Native Research Articles

Samawa Indigenous Marriage Law: Harmonizing Local Wisdom with National Law

This research aims to analyze and understand how integrating the Samawa tribe’s local wisdom in the practice of indigenous marriage can occur harmoniously and in alignment with Indonesia’s national law. This research uses an inductive qualitative analysis. Inductive analysis is an approach that begins with field facts, analyzes them based on relevant legal theories and arguments, and ultimately yields a conclusion. The results show that Samawa indigenous marriage law can integrate harmoniously with national law. This integration encompasses indigenous law, where the Tana Samawa Indigenous Institution is crucial in preserving local wisdom. The existence of this indigenous institution, regulated by Sumbawa Regency Regulation Number 10 of 2015, demonstrates the Regency Government’s commitment to integrating local wisdom with the national legal system. In indigenous marriage, this integration ensures that local wisdom remains valid under indigenous law and has legality under Law Number 1 of 1974. Challenges and obstacles in preserving Samawa indigenous marriage, require a comprehensive approach that includes education, documentation of customs, and promotion of local wisdom through modern technology. Therefore, it is recommended that the Tana Samawa Indigenous Institution continue to strengthen the preservation and development of local wisdom through comprehensive education programs and documentation, and forge more intensive cooperation with the Regency Government and educational institutions. The Department of Education and Culture of Sumbawa Regency is recommended to integrate local wisdom material into the formal and non-formal education curriculum, and support cultural preservation initiatives by providing adequate facilities and resources. Samawa indigenous people are recommended to actively participate in the preservation of customs, support programs run by the indigenous institution and government, and use modern technology to document and promote their traditions, ensuring that local wisdom values remain alive and respected in everyday life.

Indigenous values and perspectives for strengthening food security and sovereignty: learning from a community-based case study of Misko-ziibiing (Bloodvein River First Nation), Manitoba, Canada

In recent years, changing environmental, developmental activity, government policies and laws, lifestyle changes and affordability dynamics have continued to threaten the self determination and food sovereignty of Indigenous peoples in the community. Their perspectives, teachings, and voices are rarely present in any scholarly work. Despite food security being a significant challenge among many First Nations communities on Turtle Island, there needs to be more empirical, community-based research that underscores the role of traditional food systems and associated values and teachings in Manitoban communities through an Indigenous lens. This research addresses that gap by building upon Indigenous perspectives and knowledges on the status and future directions of food security and sovereignty in Misko-ziibiing (Bloodvein River First Nation). Guided by Indigenous research protocol and using a qualitative research approach, ten in-depth interviews with Bloodvein River First Nation (BVR) and Winnipeg Elders were conducted. Data was also sourced through discussions with local council members, participant observation, and field visits during 2017. The fundamental values and traditional teachings associated with food sovereignty within the community are aligned with the spirit of sharing, including sharing ethics and protocols, social learning within the community, and intergenerational transmission. Enhanced intergenerational transmission of traditional teachings, education and language revitalization, and local leadership involvement can strengthen these social and cultural values to enhance Indigenous food security and sovereignty in Misko-ziibiing. This research identifies the knowledge and views of Elders, hunters, trappers and fishers, contributing to the current studies associated with traditional food systems and teachings. Strengthening social and cultural traditions and values is vital in working toward Indigenous food governance, sovereignty, and revitalization of their Indigenous food systems.

Developing urban agglomerations in the Far North-East of Russia

Subject. This article discusses the issues of formation of agglomerations as a result of urbanization processes and effective element of spatial development, and the specifics of the northern resource economy. Objectives. The article aims to determine the role and prospects for the development of agglomerations in the Far North-East of Russia. Methods. For the study, I used historical, comparative, statistical, and systems analyses. Results. The article considers the basic conditions for the formation of agglomerations in the Magadan Oblast and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, and proposes several variants of the spatial transformation of the Far North-East of Russia. As well, the article clarifies the definition of the Northern Agglomeration concept. Conclusions. The geostrategic importance of the territories, the observance of the interests of the indigenous peoples of the North, the prospects for the development of new deposits, and the improvement of living standards through the development of urban kernels are specific factors in the formation of northern agglomerations.

