Indigenous Leaders Research Articles

The search for good governance in Chile: tensions and challenges from indigenous women’s perspective

ABSTRACT What does “good governance” mean for indigenous women? What are the main dimensions of analysis from the perspective of indigenous women? The search for good governance has become a challenge for Latin American states, especially in representing the interests of indigenous women. In nation-state contexts, governance models have been characterized by patriarchal forms of democracy, with indigenous women obliged to participate as members of a homogeneous nation. This highlights the importance of considering concepts such as power, hegemony or exclusion from decision-making spaces. From the Chilean case, this article proposes an analytical framework to analyze the tensions, values and proposals that arise from indigenous women’s perspective, showing the difficulties that arise in defining the principles of good governance in contexts of diversity. The main information is based on the application of in-depth interviews with 20 Mapuche indigenous women leaders, complemented by the responses provided by 925 Mapuche women who participated in the Special Mapuche CEP 87 Survey in 2022, along with press analysis and official documents.

The Pandemic, Mining Violence, and the Case of the Sanöma/Yanomami People.

In Brazil, the health emergency unleashed by the Covid-19 pandemic must be understood in the context of the government administration of the former president, Jair Bolsonaro. The new coronavirus was turned into a war machine, something already seen in other moments of the history of indigenous peoples, when epidemics were strategically used to promote indigenous genocide and usurp their territories. The Sanöma, a subgroup of the Yanomami language family, assert that Covid-19 did not leave individualized traces of 'sequelae' but made itself felt in the deaths that could not undergo the traditional funeral rites due to the sanitary measures, generating a cosmological and existential tension for the collective as a whole. It was also felt in the invasion of their lands by thousands of miners who brought violence and malaria to the communities, debilitating their food sovereignty, and in the dismantling of public health services in the indigenous land. Time was suspended, and the infection continued with the accompanying violation of rights, with a divergent understanding of who is recovered or who is healthy. This article is the result of a Covid-19 researchproject conducted in partnership with the Sanöma leaders. Based on reports from the Sanöma themselves, reports about the Yanomami and the government of former President Bolsonaro, interviews with indigenous leaders in newspapers and reports produced by indigenous organizations and their supporters, a set of information about Covid-19 among indigenous peoples and violations of human rights among the Sanöma people were systematized and analyzed and now make up this article.

Organic Metalogue Across Spaces and Places to Rethink Species Relationships in a Community of Practice

AbstractHow can we work with diverse cultures and diverse ways of knowing whilst enabling space for diversity? Metalogues can help to avoid (or remedy) misunderstanding, leaving ideas out, speaking for or over others. It provides breathing space between the stimulus of engagement and the process of coming up with an agreed upon output or outcome. This postcolonial and non-anthropocentric approach is rooted in collegiality and a recognition of our hybridity and interconnectedness with many species; as such it celebrates ‘entangled life’ (Sheldrake 2021) with Indigenous and non Indigenous academics, leaders and community practitioners, including farmers. The paper discusses the dynamic process. Could this process be considered multispecies neuroscience in action?

Self-Care Practices and Perspectives in Managing Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A Qualitative Study

Background/Objectives: Self-care experiences and understanding of coronary heart disease (CHD) play a pivotal role in the management of CHD and can contribute to positive health outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to explore the views and experiences of CHD patients, their families, and Indigenous leaders about self-care practices of CHD. Methods: A qualitative design employing semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion was used. Employing purposive sampling, 49 respondents, comprising 30 patients, 10 family members, and 9 Indigenous leaders, were recruited and interviewed from April to September 2022. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Five major categories were constructed: (1) inadequate knowledge and early symptom identification; (2) self-care activities for physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs; (3) family and kinship support for self-care efforts; (4) barriers to self-care including physical, psychological, and access issues; and (5) health improvement expectations based on culturally sensitive health education. Conclusions: The study reveals significant gaps in knowledge about CHD and the identification of early symptoms among patients, families, and Indigenous leaders. Despite efforts to meet physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs, self-care is hindered by various barriers, including limited access to healthcare and entrenched habits. The support from family and kinship systems is crucial for self-care. Participants expressed a strong desire for culturally tailored health education and better health control to improve heart health outcomes.

