agroforestry System

Forest resources have a very important role in people's lives, both directly and indirectly. Agroforestry can be an interesting example in the production of timber and non-timber forest products. Agroforestry is an intensive land management system that combines forestry plants and agricultural plants to achieve optimal results, while still paying attention to aspects of land conservation and carrying out cultivation in accordance with the needs of local communities. Indigenous communities on the Pesisir Barat inherit the values of Repong Damar through unique management, which is based on local wisdom of the local area. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach using the research desk method. This study approach seeks to explore data from various sources as secondary data so that the main source of research data is obtained using the research desk method or Secondary Data Analysis (SDA) with qualitative data. Indigenous communities in Pesisir Barat Regency manage Repong Damar by applying traditional values, namely regulated through customary law, inheritance of Repong Damar, and values in managing Repong Damar as a guideline for not destroying forests and continuing to manage them properly. Therefore, granting utilization permits, collaborative implementation, partnerships, and cooperation in empowering indigenous communities through local culture and wisdom in utilizing agroforestry systems carried out around the Repong Damar customary forest can help maintain sustainability and the ecosystem within it.

Dialogue of knowledge in traditional herbal medicine in Mé'pháá and Tu'un savi indigenous peoples in the mountain of Guerrero Mexico

In the indigenous peoples Tu'un savi and Mé'pháá of the mountain region of Guerrero, allopathic medicine and traditional herbal medicine are used, due to this, we consider that dialogues of knowledge should be established between the practitioners of both medicines. We collaborated with 46 individuals to discuss the forms of using medicinal species, preparing treatments, and using allopathic medicine. Through semi-structured and in-depth interviews, 121 plant species were recorded, with which more than 40 diseases are treated, which are distributed in the digestive, muscular, respiratory, and urinary systems:chronic-degenerative and cultural diseases. The dialogue of knowledge between specialists in traditional medicine and allopathic doctors could contribute to the development of their own health project, with which a regional ethnodevelopment plan could be created.

Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by Indigenous People of Cawilan, Tubod Surigao del Norte

The study determined the medicinal plants used by the Indigenous People of Cawilan, Tubod Surigao del Norte. It identified the part of the plant used, methods of preparing the plant parts, how the prepared herbal medicine administered and what particular ailments can be treated by the identified medicinal plants. The study includes 80 respondents from the Indigenous People of the said research locale. Descriptive survey and purposive sampling were used to include individual who possessed deep understanding of the medicinal plants. The was analyze using the following descriptive statistical tool: (a) Percentage Distribution, (b) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and (c) Pearson R. The findings reveals that there is 25 identified medicinal plants, which Hilbas (Artemisia vulgaris) got the highest percentage of 10% and Tanglad (Cymbopogon citratus) obtain the lowest percentage of 1% of all the identified medicinal plants. Out of all the identified medicinal plants, 5 plant parts were utilized. Furthermore, there were 4 methods of preparation used with the identified medicinal plants and 4 methods of administration were identified in treating certain ailments. Lastly, 16 ailments were determined that can be cured by the identified medicinal plants. According to the findings and conclusion drawn from the data collected, Indigenous People of Cawilan, Tubod Surigao del Norte practiced and used medicinal plants in treating certain ailments. Further research is recommended on the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating certain ailments.

Culinary practices of the Bidayuhs in Sarawak, Malaysia: a qualitative study

AbstractThe Bidayuh cuisines and culinary practices epitomize an inherent part of the cultural profile of the Sarawak community. This indigenous group (Bidayuh) is the second-largest group contributing to the Sarawak’s distinctive identity after the Iban. The distribution of the Bidayuh community is predominantly across the districts of Lundu, Bau, Kuching and Serian in Sarawak. There are concerns that the Bidayuh traditional culinary culture will gradually beset by modernization. Many prefer convenience over the hassle of cooking using the traditional manner, hence diluting the traditional culinary knowledge among the younger generations. Therefore, ethnomethodology, a qualitative research approach, was utilized to explore the traditional culinary practices and the connotation of food among the Bidayuh indigenous group in Sarawak, Malaysia. The data were collected from nine informants [Kampong Gumbang in Bau District (n = 5) and Kampung Mongkos in Serian District (n = 4)] who had voluntarily participated in this study. Through the ethnomethodological lens, this study documented eight traditional Bidayuh recipes and the collective development of the gastronomic culture of this community that are still remembered and practiced today.