Backfire: the settler-colonial logic and legacy of Smokey Bear

ABSTRACT Since the 1940s, the United States Forest Service’s (USFS) national fire suppression efforts have been bolstered by a public-facing ad campaign led by the Ad Council, most notably through the iconic rise of Smokey Bear. The consequences of decades of strict fire suppression, promulgated and solidified by this highly successful campaign, have been ecologically disastrous, and especially detrimental for fire-dependent Indigenous communities and ecosystems. Scholars have examined the Smokey campaign’s racialized, nationalist discourse, yet none have grappled with the campaign’s settler colonial logic, itself replete with gendered exclusion and speciesism. In this article, we combine intersectional theoretical frameworks with settler colonial and Indigenous studies to carry out a systematic content analysis of 201 unique campaign documents. We demonstrate how the campaign’s production of the careful citizen – one rooted in mid-to-upper class, settler masculinity – hinges on interlocking narratives of Indigenous erasure, low-class criminality, and the helpless victimhood of women and more-than-human species.

Human Rights Issue in Papua: A Systematic Literature Review

The issue of human rights in Papua has received considerable scholarly attention in recent years. Therefore, this study uses the comprehensive Scopus database to evaluate global trends in publications related to human rights in Papua. Through bibliometric analysis, the study covers the period from 1981 to 2023. The data was visualised and analysed using VOSviewer software. The results showed that international publications on human rights in Papua covered various topics such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, indigenous peoples, West Papua, violence, human rights, geopolitics, foreign policy, investigative journalism, indigenous peoples and local communities, collaborative journalism, pregnant women, separatism and malaria. Australia emerged as the leading country of publication, with many authors associated with its institutions. The classification of human rights issues in this study is divided into three dimensions, namely: a) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; b) International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; c) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Looking backwards to move forwards: insights for climate change adaptation from historical Māori relocation due to natural hazards in Aotearoa New Zealand

Climate change relocation of Indigenous communities is increasing globally. For Māori (the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand), many pā (complexes of significant structures) are at risk to climate change impacts with relocation as one potential adaptation option. For Indigenous peoples, this step is not taken lightly, as connection to place is imperative. The aim of this research is to highlight some histories of Māori communities relocating in response to natural hazards, providing insights from the past to help plan for future adaptation. To do this, we undertook a national-scale textual analysis and identified 51 examples of pā relocating in response to natural hazards since pre-1840. We then focused on a case study with members of two iwi (tribes), who relocated following the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera to identify enablers and barriers to relocation, and to draw insights to assist with Māori-led responses to climate change adaptation. We found that key enablers of relocation included whānau (family)-level decision-making, cultural norms of awhi (support), whanaungatanga (relationships), whakapapa (genealogical connection), koha (donation), tuku whenua (gifts of land), and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). In summary, Māori and other Indigenous peoples have rich histories of relocations, utilising their own Indigenous knowledge, local implementation, and adaptability to natural hazards that can be implemented in our modern context.

Climate change adaptation through traditional Buffalo knowledge: learning reflection from the Blackfoot indigenous community

ABSTRACT This paper highlights the potential of Indigenous Buffalo knowledge as a valuable resource for adapting to the impacts of climate change. Buffalo, particularly in regions where they have been traditionally reared, have played a crucial role in Indigenous cultures and livelihoods. Indigenous communities have developed an intimate understanding of buffalo behaviour, ecological interactions, and their relationship with changing environmental conditions. This traditional Buffalo knowledge encompasses observations, practices, and Indigenous knowledge systems passed down through generations, providing insights into adaptive strategies that can be applied in the face of climate change. Following decolonial and relational theoretical frameworks, we used deep listening to learn how traditional Buffalo knowledge contributed to climate change adaptation strategies in Indigenous communities; how does integrating traditional Buffalo knowledge into climate change adaptation policies and practices contribute to the resilience of vulnerable communities? What challenges and opportunities are associated with incorporating traditional Buffalo knowledge into mainstream climate change adaptation efforts?

Foundational features of indigenous pregnancy care: Lessons learned from indigenous pregnancy care providers

ProblemIndigenous populations experience higher odds of poor maternal and infant health outcomes than non-Hispanic White mothers yet have lower odds of receiving adequate prenatal care. BackgroundMany Indigenous communities rely on modern Western medical institutions to provide pregnancy related health care. These systems were not developed with or for Indigenous communities and often fail to meet the needs of Indigenous pregnant patients. Offering culturally congruent models of care may increase prenatal care utilization. Question, hypothesis or aimThis paper used qualitative inquiry to identify Indigenous approaches to caring for pregnancy. MethodsOur team conducted 16 semi-structured individual interviews and one group interview with a total of 19 respondents. To arrive at thematic categories, the research team engaged in a modified pile sorting technique. The final set of categories, along with sub-themes, descriptions and example quotes, were sent to interviewees for approval. FindingsTen Foundational Features of Indigenous Pregnancy Care were identified. These covered themes related to Indigenous cultural practices, relationships, Indigenous sovereignty, local Indigenous community, full spectrum care, wholistic care, birthing person's wisdom, power and autonomy, flexibility, historical trauma, and cultural awareness. DiscussionModern midwifery care delivered by Indigenous practitioners may partially bridge the cultural gap; however, intentional effort is needed to integrate Indigenous ways into medical doctor practice models and facilities. ConclusionThis paper identifies ten foundational features of Indigenous pregnancy care and demonstrates the importance of recognizing the effects of trauma and providing opportunities for healing, upholding sovereignty, and centering relationships when caring for Indigenous pregnancies.