Looking to see, listening to hear, learning to understand: centring Indigenous relationality to pursue a more-than-disciplinary academy

Indigenous scholars argue that the reciprocal relationality of life should be taken more seriously in scholarship responding to environmental crisis; however, much of orthodox academia analyses the environment as a separate category through the physical and social science disciplines. This article shows how human exceptionalism, human centrism, racial discrimination, and Euro-American centric privilege interweave in academic institutions and practices, often invisibly and thus insidiously, to dismiss Indigenous scholarship and lived experiences. We explore how to meaningfully address these problematics, presenting examples from our academic practices to overturn colonial and imperial privilege. We present a more-than-disciplinary approach to undiscipline nature, knowledge, and peoples. We argue that this paradigm shift is best led by Indigenous leaders in relationality, whose expert knowledge inheritance already holds nature with society. We present an Indigenous, pedological approach, to help destabilise orthodox academic disciplinary approaches and organisational structures through foregrounding Indigenous learning and knowledge systems.

Education System for Indigenous Communities: A Review of Social Ecology

This research aims to integrate traditional knowledge in the formal education system of indigenous communities, improve access, and preserve local culture. The methods used involve interviews, observations, and reviews of local education policies. Local governments and indigenous community leaders were involved in the reform process to develop a bilingual curriculum that respects local languages and traditions. The results of the study show that socially and ecologically relevant education can increase student participation, strengthen cultural identity, and support environmental sustainability. The policy implications underscore the importance of collaboration between the government and communities in sustainable indigenous education planning.

Searching for Justice: Indigenous Self-Determination over the Landfill Search as a Matter of Justice for MMIWG2S

“Search the Landfill” is an Indigenous-led movement for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) which originated through Indigenous resistance to police racism in Winnipeg, Canada. The movement calls upon all levels of government to support and execute the search of the Prairie Green Landfill, just north of the City of Winnipeg, to recover the bodies of at least two of four First Nations women who were murdered in early 2022 at the hands of a white male serial killer. Through an analysis of the news articles, press releases, and reports, this paper explores the way in which Indigenous leaders resisted and rewrote the discourses that surrounded the search. By at once condemning the Winnipeg Police Service’s refusal to search the landfill and rejecting police authority and control over the decision-making process, Indigenous women who became the leaders of this movement crafted the space to articulate for themselves how and why the search must be done as a matter of Indigenous rights. This paper explores how Indigenous leadership offers glimpses of what a decolonizing approach to justice may look like in cases of MMIWG2S and which, in turn, invites further opportunities to problematize, subvert, and move beyond the Western legal norms and traditions.

Challenges and Opportunities in Empowering Leadership: An Emerging Trend in Musikot, Rukum West

Indigenous communities in Nepal have historically faced marginalization, with limited access to resources and decision-making roles. However, recent years have seen a notable change, particularly in Musikot, Rukum West, where indigenous women are increasingly assuming leadership roles across various sectors. This study delves into the rise of indigenous women's leadership examining the patterns of its emergence, the factors promoting their political engagement, and the primary challenges they encounter. Despite the increasing presence of indigenous women in leadership, they continue to face significant obstacles rooted in deep-seated patriarchal norms and structures, particularly in political and governmental arenas. These impediments include discouraging organizational dynamics, societal biases, familial obligations, and cultural stereotypes that perpetuate their underrepresentation. Challenges specific to political parties, such as limited opportunities for advancement and insufficient support mechanisms, further complicate these issues. To foster indigenous women’s leadership, which is vital for social inclusion and democratic governance, comprehensive strategies are necessary. These include promoting equal opportunities, economic empowerment, enhancing access to education and healthcare, and adhering to international norms. Implementing targeted policy interventions is essential to ensure the sustainable political involvement and leadership of indigenous women in Musikot, Rukum West.

Evaluasi Pemekaran 6 Provinsi di Papua: Studi Pandangan Tokoh Adat Papua

The expansion policy regulated in Law Number 2 of 2021 mandates the formation of three new provinces in Papua, namely South Papua, Central Papua, and Mountainous Papua. They believe that expansion will bring more attention and resources to areas that have been neglected. The purpose of this study is to look at the impact of provincial expansion in Papua from the perspective of indigenous leaders, given that this policy has created six new provinces in the country. As part of the Indonesia government's efforts to improve administrative efficiency and accelerate development, these changes have generated a lot of response from the community, especially from indigenous Papuan leaders who have an important role in the country's social and cultural structure. This study uses a qualitative approach with literature review to reveal the subjective views and experiences of indigenous leaders related to provincial expansion. The results of the study show that traditional leaders support and oppose this expansion policy. Support comes from those who believe that expansion can accelerate progress and well-being, while objections stem from concerns that it could disrupt social and cultural stability. This research helps to understand the impact of expansion from the perspective of indigenous leaders, emphasizes that cultural and social aspects must be considered when making expansion policies, and suggests that an inclusive and local wisdom-based approach should be applied in Papua's development process.

