Native Research Articles

Agricultural and Subsistence Beliefs and Practices of Bugkalot Tribe in Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino

This research explores the intricate agricultural beliefs and practices of the Bugkalot Tribe in Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino, shedding light on their profound connection to the land and environment. Grounded in spiritual beliefs, the Bugkalot’s agricultural practices are deeply rooted in cultural values rather than scientific knowledge. The study aims to fill a significant gap in the existing literature, as previous articles have documented Bugkalot agricultural practices in Nagtipunan, but no comprehensive study has been conducted to document and record their indigenous beliefs and practices. Employing an ethnographic approach with a focus on ethno-agriculture, the researchers engaged five Bugkalot farmers in Wasid through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed a rich tapestry of indigenous beliefs and practices, ranging from pre-planting rituals like “Pang-ngoma” to the unique sowing process known as “Dedeen.” The Bugkalot’s reliance on natural cues for planting, eschewing fertilizers, and irrigation, demonstrates a sustainable agricultural ethos deeply ingrained in their culture. The research also highlights the communal ethos of the Bugkalot Tribe, as evidenced by equitable meat distribution following hunting and the shared responsibility for the well-being of the community. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for future research to delve deeper into the contemporary application of Bugkalot agricultural practices, assessing their impact on environmental sustainability and informing the development of environmentally conscious farming strategies. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and privacy, are crucial in conducting research with indigenous communities, ensuring a respectful and culturally sensitive approach. Keywords: Bugkalot, Agricultural Belief and Practices, Subsistence Practices, Indigenous Knowledge

Whole-genome resequencing reveals genomic variation and dynamics in Ethiopian indigenous goats

Ethiopia has about 52 million indigenous goats with marked phenotypic variability, which is the outcome of natural and artificial selection. Here, we obtained whole-genome sequence data of three Ethiopian indigenous goat populations (Arab, Fellata, and Oromo) from northwestern Ethiopia and analyzed their genome-wide genetic diversity, population structure, and signatures of selection. We included genotype data from four other Ethiopian goat populations (Abergelle, Keffa, Gumuz, and Woyto-Guji) and goats from Asia; Europe; and eastern, southern, western, and northern Africa to investigate the genetic predisposition of the three Ethiopian populations and performed comparative genomic analysis. Genetic diversity analysis showed that Fellata goats exhibited the lowest heterozygosity values (Ho = 0.288 ± 0.005 and He = 0.334 ± 0.0001). The highest values were observed in Arab goats (Ho = 0.310 ± 0.010 and He = 0.347 ± 4.35e−05). A higher inbreeding coefficient (FROH = 0.137 ± 0.016) was recorded for Fellata goats than the 0.105 ± 0.030 recorded for Arab and the 0.112 ± 0.034 recorded for Oromo goats. This indicates that the Fellata goat population should be prioritized in future conservation activities. The three goat populations showed the majority (∼63%) of runs of homozygosity in the shorter (100–150 Kb) length category, illustrating ancient inbreeding and/or small founder effects. Population relationship and structure analysis separated the Ethiopian indigenous goats into two distinct genetic clusters lacking phylogeographic structure. Arab, Fellata, Oromo, Abergelle, and Keffa represented one genetic cluster. Gumuz and Woyto-Guji formed a separate cluster and shared a common genetic background with the Kenyan Boran goat. Genome-wide selection signature analysis identified nine strongest regions spanning 163 genes influencing adaptation to arid and semi-arid environments (HOXC12, HOXC13, HOXC4, HOXC6, and HOXC9, MAPK8IP2), immune response (IL18, TYK2, ICAM3, ADGRG1, and ADGRG3), and production and reproduction (RARG and DNMT1). Our results provide insights into a thorough understanding of genetic architecture underlying selection signatures in Ethiopian indigenous goats in a semi-arid tropical environment and deliver valuable information for goat genetic improvement, conservation strategy, genome-wide association study, and marker-assisted breeding.

Book Review: A Digital Bundle: Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Knowledge Online

When Indigenous Knowledge is made openly available, it enables members of Indigenous communities to resist colonialism to pursue self-determination as well as cultural transformation for Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Peoples alike. Jennifer Wemigwans’ A Digital Bundle: Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Knowledge Online explores what opening cultural heritage entails from an Indigenous perspective.