Safety or change? The 2023 Australian voice referendum

ABSTRACT The 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum joined the 37 other referendums which have been defeated since federation, out of a total of 45 referendums. In contrast to the 1967 referendum on Indigenous Australians, which attracted a record majority of 90.8 percent, the Voice referendum gained just 39.9 percent support. This paper uses a large, nationally representative survey to explain voting in the Voice referendum and to compare it with the 1999 republic referendum. The results show that the absence of bipartisanship on the Voice resulted in voters prioritizing the potential risks of constitutional change over the prospect of better outcomes for Indigenous people. In the absence of bipartisanship, voters opted for safety over change – as they did in the 1999 republic referendum and in other unsuccessful referendums.

On the occurrence of Riccia atromarginata Levier and R. boliviensis Jovet-Ast (Ricciaceae: Marchantiophyta) in the Western Ghats of India

Riccia atromarginata, a species of broad distribution known from Africa, America, Europe and Asia, was recently collected in the Sirumalai Hills of Southern Western Ghats in Peninsular India and is the first record for the country. The earlier report of this species made by Karadakatti et al. (2023) from the Western Ghats of Karnataka is incorrect. Examination of their herbarium specimen UASB-5452 was found to contain two species—R. boliviensis and the common R. billardierei. Riccia boliviensis, a new record for the Western Ghats, is also reported here. A detailed description of R. atromarginata with images and a distribution map are provided for the indigenous population.

Health and well-being needs of Indigenous adolescents: a protocol for a scoping review of qualitative studies

IntroductionImproving the health of Indigenous adolescents is central to addressing the health inequities faced by Indigenous peoples. To achieve this, it is critical to understand what is needed from the...

Taking charge of change: building community ownership for educational change with Indigenous communities

Education is often posed as the harbinger of progress in discourses related to the development of marginalised Indigenous communities. However, since they entered the mainstream schools in the 1960s, the four Indigenous communities of Gudalur, India have experienced various forms of injustice in seeking formal education. This article draws from the work of the Vishwa Bharati Vidyodaya Trust, a community-driven organisation that has been working on matters related to the education of these four communities since 1996, and two research initiatives that captures the community’s voices on their experiences and aspirations related to education, to put forth recommendations for practice that is geared towards greater equality and justice for the children of Indigenous communities. Rooted in the belief that the active participation of the community is crucial to devising solutions that truly address in a sustainable manner the historical injustices faced by them, the article outlines various interventions at different sites of learning that builds community ownership and nurtures a meaningful continuum between the home and school environment of the children.

Observations on Ethnobotany of Purulia, West Bengal

The paper deals with the plants used by the aboriginal tribes such as the Santals, Bhumijs, Birhors and Kherias inhabiting the Purulia district of West Bengal. 210 plant species employed by these people for food, medicine and miscellaneous domestic uses are discussed. Many uses of plants reported by the tribals are not recorded earlier.

Overlaps of indigenous knowledge and climate change mitigation: evidence from a systematic review

There is now increasing acknowledgement of the role of indigenous and local people (ILP) in climate change, particularly in impact assessment, mitigation and adaptation. However, the methods and ways on how exactly indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) can be used in climate change action largely remain fragmented. While a growing share of scholarship has addressed the overlaps between ILK and adaptation, limited attention has been given on practical ways of working with indigenous communities to enhance knowledge of implementing mitigation actions. Without clearly articulated indigenous-sensitive methods for ILK integration in mitigation science, holders and users of this knowledge may remain at the boundaries of climate change action. Their knowledge and experiences may not be used to guide effective greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction activities. There are also fears that hurriedly and poorly developed mitigation projects that ignore indigenous and local communities may infringe their customary rights and livelihoods. To contribute to improved guidance on meaningful involvement of ILP in climate change mitigation, this study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to systematically review literature that links ILK and climate mitigation. We do this by (a) Identifying case studies that examine the overlaps of ILK and climate change mitigation from Scopus and Web of Science databases (n = 43); (b) analysing the methods used for engaging indigenous people in these studies; (c) determining the knowledge, ways, practices and experiences of ILP that show mitigation benefits; and (d) highlighting the direction for participatory engagement of ILP in mitigation research and practice. We have added to the emerging but fast growing knowledge on the overlaps of ILK and climate change mitigation. This intersection is evident in three ways: (a) Validation and application of concepts used to understand carbon sequestration; (b) GHG emission reduction mainly from natural resource dependent livelihoods involving ILP; and (c) the application of participatory methodologies in research and the practice of climate change mitigation. We conclude that studies that focus on the intersection of ILK and climate mitigation need to use indigenous-sensitive methodologies to give more benefits for climate mitigation objectives while recognising the rights of ILP.