Employment equity groups' experience of inclusion and commitment to the CAF.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are subject to the Employment Equity Act, which requires federally regulated employers to identify and eliminate barriers to the employment of designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities (PwD), and racialized members), and establish short-term, numerical goals to address underrepresentation. Addressing employment barriers experienced by these equity seeking groups is one of the CAF's key priorities. The objective of this study is to examine group differences in feelings of inclusion (i.e., relatedness, organizational inclusion, and microaggressions) and retention-related measures (i.e., job satisfaction, affective commitment, and intentions to leave), the contribution of feelings of inclusion to retention measures, and the effect of numerical representation and number of marginalized identities on these concepts. We analyzed data from the 2022 Your Say Matters survey, which was administered to a representative sample of CAF members, with oversampling of under-represented groups. Respondents included 4,483 Regular Force members (30.9% response rate). The groups under study included Indigenous members, persons with disabilities, racialized members, women not part of another group (non-Indigenous, non-racialized, women without disabilities), and everyone else (non-Indigenous, non-racialized, not women, without disabilities). Our hypotheses were supported overall, such that groups with less representation in the CAF scored lower on inclusion measures than groups with more representation. The number of marginalized identities held by military members predicted the inclusion measures, but did not predict retention-related measures. There were some group differences on retention-related measures, such that women not part of another group scored more favorably than other designated groups, and racialized members scored more favorably than PwD and Indigenous members. Inclusion measures predicted job satisfaction, affective commitment, and intentions to leave equally for all groups studied, suggesting that feeling included is important for all.

Community-led water governance: Meanings of drinking water governance within remote First Nations and Métis communities in Saskatchewan

Access to safe drinking water remains a significant challenge for many Indigenous communities in Canada, particularly for remote communities. This stems from historic colonial practices of water governance that have relied on Western worldviews and excluded Indigenous Peoples. Using an Indigenist research framework and a Community-Based Participatory Research design, we, as Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaborative research team wanted to learn from remote Indigenous communities, including Star Blanket Cree First Nation and the Cumberland House Village at the Treaty 4 and 5 territories (known as Saskatchewan) that have not been adequately represented in water governance. Following this, we used storytelling and deep listening to engage seven Elders and knowledge-keepers from the two communities. The findings show Indigenous People have spiritual and historical worldviews and practices surrounding water and its governance. Promoting Indigenous worldviews in water governance is critical to enhancing access to safe drinking water within the two communities. Therefore, reviving and reconnecting Indigenous drinking water governance promotes community healing and water protection. Insights from this paper propose a meaningful bridge between Western and Indigenous perspectives and the capacity to govern water through deep and complex practices and meanings of water governance.

An Indigenous Strengths-based Theoretical Framework

ABSTRACT This article explores the inadequate recognition and integration of the strengths of Indigenous 1 people in direct practice, policy development, and research. To address this concern, I present an Indigenous strengths-based theoretical framework designed to recognise and illuminate the diverse strengths inherent in Indigenous people and communities. The ongoing structure of colonisation often presents challenges for practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and others collaborating with Indigenous people to adopt a strengths-based approach. Unfortunately, well-intentioned collaborators, especially non-Indigenous allies, often succumb to deficit-based thinking and simplistic binary comparative analysis. This article draws inspiration from Dennis Saleebey's (2023) six-step, strengths-based approach, integrating it with a micro, meso, and macro framework and Indigenous Standpoint Theory. The result is an Indigenous strengths-based theoretical framework that embraces a strengths-based approach within the context of Indigenous cultures and world views. This framework fosters the identification and development of Indigenous strengths in a respectful and culturally safe manner. IMPLICATIONS A strengths-based approach must supersede the deficit discourse that continues to be a defining feature of how social workers, allied health professionals, researchers, and policymakers interact with Indigenous Australians. This article draws inspiration from Saleebey’s (2023. The strengths perspective in social work practice: Extensions and cautions. In Social work (pp. 230–235). Routledge) six-step approach to a strengths perspective, combined with a systems theory framework and an Indigenous standpoint, and can assist in (re)defining Indigenous strength-based practice.