Regional intergenerational mobility in Ecuador: many lands in one country

ABSTRACT We analyse the regional differences in eight measures of intergenerational mobility across cantons in Ecuador. Within-country estimates show heterogeneity with lands of opportunity, such as the Galápagos, and areas where poverty traps prevail, namely the Central Andes. This study also finds that better opportunities for children are associated with locations that have higher levels of migration, schooling, agriculture, family self-employment and oil activity, while inequality and the share of Indigenous people provide worse opportunities for mobility. These relationships are reinforced by spillovers across space, which, in Ecuador, are more likely to result in poverty cycles than privilege ones.

Wayuu people's positions regarding the acceptability of political amnesties in Colombia

AbstractThis study mapped the diverse personal positions of the Wayuu indigenous community in Colombia regarding the acceptability of political amnesties in a post‐conflict context. The sample was composed of 130 indigenous adults between 18 and 74 years of age residing in the Guajira region, who were shown 12 amnesty‐related scenarios. These scenarios were composed according to a three‐factor design: (a) the level of detail that the amnesty applicant (former combatant of some illegal armed group in Colombia) was willing to disclose, (b) whether or not the applicant asked for forgiveness, and (c) the severity of the punishment endured by the amnesty applicant (A cluster analysis yielded three qualitatively different positions: never acceptable (18%), almost always acceptable (9%) and depends jointly on the quality of the information and remorse (73%). For the vast majority of Wayuu community members, a political amnesty for a former combatant of a Colombian armed group is not acceptable. For those who have accepted it, amnesty is only possible if the applicant proves that he or she is not causing harm to third parties. And it would also be conditioned to the particular situation of each case. A collective amnesty process has no chance of being considered acceptable.

Culturally Responsive Literacy Interventions in Speech-Language Pathology: A Scoping Review

Purpose and Method: In this study, the author employed a positivist perspective and framework, utilizing a scoping methodology to systematically explore the extant research literature in speech-language pathology pertaining to literacy interventions for children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds. Results: The scoping review encompassed 22 studies selected from a pool of 908 sources, uncovering 34 literacy strategies presented in an evidence map. These strategies, intended for both school-age and preschool children, were implemented across diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, dual language learners, and children with disabilities. The strategies identified offer valuable insights for intervention planning and piloting. Conclusions: The review underscores the significance of culturally responsive literacy interventions in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments for CLD learners. Additionally, two illustrative case studies are presented to exemplify the application of the identified strategies and discussed in the context of implementing Universal Design for Learning principles for all students. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25864624

Indigenous peoples and the power(lessness) of public participation: Assessing effects of Indigenous community input in the Alaskan Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program environmental impact statement

Public participation in the U.S. environmental impact assessment process is legally required under the National Environmental Policy Act, yet the procedural norms of the process often leave members of the public feeling powerless. While public participation has the appearance of a democratic process, it is imbued with unequal power dynamics and federal agencies maintain decision-making authority. Despite sovereignty and treaty rights, Indigenous communities in the U.S. do not participate in environmental decision-making through a collaborative governance structure. Instead, Indigenous communities interested in project impacts primarily voice their concerns through the public comment process. This paper explores Indigenous participants’ impacts on environmental impact decision-making through an illustrative case study structure. The phenomenon is explored in an in-depth analysis of the recent leasing environmental impact statement (EIS) for oil exploration and development in the 1002 Coastal Plain area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. This work uses a qualitative content analysis of the Coastal Plain case study to assess how public comments, particularly comments from Indigenous peoples, impact change in the documents that follow public participation processes. From this analysis, this article aims to illustrate a few key issues with how Indigenous input is considered in public participation processes. Findings indicate that public comments may result in minor changes to assessment documents but, overall, public input has little influence on project outcomes.

Transform[ing] heart failure professionals with Indigenous land-based cultural safety in Ontario, Canada.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with disproportionate impacts on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In Spring 2022, a land-based learning program was piloted and evaluated as an Indigenous cultural safety training for professionals at a cardiac care centre and university in a large urban city. Baseline and endline surveys showed an increase in knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, and practices; increased reflection on positionality and intention to create change; and strengthened relationships with the land. Future work should explore the long-term effects of land-based cultural safety training on participant behaviours, and health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.