Ethnic variation in access to publicly funded care for unintentional injuries in older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand: a retrospective study

BackgroundMāori (the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ)) are more likely to experience injury than non-Māori, but less likely to have effective access to publicly funded injury care services....

Paramedicine research with family and bystanders: A methodological review

The evolving nature of paramedic care has resulted in a growing body of evidence considering service user experience, including the experiences of patients, family members and bystanders. As new areas of research enquiry emerge in paramedicine, it is important to review the methods, methodologies, and quality of evidence in these topic areas. A methodological review was conducted of peer-reviewed empirical studies reporting on family and bystander experiences where emergency ambulance services responded. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe select study characteristics. Study quality was appraised using the Johanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Qualitative Research and the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Service user engagement was evaluated using a newly adapted tool, the Service User Engagement Ladder. After searching five databases, 37 studies of varying research designs were included in this review. While overall study quality was high, there was a notable absence of theoretical discussion, particularly regarding qualitative methodologies. In assessing service user engagement, family and bystanders had very low levels of engagement in the research process. Only one study in this review utilised methods where co-construction of research occurred. Current research is dominated by Western study locations and biomedical paradigms that privilege Westernised populations and ways of considering experience, ignoring the preferences and experiences of Indigenous people and people from minoritised ethnic groups. To further develop paramedicine research involving family and bystanders, transparent reporting around the theoretical underpinnings of research must be strengthened. There is a significant opportunity to increase service user engagement in the research process. Greater attention to cultural and ethnic diversity is needed in researching family and bystander experiences.

Moral Transformation as Shifting (Im)Possibilities

AbstractThe phenomenon of moral transformation, though important, has received little attention in virtue ethics. In this paper we propose a virtue-ethical model of moral transformation as character transformation by tracking the development of new identity-defining (‘core’) character traits, their expressions, and their priority structure, through the change in what appears as possible or impossible to the moral agent. We propose that character transformation culminates when what previously appeared as morally possible to the agent now appears impossible, i.e. unconceived and unthinkable, moving through stages of transformation where some possibilities gradually disappear while others open up. While we show an example of moral transformation towards virtue, we allow that such transformation can occur in the opposite direction, hence we make claims about ‘character traits’ rather than virtues of vices. Through the example of former slave-trader Rodrigo’s transformation in the film The Mission, we follow the parallel development of new objects of value and ways of valuing (with respect to a group of indigenous people of South America) with the closing down of the possibility of disrespecting and harming them, to the end-point of transformation, where allowing their capture is for Rodrigo both unconceived and, when conceived, unthinkable.

Promoting healthy school food environments and nutrition in Canada: a systematic review of interventions, policies, and programs.

The school food environment is a critical interface for child and adolescent nutrition, and there is a need to understand existing literature on Canadian school food environments to identify equity gaps and opportunities, and empower decision-makers to plan for future action. Literature on Canadian school food and nutrition interventions, policies, programs, and their effects on diets and nutritional status are synthesized and appraised in this systematic review. A search strategy was developed for each database used (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, Cochrane Collaboration, Canadian Electronic Library, BiblioMap), with a combination of free text and controlled vocabulary, for articles published from 1990 to 2021. Unpublished data and grey literature were also searched. Quantitative and qualitative studies with an observational or intervention study design, reviews, or program evaluations conducted in Canadian schools with participants aged 5-19.9 years were included. Key study characteristics and risk of bias were extracted independently by 2 investigators using a standardized tool. A total of 298 articles were included (n = 192 peer reviewed and 106 from the grey literature), which were mostly conducted in Ontario (n = 52), British Columbia (n = 43), and Nova Scotia (n = 28). Twenty-four interventions, 5 nonevaluated programs, and 1 policy involved Indigenous populations. Overall, 86 articles measured and reported on effectiveness outcomes, including dietary intake; anthropometry; knowledge, attitudes, and practices; and physical activity. The literature remains largely heterogenous and primarily focused on nutrition education programs that use subjective assessments to infer changes in nutrition. A key facilitator to implementation and sustainability was community engagement, whereas key barriers were staff capacity, access to resources and funding, and consistent leadership. This review provides insight into Canadian school food and nutrition interventions, programs, and policies and uncovers important evidence gaps that require careful examination for future evaluations. Governments must create supportive environments that optimize nutrition for children and adolescents through equitable policies and programs. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022303255.