“All great warriors have long hair”: Tourism and shifting Indigenous masculinities in Napo, Ecuador

As young Indigenous Kichwa men begin working as local tour guides in the small city of Tena in the Ecuadorian Amazon, they go through complex processes of transition and adjustment navigating entanglements of tourists’ expectations, familial obligations, and desires for socioeconomic mobility. For many, there is the additional challenge of emphasizing their Indigenous identities, given the pervasive anti-Indigenous racism to which they are subjected within Ecuadorian society. I argue that work in tourism has provided young Kichwa men with opportunities for self-transformation, at once attractive and fraught with contradictions. On one hand, they have come to perceive their Indigeneity as an asset rather than a liability and are increasingly able to contest long-standing racism at the local level. On the other hand, their urban lifestyles, pursuit of intimate relationships with foreign tourists and sometimes dismissive attitudes towards rural Kichwa people have distanced them socially from the broader Kichwa population. By exploring these complex affective processes, their impacts on local dynamics, and the multiple and often conflicting understandings of Indigeneity that are constantly being produced and negotiated in these spaces, I seek to broaden the scope of scholarly debates on the impact of cultural tourism in Indigenous communities. I also engage with recent scholarship on Indigenous masculinities to discuss the possibilities and limitations of masculinity as a tool of decolonization for Indigenous peoples.

New Canary Islands Roman mediated settlement hypothesis deduced from coalescence ages of curated maternal indigenous lineages

Numerous genetic studies have contributed to reconstructing the human history of the Canary Islands population. The recent use of new ancient DNA targeted enrichment and next-generation sequencing techniques on new Canary Islands samples have greatly improved these molecular results. However, the bulk of the available data is still provided by the classic mitochondrial DNA phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies carried out on the indigenous, historical, and extant human populations of the Canary Islands. In the present study, making use of all the accumulated mitochondrial information, the existence of DNA contamination and archaeological sample misidentification in those samples is evidenced. Following a thorough review of these cases, the new phylogeographic analysis revealed the existence of a heterogeneous indigenous Canarian population, asymmetrically distributed across the various islands, which most likely descended from a unique mainland settlement. These new results and new proposed coalescent ages are compatible with a Roman-mediated arrival driven by the exploitation of the purple dye manufacture in the Canary Islands.

Commentary: The pharmacogenomic landscape of an Indigenous Australian population.

Commentary: The pharmacogenomic landscape of an Indigenous Australian population.

Filosofi Pendidikan Yang diusung Oleh Ki Hadjar Dewantara dan Evolusi Pendidikan di Indonesia

The foundation of education is a universal human aspiration; therefore, in addressing educational issues, complex solutions with philosophical foundations are necessary to ensure that the resulting solutions benefit all segments of society. One of the figures with strong philosophical views on education is Ki Hadjar Dewantara. Ki Hadjar Dewantara, a nobleman from the Yogyakarta Sultanate, firmly held a high concern for the development of education. The philosophical views put forward by Ki Hadjar Dewantara have become the basis for educational development in Indonesia. Ki Hadjar Dewantara expressed that the essence of education is an effort to internalize cultural values ​​into the souls of children with the aim of shaping them into complete human beings, both spiritually and mentally. This educational philosophy is known as the "Sistem Among," which emphasizes the basic ability of children to overcome the problems they face by providing them with broad freedom of thought. Ki Hadjar Dewantara formulated his philosophy by applying indigenous Indonesian culture, selectively adopting Western values ​​to fit the trikonic theory, and then adapting them wisely. Ki Hadjar Dewantara also made several contributions to Indonesian education, including the implementation of the leadership trilogy in education, the three educational centers, and the paguron system. Education is an effort to develop the human potential of learners, both physically, intellectually, emotionally, and morally, so that this potential can be realized and beneficial to their lives.

Peru’s National Policy on Financial Inclusion and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal I

This article analyzes the implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) I: Eradicate poverty. Despite the progress achieved, structural gaps persist and substantially limit the NFIS’s contribution to poverty reduction, especially among rural, indigenous, extreme poverty, and other vulnerable groups. The article employs a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. On the qualitative side, a hermeneutic documentary analysis of the NFIS and related regulations was carried out, with a critical textual interpretation supported by specialized software. Quantitatively, descriptive statistical techniques were applied to analyze official financial inclusion indicators—methodological integration was achieved through analytical triangulation under a concurrent mixed methods approach. The progress of initiatives under the NFIS was evaluated, identifying limitations such as the digital divide in rural areas, limited financing for Micro and Small Enterprises, gaps in financial education, and growing exposure to digital fraud. Although the NFIS promotes greater access to financial services, it does not explicitly focus on the poorest and most excluded populations. Therefore, it is recommended that the objectives and indicators of the NFIS be reformulated to focus on universal access and effective use of financial services by the population in extreme poverty and chronic exclusion. In addition, a strategic articulation with social protection policies is necessary, as well as promoting culturally relevant microfinance and inclusive finance models, strengthening consumer protection, and consolidating public–private alliances in high-poverty areas. Finally, strong monitoring and accountability are also key.