The framing of Indigenous and local ecological knowledge amidst climate change education in the COP27 cyberspace

ABSTRACT We explore representations of Indigenous and local ecological knowledge (IEK/LEK) within the cyberspace of COP27 through a digital ethnography of the UNESCO-UNFCCC Webinar Series organized to supplement the in-person meetings that took place in Egypt. Through frame analysis and an accounting of UNFCCC literature on knowledge produced by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs), we argue that while the UN’s efforts toward inclusivity are valuable, this webinar demonstrates the significant shortcomings of international climate governance’s engagement with IEK and LEK. Digital spaces surrounding global climate governance represent a contradictory dualism for Indigenous and at-risk communities, as these spaces both provide an outlet for decentralized climate activism and a method of co-optation by neoliberal forces orbiting the UN system. We argue that meaningful changes are necessary in the digital approaches of the UNFCCC and UNESCO to climate change education and epistemic inclusivity to account for the place-based, localized impacts of global climate governance. The changes should reflect the diversity of IEK and LEK forms, give agency to IPLCs to determine whether to share climate information, and must include adequate representation from affected communities.

Seroprevalence of Treponema pallidum infection in Brazilian indigenous people: a cross-sectional study

Indigenous communities in Brazil have a complex epidemiological profile, which increases their chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. However, limited data is available on Treponema pallidum infections in this population. We investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. pallidum infection in an indigenous population of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. Blood samples were collected from September 2017 to March 2020, and the participants were interviewed to obtain comprehensive data on demography and sexual behavior. Serological tests were performed to detect T. pallidum infection. Besides conducting descriptive analysis, we performed Chi-squared tests and determined the bivariate odds ratio. The data were also analyzed using logistic regression. Among the 2190 invited individuals, 1927 (88%) were included in this study. The seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection was 2.91%. The results of a multivariate analysis showed that individuals who were 30–39 years old, with up to 4 years of school education, living in households without piped water, with a history of genital lesions, multiple sexual partners, and having a history of STIs had the highest seroprevalence of T. pallidum. This study showed that behavioral, social, and economic factors play an important role in the transmission of T. pallidum within the indigenous population. Thus, targeted intervention, including imparting education in the native language, mass testing initiatives, and implementing public policies to improve socioeconomic indicators, is needed to reduce the cases of syphilis in this community.

Community Tourism and Indigenous Territory Defense: The Case of San Miguel del Bala in the Bolivian Amazon

Summary In Bolivia, the Madidi National Park is home to the Tacana Indigenous Community “San Miguel del Bala,” which, within the framework of the plurinational process, obtained its title as a Community Territory of Origin in 2021. Concurrently, during the 1990s, the government began establishing the first protected areas, adopting regulations with a primary focus on biodiversity conservation. In some cases, this led to restrictions and limitations on economic and subsistence activities rooted in ancestral practices. Community-based tourism, implemented by San Miguel del Bala, emerged as one of the few possibilities to alleviate and address these restrictions. Simultaneously, it became a means of revaluing the culture. The overlapping of San Miguel del Bala as a Community Territory of Origin and a protected area involves constitutional rights for shared management, a process that currently has several limitations. Adding to this complex situation is the entrance of extractive projects that contradict conservation regulations and the rights of prior consultation with indigenous populations regarding resource exploitation. As a result, they pose threats to the lives, cultures, and territories of the Tacana. In this context, the development of indigenous community tourism is transforming into a strategy for the defense of ancestral Indigenous territory. Information © The Authors 2024

Patterns of Relationship between Metropolis and Apoikia in Dorian Sicily

This paper explores the relationship between Dorian metropoleis of Sicily and their colonies there during the archaic and early classical periods. We will concentrate on three case studies and different topics such as political organization, attitude towards the indigenous populations, alphabet, foreign relations, burials, and material culture. The three case studies are the following: (a) Syracuse and its three colonies, Akrai, Kasmenai and Kamarina, (b) Megara Hyblaea and Selinous, and (c) Gela and Akragas.