Dua Dekade Kebebasan Akademik di Indonesia: Tantangan di Tengah Menguatnya Otoritarianisme dalam Model Barunya

This research focuses on analyzing the debates and roles of the academic freedom movement in Indonesia’s authoritarian politics. Numbers of scholars argued on the democracy decline and its current situation of authoritarian turn (Mietzner 2016, 2020; Hadiz 2017; Wiratraman 2018; Waburton and Aspinal 2019; and Winters 2021). Authoritarianism governance in recent politics has been worsening situation of free expression, including academic freedom. Recently, one of attacks is connected to cyber-attacks, which has been targeting journalists, academics, activists or students who defend human rights and environment, indigenous leaders, anti-corruption activists, and women's groups. This article discusses first, how has academic freedom at campuses been shaped by Indonesia's the rise of authoritarian politics; and second how academic freedom has been influenced and easily attacked in the rise of digital authoritarianism. By using an interdisciplinary approach, this article argues that there is a strong relation between the threat of academic freedom and the strengthening of authoritarianism in Indonesia, especially by disciplining campuses through a more systematic bureaucratization. While at the same time, academic freedom has been affected by stronger control of authoritarianism regime by deplying cyber troops in digital spheres. Hence, this article also discusses how human rights instruments and its institutions could promote and defend academic freedom in general.

A Systematic Review Exploring Empirical Pharmacogenomics Research Within Global Indigenous Populations.

This systematic review aims to highlight the scope of pharmacogenomics research within global Indigenous populations. This review also explores the barriers and facilitators of pharmacogenomics research within this population. A systematic review of literature was conducted to identify and present an understanding of current empirical evidence demonstrating the conduct of genomics or pharmacogenomics research within global Indigenous populations (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021257226). Using key search terms, relevant databases were searched for articles published between January 2010 and July 2022. Screening, data extraction, and analysis was conducted using well-defined inclusion criteria. Quality assessment and risk of bias appraisal was conducted using the mixed methods appraisal tool. Indigenous community engagement and participation in genomics research was assessed using the social-ecological framework. From the 427 articles identified, 77 articles met inclusion criteria and underwent full-text screening. Of these, 30 articles were included in the final review, with 16 being quantitative and 14 either qualitative or mixed methods studies. Most studies were conducted with native Indigenous populations from the United States of America (36%). Content analysis revealed that studies either explored genetic variations associated with disease in Indigenous populations (23%) or markers for drug metabolism (30%) or were designed to understand perspectives of genomics research within this population (47%). Perspectives included the exploration of the role of participants in research, benefits or outcomes achieved from participation in genomics research, and levels of Indigenous engagement and participation in genomics research. This review highlights a growing gap in Indigenous genomics research globally. It presents several important considerations from Indigenous participants, identifying how researchers can co-create culturally safe and inclusive design, implementation, analysis, and subsequent outcomes of genomics research involving Indigenous people. Indigenous governance, self-determination and leadership is essential, with researchers required to be responsive to such fundamental partnerships for research to progress.

Monitoring of black oak (xánthiip) to center indigenous ecocultural revitalization

AbstractIndigenous Knowledge, Practice, and Belief Systems (IKPBS) are an ecological and cultural framework with which Indigenous communities have (and continue to) adaptively manage their land since time immemorial. In the current context of climate change and colonial forest and fire management in the western US, Indigenously‐led ecological research and cultural revitalization offers a path forward where tribal sovereignty of land stewardship is maintained and the resiliency of natural systems are reestablished. We describe our process of developing an Indigenous‐Directed Research (IDR) partnership to study xánthiip (Karuk for black oak, Quercus kelloggii), a Karuk cultural focal species, in the context of Karuk‐led forest restoration. We first outline our process of IDR by describing how this partnership was established, research questions and methodologies were co‐developed, IKPBS were centered, and utility to tribal forest restoration processes were prioritized. The primary product of this partnership was a culturally responsive black oak monitoring protocol to assess black oak tree quality over time. We describe how this protocol was developed including conducting semi‐structured qualitative interviews with Karuk cultural practitioners, translating qualitative interviews to field protocol metrics, consulting with research partners, testing for field feasibility, and sharing back to the local community through field training and youth curriculum development. Second, we analyzed plot data collected from the implementation of the black oak protocol using a two‐eyed seeing approach that ensured our ecological findings had cultural relevance for future Karuk‐led forest stewardship. Through this analysis we described the dominant black oak tree typologies based on their traits of importance as identified by Karuk cultural practitioners and research collaborators. All natural resources research takes place on Indigenous land. By outlining the steps of this transdisciplinary IDR partnership, we provide a framework for centering IKPBS, respecting Indigenous land sovereignty, and centering Indigenous leadership in ecological research and knowledge co‐development.