An Evaluation of Long-Term Contaminated Soil from a Manufactured Gas Plant for in Situ Biodegradation Potential and as a Source of Ferrocyanide-Degrading Bacteria

Despite the high abundance and potential toxicity of ferrocyanide in the environment, data on the bioremediation of these complexes in contaminated soils are missing. In this study we isolated forty bacterial species presented in soil highly contaminated with ferrocyanide complexes, originating from a Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP). All bacterial strains were resistant to ferrocyanide (500 mg L−1). Six isolates showed better growth in the presence of ferrocyanide and were able to use it as a sole nitrogen source. One of them was able to assimilate ferrocyanide‐derived nitrogen and carbon. The strains varied in their tolerance to the ferrocyanide. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values determined in the rich medium ranged from 1400 mg L−1 to 2000 mg L−1 and in all cases were greater than those set on the minimal medium. Molecular analysis revealed that the investigated isolates had the highest similarity to the Bacillus and Rummeliibacillus lineages. Rummeliibacillus was recognized for the first time for its ferrocyanide-degrading potential. Soil samples collected from MGP sites indicated that the overall indigenous population of microorganisms was low. Total cyanide content ranged from 220 mg kg−1 to 346 mg kg−1. Additionally, elevated Pb concentrations and an imbalanced C:N:P ratio were observed. Our study provides new information about the presence of a well-acclimated bacterial community associated with long-term ferrocyanide-contaminated soil. This bacterial community could play an important role in MGP site bioremediation processes and has the potential for application for other bioremediation purposes; however, it is likely limited due to unfavorable environmental conditions.

Role of NGOs in Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Under ILO

The indigenous and people suffer serious abuses of their human rights throughout the world. They experience heavy pressure on their lands from being logged, mining, roads, conservation, construction of dams, agribusiness etc. Many countries have worked towards protecting their rights and preventing its abuse. The laws meant for protecting their human rights are often violated and sometimes they are found to be inadequate to prevent the abuse of rights of tribes. Many countries laws are inconsistent with the international human rights law too. The International Labour Organization has developed agreements and mechanisms to address the core problems of these people. These agreements are binding on the states which ratify them. The issues of tribes and indigenous people addressed by the ILO have resulted in jurisprudence recognizing their rights. This also include the rights of indigenous and tribes on par with protection of their lands, territories, resources traditionally occupied and right to a healthy environment; protection of cultural sites of religious significance; protection of cultural and physical integrity; participation in decisions that affect them and use their own cultural, social and political institutions; to be free from discrimination and to equal protection of the law. In implementing any of such laws for protection of human rights of indigenous and tribal people the international institutions like ILO and United Nation rely on the information given by NGOs and groups. They work for protecting of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. This paper analyses the role of ILO in protecting the rights of indigenous and tribes. It summarizes the role of NGOs in international standard setting which is a prerequisite for protecting the rights of indigenous and tribes.

Legacy of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty 1824

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 is a pivotal historical milestone, delineating territorial boundaries and shaping the trajectories of British and Dutch colonial empires in Southeast Asia. Beyond its geopolitical implications, this treaty exerted profound and enduring social effects on the indigenous populations of Indonesia and Malaysia. This article endeavors to elucidate the nuanced social consequences of the treaty, emphasizing its role in molding the fabric of societal life and legal frameworks in these two nations. Through a comprehensive analysis of the treaty's stipulations, subsequent legal evolutions, and their ramifications on local communities, this study aims to unravel the intricate tapestry of influence that emanated from colonial decisions. Specifically, we delve into how the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 was pivotal in shaping the formation and development of social structures and legal systems in Indonesia and Malaysia. By scrutinizing the long-term effects on indigenous societies, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of colonial legacies on the contemporary legal landscape of these nations. This article offers valuable insights into the lasting repercussions of a historical agreement that extended beyond mere territorial delineation. By exploring the intricate interplay between the treaty's provisions and the subsequent socio-legal developments, we gain a nuanced understanding of the enduring ramifications of colonial decisions on the present-day legal frameworks in Indonesia and Malaysia.