Development-induced dispossession: Adivasi existence in the milieu of contemporary Indian texts in translation

The paradigms of development around the globe involves mechanisms associated with its social purpose, which is more often than not dubious in nature! Natural resources form the fundamental aspect of any developmental activity. But in the process of accumulating these resources, the beneficiaries often rely on malignant mechanisms. The capitalist discourse has always been successful in manifesting their agendas of development as constructive and profitable for the entire humanity. Periodically, when the utility of development is foregrounded by dominant cultural forms, often the ramifications of progress remain uncritiqued. The developmental projects earmarked for the rural population remain unnoticed, for it serves the interest of the elite and the urban middle class. Many a time, the indigenous population, who inhabit the resource rich area are swayed away by the false propaganda for development, ultimately aggravating their existing deprivation. In the case of India, too, amidst all the development activities, the marginalized populace or the so-called Adivasis are the worst sufferers, because they have been encountering displacement for ages. The current study attempts to unveil the displacement of the tribal population (Adivasi) of India due to development projects, thereby offering a critical analysis of the social policies. The study employs select translated literary narratives to examine the development-induced dispossession of tribal population in the colonial, postcolonial and neo-liberal phase of Indian history, adopting the theoretical framework of new historicism.

The impact of lead, cadmium, and mercury on the reproduction of mountain hares (Lepus timidus L., 1758) in the north of Krasnoyarsk Krai

Reproduction is key to the survival and development of a species. Anthropogenic activities release significant amounts of toxic pollutants into the environment. In this study, we aimed to determine effects of heavy metals on some reproductive parameters of the mountain hare. Female mountain hares (n = 41) were hunted in the reference and industrially polluted areas of Krasnoyarsk Krai during four seasons. Their skeletal muscles, liver, and kidneys were subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry to determine concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury. The contents of lead, cadmium, and mercury were significantly higher in the hares from the contaminated areas compared to the reference sites. According to the results, the exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury had an impact on the reproductive potential of the female mountain hares. In particular, we established correlations between numbers of embryos and corpora lutea and contents of lead in the kidneys and liver, as well as cadmium in the kidneys. The number of corpora lutea and embryonic losses in the female hares from the contaminated areas were higher than those in the hared from reference areas. However, the numbers of embryos did not differ significantly between the compared areas. Our study showed that about 40% of the liver samples and 100% of the muscle tissue samples obtained from the hares in the impact zone contained high concentrations of lead and cadmium. Therefore, hunting in these industrially polluted areas may pose a toxic hazard to the indigenous peoples living there. Further research is needed to assess potential and actual fertility, offspring survival, and other important parameters of mountain hare populations exposed to different levels of chemical pollution.

Exploring Symbolism in the Torompio Dance within the Traditions of the Pamona Tribe

This research aims to understand the symbolism and meanings of the Torompio dance among the Pamona indigenous people in Lambarese Village. This research uses an ethnographic analysis. Ethnographic analysis is an approach that begins with field facts, analyzes them based on cultural theories and relevant arguments to explore the cultural situation of the community, and ultimately yields a conclusion. The results show that the Torompio dance is a rich manifestation of symbolism and profound meaning, depicting complex interactions between humans, nature, and spirituality. The name “torompio” and the “paporapa” concept demonstrate how the Pamona indigenous people communicate values and emotions symbolically. Dance movement symbols reflect social and spiritual values and harmonious relations with nature. The transition of traditional attire from “karaba” to fabric and beads shows cultural adaptation in preserving traditions amidst changing times. The verses (kayori) underscore the symbiotic relationship between the community and nature and reflect a spiritual view of creation. All elements in the Torompio dance synergistically express the “Fervor of Love,” which is central to the cultural expression of the Pamona indigenous people. Therefore, it is recommended that the Department of Education and Culture of East Luwu Regency, the Lemba Pamona Luwu Indigenous Institution, and the Pamona indigenous people take strategic steps in preserving and promoting the Torompio dance. First, integrating the Torompio dance into the school education curriculum in East Luwu. Second, the Lemba Pamona Luwu Indigenous Institution should regularly organize workshops and cultural festivals featuring the Torompio dance as the main event. Third, the Pamona indigenous people are advised to continuously innovate and adapt their cultural expressions to modern times while maintaining the essence and original values of the Torompio dance. These initiatives will contribute to preserving the Torompio dance as an essential part of the cultural heritage and identity of the Pamona indigenous people while enriching Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

Towards malaria elimination: a reflection about digital notification modules to improve malaria cases notification speed and follow-up in the Brazilian Amazon region