A Research Conception on Indigenous Chinese Leadership: Based on Comparative Case Studies on Political Elites in Ancient China

A Research Conception on Indigenous Chinese Leadership: Based on Comparative Case Studies on Political Elites in Ancient China

Neotropical dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) as key organisms for promoting community-based ecotourism in a Brazilian Amazon conservation area

Incorporating insects into ecotourism activities increases awareness of their importance in ecosystems. However, the inclusion of this group in ecotourism activities is still rare. In this context, we identified the perception of indigenous and non-indigenous leaders and residents about the potential of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) as key organisms for promoting community-based ecotourism (CBET) in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve, Brazilian Amazon. We designed a semi-structured questionnaire and conducted interviews with 415 indigenous and non-indigenous residents (222 women and 193 men) from 73 communities and villages. When shown images of dragonflies (Anisoptera and Zygoptera), 98.55 % of respondents recognized them, predominantly identifying them as “jacinas” (55.11 %). Respondents noted differences between Anisoptera and Zygoptera based on body color and size, identified them as part of the insect group (45.78 %), and associated their habitat with forests and jungles (57.34 %). Most participants (96.38 %) indicated that current ecotourism activities do not include information about invertebrates, emphasizing the need for greater understanding of their biology and ecological significance (44.64 %), and management (29.16 %). They stated that seeing (99.52 %) and observing (99.04 %) dragonflies could attract tourists due to their striking appearance (57.10 %) and beautiful (39.03 %). Most respondents recognized the importance of dragonflies for the environment (99.52 %), culture (63.13 %), and economy (55.66 %), acknowledging their potential to generate income through tourism. Additionally, 89.88 % expressed a desire to participate in the development of ecotourism activities involving Odonata. The results reflect the enormous potential of dragonflies to be included as key organisms in the development of CBET, allowing for environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, cultural appreciation, and income generation for local communities. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to implement educational and training programs on Odonata, along with the development and funding of public policies to ensure the success and sustainability of such initiatives.

Is eHealth Research with or on Our People?: Lessons Learned Using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool.

There is growing evidence for the benefits of eHealth interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Yet, there is a lack of guidance for culturally safe, relevant, and sustainable initiatives with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations. To this end a research program was established to develop a roadmap for eHealth with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The current phase of the research program is a review of the literature aimed at identifying the important characteristics of eHealth interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thirty-nine publications reporting on a variety of eHealth modalities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were identified. To assess the cultural quality of the final papers, the authorship applied the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool (QAT). Results from the appraisal demonstrated significantly higher QAT scores between studies, including more Indigenous authors. This further substantiates the importance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, doing, and being incorporating Indigenous worldviews and leadership have on the cultural quality of eHealth research studies.

Addressing Poverty and Homelessness is Central to an Equity-Focused Response to Climate Change: Considering Canada as an Example

People experiencing poverty are highly exposed to climatic events due to multiple intersecting factors. This commentary centres on poverty, generally, and homelessness, specifically in considering the impacts of climate change on health equity in Canada. We propose prioritizing poverty reduction and prevention over emergency response through measures such as universal basic income and enhanced housing standards. Such work can be grounded in inclusive assessments of risks and leveraged interventions, Indigenous leadership, intersectoral collaboration, and community engagement. We argue that it is essential that we move beyond the current, broad awareness of climate change as a threat multiplier with an emphasis on individual responsibility and the “othering” of people experiencing poverty. What is needed is a clear, systems-focused action fundamentally different from the pace and nature of the work done to date.