Maternal deaths among Brazilian indigenous women-Analysis from 2015 to 2021.

This study examines maternal mortality among Brazilian indigenous women from 2015 to 2021, contrasting their causes of death with non-indigenous women. An observational study utilizing Ministry of Health data analyzed maternal deaths' characteristics, comparing indigenous and non-indigenous groups based on death certificates and live-birth records. Variables included age, region, location, time, and cause of death. Maternal mortality ratios (MMR) were calculated with linear regression and outliers identified with Grubbs test. Prevalence ratios compared MMR and causes of death. Between 2015 to 2021, Brazil recorded 13 023 maternal deaths. Among these, with 205 among indigenous women (1.60% of total). Indigenous women had higher MMR (115.14/100 000), than non- indigenous women (66.92/100 000), consistently across years. Hemorrhagic causes notably contributed to the indigenous women's elevated MMR. Indigenous Brazilian women face elevated maternal mortality rates across all causes, primarily due to hemorrhage, contrasting wih national trends.

Cultural Parallels and Unique Features Kyrgyz and Native Americans: Comparative Analysis

This paper examines the cultural parallels and unique features of Kyrgyz people and Native Americans, shedding light on the remarkable similarities and differences that define these two distinct indigenous groups. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this study examines the historical, social, and cultural aspects of both Native Americans and Kyrgyz, seeking to unravel the complexity of their traditions, beliefs, and practices. The study reveals striking parallels between spiritual beliefs and reverence for nature that are deeply rooted in both cultures. The symbolic significance of animals, the spiritual connection to the earth, and the practice of traditional healing techniques reflect a shared appreciation of the natural world and a harmonious relationship with the environment. Moreover, oral traditions and stories from both groups serve as vital channels for preserving cultural heritage and passing ancestral wisdom from one generation to the next. On the other hand, the unique traits of each culture are revealed through the study of their artistic expressions, linguistic diversity and social structures. The nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz has shaped their customs and folklore, while the diverse linguistic traditions and artistic skills of Native American tribes demonstrate the richness of their cultural traditions. In addition, the impact of historical and contemporary influences on both groups is examined to elucidate the resilience and adaptation of their cultural identities. The enduring legacy of colonialism and the persistence of indigenous knowledge in the face of contemporary challenges provide a critical backdrop for understanding the dynamic nature of Native American and Kyrgyz cultures. By contrasting these cultural characteristics, this comparative analysis aims to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global indigenous communities while respecting the distinctiveness of their heritage. Ultimately, this study aims to stimulate intercultural dialogue and promote mutual understanding by highlighting the richness of human diversity and the enduring spirit of resilience of indigenous peoples.

Accounting as a social and moral practice: bridging cultures, balancing indigenous factors, and fostering social accountability

Purpose This study aims to investigate accounting practices within a non-Western (indigenous) context and provide insights into alternative accounting approaches and perspectives. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts an interpretive research approach to gain an in-depth insight into the functioning of accounting in Solomon Islands’ unique cultural and social-political context. In-depth interviews were conducted to gain insights into the perceptions and meanings held by participants concerning Western accounting practices and their limitations. Findings The findings provide unique insights into different interpretations of accounting and accountability through two distinct cultural lenses – Western and non-Western. The complimentary and rival explanations on what accounting and accountability are doing and what accounting and accountability should be doing will help close the gap in knowledge and contribute to shaping a better world for indigenous people. Practical implications Implications for practice involve fostering collaborative efforts among individuals, communities, leaders and institutions to harness cultural strengths through accounting. Additionally, continuous capacity building and education are essential to develop accounting skills, enhance financial literacy, promote professional expertise and build a pool of skilled accountants with local knowledge to support indigenous communities. Originality/value This study is original and provides novel insights supporting the need for accounting to recognise the importance of indigenous perspectives, adapt to cultural sensitivity and integrate cultural norms and values into accounting practices to make an impact and achieve greater social and moral accountability.

Psychological Well-Being of Indigenous People and Settlers: An Interaction Effect of Race, Profession, Education, and Income

Psychological Well-Being of Indigenous People and Settlers: An Interaction Effect of Race, Profession, Education, and Income