BackgroundHealth information systems (HIS) are a pivotal element in epidemiological surveillance. In Brazil, malaria persists as a public health challenge, with 99% of its occurrences concentrated in the Amazon region, where cases are reported through the HIS Sivep-Malaria. Recent technological advancements indicate that case notifications can be expedited through more efficient systems with broader coverage. The objective of this study is to analyse opportunities for notification within Sivep-Malaria and explore the implementation of mobile electronic devices and applications to enhance the performance of malaria case notifications and use.MethodsThis descriptive study analyses data on malaria-positive cases in the Brazilian Amazon from 2004 to 2022. Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sivep-Malaria) data were used. The Brazilian Amazon region area is approximately 5 million km2 across nine different states in Brazil. Data entry opportunities were assessed by considering the time difference between the 'date of data entry' and the 'date of notification.' Descriptive statistics, including analyses of means and medians, were conducted across the entire Amazon region, and for indigenous population villages and gold mining areas.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2022, 6,176,878 new malaria cases were recorded in Brazil. The average data entry opportunity throughout the period was 17.9 days, with a median of 8 days. The most frequently occurring value was 1 day, and 99% of all notifications were entered within 138 days, with 75.0% entered within 20 days after notification. The states with the poorest data entry opportunities were Roraima and Tocantins, with averages of 31.3 and 31.0 days, respectively. For indigenous population villages and gold mining areas, the median data entry opportunities were 23 and 15 days, respectively.ConclusionsIn malaria elimination, where surveillance is a primary strategy for evaluating each reported case, reducing notification time, enhancing data quality and being able to follow-up cases through computerized reports offer significant benefits for cases investigation. Technological improvements in Sivep-Malaria could yield substantial benefits for malaria control in Brazil, aiding the country in achieving disease elimination and fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.

Eliminate Structural Injustices or Perpetuate Them: Indigenous Peoples and Transitional Justice in the Criminal Court System of Taiwan

ABSTRACT∞ In 2017, Taiwan’s government proposed reforms to the Indigenous Specialized Criminal Court (ISC) within its criminal court system (court system). Situated within the contemporary theoretical framework of transitional justice, this article explores the theoretical significance of these reforms and examines their actual state of implementation. Firstly, the article points out that the court system has led to structural injustices like the erasure of culture and socio-economic disadvantages for indigenous peoples, highlighting the limitations of the conventional transitional justice model in addressing these injustices. As a response, the ISC reform adopts strategies that differ from the conventional model. The article then attempts to develop an enhanced transitional justice model that includes structural injustices within its scope and explains the ISC reform initiatives and their inherent transitional justice significance. Finally, by evaluating the implementation status of the ISC reform, the article elucidates its theoretical implications and the feedback it offers to contemporary theoretical debates.

Становление и развитие системы здравоохранения коренных малочисленных народов Дальнего Востока как фактор этнодемографии (1920–1980-е гг.)

The article examines the formation and development of health care for the indigenous minorities of the Far East during the Soviet reforms. From the standpoint of theoretical and methodological developments of social history, the demographic situation and accessibility of medical services for small ethnic groups of the region during the pre-Soviet and studied periods are considered. An analysis of medicalization as a factor of ethnodemography is presented. Based on statistical data, the inconsistency of the thesis of the “extinction, threat of disappearance of indigenous minorities” with historical reality is revealed. In connection with the President of the Russian Federation’s assignment to the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs to develop a Concept for the Development of Indigenous Minorities of the North, Siberia, and the Far East for the period up to 2036, the need to abandon the traditionally established understanding of their “otherness” is justified. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that ethnic minorities living in the region are integrated into the demographic structure of the Russian population and, in several key characteristics, differ little from the rest.

Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Practices: Indigenous Tribal People's Cognizance of Climate Change

Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Practices: Indigenous Tribal People's Cognizance of Climate Change

Ethnobotanical Studies in Similipahar Forests of Mayurbhanj District (Orissa)

Similipahar Forests in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa are among the most luxurient and valuable forests of the state. The area is distinctive for its pristine wilderness. Only a small population consisting of a number of aboriginal tribes inhabit the area. A systematic of the forests carried out by the authors for over a period of four years has result in the finding of a number of tribal uses of the plants. The interesting ones, covering sixty seven species of vascular plants, which are not recorded in the important published literature on the medicinal and other economic plants of the country, are reported in the paper.