A Semicentennial of the Development of Indigenous Leadership in the Anglican Church of Kenya (1970-2020): Challenges and Opportunities

The Anglican Church was planted in Kenya by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1844, but it was not until 1970 when it became autonomous with the formation of the first province and election of Bishop Festo Olang’ as its first Archbishop. The first 5o years (1970-2020), were characterized by massive evangelization and tremendous numerical growth. There were also numerous challenges in local leadership development. While the success of any organization is dependent on its ability to develop its personnel, the ACK has faced challenges in that it has not been able develop sufficient and well-equipped clergy for its ministry. This has continued to hamper evangelization in that the few and the less-equipped clergy are not able to effectively the spiritual needs of the ACK Christians in the twenty-first century. For the success of its mission and ministry, the ACK should address the issue of training and retaining which has remained a real challenge over the last 50 years.

Insights from the chancellery: considerations for a university lead on equity, diversity, and inclusion

ABSTRACT The success of chancellery diversity leads is dependent upon how their roles are designed and resourced. This article will provide insights into the design and support of an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) role within the university’s chancellery. 66 interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including chancellery members, EDI officers, and advisory groups, representing diverse Australian and international universities. Thematic analysis identified four crucial themes: achievement measurement, appropriate support and design, lived experience, and warnings. Findings emphasize the significance of appointing a dedicated Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) or senior executive to address EDI matters within the chancellery. Clear Key Performance Indicators and well-defined responsibilities were highlighted for effective governance. Lived experience emerged as a critical factor, promoting normalization and representation of diverse backgrounds. The study cautions against tokenism and stresses collective responsibility for EDI. Recommendations include prioritizing EDI on the strategic agenda, fostering inclusivity, and learning from Indigenous leadership experiences. Embracing these measures can create a more equitable and diverse university environment.

Building Science Teacher Leaders for Indigenous Schools: Lessons from a Science Professional Development Workshop in Nepal

This is a case study of a science professional development workshop in Nepal with 17 teacher participants from four public schools. These schools mainly served Indigenous students in elementary, middle, and high school (Grades 9 and 10). The workshop focused on educating and building science teacher leaders for culturally relevant teaching and antiracist pedagogy by valuing and integrating Indigenous leadership practices and local knowledge. The teachers participated in a 2-day workshop co-organized by the local district education office and the local high school and led by the high school principal and a U.S.-based university faculty. Data were collected during and after the workshop through field notes, audio/video recordings of some sections of the workshop, and focus group interviews with a select group of participating teachers. The analysis of the data showed (a) struggles and opportunities to prioritize Indigenous science knowledge and Tharu sociocultural connections, (b) teachers seeking affirmation from principals to be science teacher leaders modeled on Indigenous leadership values, and (c) greater willingness for culturally relevant pedagogy among female and Indigenous teachers. The hope is that this paper will contribute to the value of a science teacher leadership professional development program (PD) in building awareness among science teachers about the value of culturally appropriate antiracist pedagogy in science teacher leaders. In addition, the PD also shows that science teacher leaders in Indigenous schools would benefit from the Indigenous relational model of leadership in leading their peers and students in antiracist and culturally relevant science teaching and learning. Finally, the study seems to indicate that a successful science teacher leader always incorporates local Indigenous community values, knowledge, and practices.

Peran Tokoh Masyarakat dalam Pelestarian Kearifan Lokal Pasca Ketiadaan Kepala Adat di Desa Adat Cireundeu Cimahi

Establishing a cultural community becomes a valuable asset capable of supporting the dissemination of cultural values. The community in Kampung Adat Cireundeu Village, Cimahi City has long upheld traditional values. This research aims to explain how the Cireundeu community can preserve and maintain its culture despite the absence of an official adat leader. Using a qualitative method with a case study approach, data collection techniques were derived from interviews, observations, and documentation studies. This research found that the Cireundeu community successfully overcame this challenge through collective leadership mechanisms and the use of modern technology. Community figures, including elders and the deputy adat leader, play a crucial role in preserving customs and traditions through the effective distribution of responsibilities and active involvement in various customary activities. Despite facing some obstacles, such as uncertainty in decision-making and suboptimal coordination, the Cireundeu community has adopted adaptive strategies that allow them to maintain cultural preservation and ensure their social continuity. This research demonstrates that even without an Indigenous leader, community strength, local figures, and local innovation can support cultural preservation in sustaining the Indigenous community.