Indigenous Practices Research Articles

Adopting the Use of Indigenous Knowledge to Alleviate the Decline of Living Marine Resources in South Africa

Most living organisms found in the ocean are vital to human life. They can be used for a myriad of activities ranging from human consumption to making cosmetic products. The variety of usages attracted attention, and there was an influx of natural and juristic persons into coastal areas to exploit these resources. This resulted in declining living marine resources due to over-exploitation and over-reliance. The need to regulate the living marine resources to protect and preserve their existence became evident. Thus, a plethora of legislation related to the marine environment was promulgated. Amongst other legislation, the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 (MLRA) was promulgated to ensure living marine resources management, conservation, and preservation. However, even in its existence, living marine resources continue to decline. Under these circumstances, Indigenous knowledge could be adopted to assist in alleviating the decline of living marine resources and augmenting the MLRA. Indigenous knowledge boasts methods of managing, conserving, and preserving living marine resources. Therefore, this paper calls for the need to incorporate some of these Indigenous knowledge practices into the MLRA. In buttressing the need to incorporate Indigenous knowledge in the MLRA, this study shall adopt a non-empirical and qualitative research approach.

Indigenous pest management practices in rice ecosystem of Assam, India

Indigenous pest management practices in rice ecosystem of Assam, India

Environmental Education in Promoting Sustainable Practices: Use of Indigenous Games and Play in Raising Awareness in Elementary School Students

Objective: The article aims to analyze how the Methodology of the Three Pedagogical Moments, combined with the use of indigenous games and play, can contribute to the promotion of environmental education in encouraging the development of sustainable practices among elementary school students. Theoretical Framework: The article aims to investigate how the use of indigenous games and games can contribute, as pedagogical tools, to the promotion of sustainable practices and environmental awareness among elementary school students. Method: The research comprises a qualitative approach, organized according to the Three Pedagogical Moments Methodology (3PM). Data collection was carried out using the following instruments: introductory lecture, questionnaires, research prepared by students, video, thematic workshop - production of toys: Jaguar Game, Shuttlecock and Spinning Top with recyclable materials and production of a short text by students. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the study contributed to the fields of environmental and intercultural education, by showing that indigenous recreational practices, toys such as shuttlecocks, spinning tops and jaguar games, are still part of the daily lives of non-indigenous children. Research Implications: The implications of this research cover several areas, promoting the appreciation of traditional indigenous knowledge in the school curriculum, while at the same time innovating the pedagogical practices of Environmental Education with the use of games and games. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by integrating traditional indigenous knowledge and 3MP methodologies in the teaching of Environmental Education, promoting sustainable practices in an inclusive and culturally rich way.

What No Means

Libraries have benefitted from the extraction of Indigenous Knowledges and cultural materials through which they have sought to complete collections. This has led Indigenous communities to distrust of research and research institutions, recognizing the deep harms and exploitation of these research practices. This article undertakes a case study of the book The Sacred Scrolls of the Southern Ojibway to reveal the ways in which extractive research, publishing, and collections practices are known to Indigenous communities and are refused by them. This discussion pursues the publication and collections history of this book through the framework of refusal, an Indigenous feminist practice that asserts Indigenous Sovereignty and care practices over Knowledge. Refusal should be viewed as a generative space (Tuck and Yang 2014a) and should be taken as an invitation for libraries to question and critically evaluate the very foundational principles of our profession and practices. This article challenges three deeply held library assumptions that are revealed through refusal: (1) that extraction is inevitable, (2) that the library is the only appropriate place to steward materials, and (3) that communities should be invested in the future of the library. The call to reconceptualize extraction through refusal is essential: libraries that do not strive to be reciprocal and transformational in their relationships with Indigenous peoples will only serve as a barrier to Indigenous resurgence. Instead, we must reconceptualize librarianship practices toward a liberatory practice.

When Scottish medicine hospitalized Indian magic: Dr James Esdaile's mesmeric surgery in mid-nineteenth-century Bengal.

In order to explore the ways knowledge travels across spatial and cultural boundaries, this article focuses on the intriguing case of the Edinburgh-trained Scottish surgeon James Esdaile (1808-59), who, after practising conventional surgery for almost fifteen years in British colonial India, quite unexpectedly turned to mesmeric anaesthesia in the last five years of his service. By following his career and his mesmeric turn, the article describes Esdaile's subsequent public experiments in mesmeric anaesthesia in collaboration with indigenous practices and practitioners of trance induction in the 1840s which led to the creation of a special mesmeric hospital in Calcutta. Although very successful, it eventually ceased to function, apparently victim to new and cheaper chemical anaesthetics. Mobilizing the insights of science studies scholarship into the processes of scientific experimentation, this article seeks to shed new light on the necessary professional, social and political investments for the making and mobility of scientific knowledge across social and cultural boundaries in a colonial setting.

Gendering Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Exploring the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony and Gender Roles in the Chewa Culture, Zambia

This paper explores initiation ceremonies that are known by different names and are commonly observed in many traditions both in Africa and beyond. In keeping up with tradition and heritage, many communities in Africa practice initiations as a rite of passage to adulthood for their youths. In Zambia, the ceremony is known as Kulamba for the Chewa people. Contextually, it is a thanks giving festival for the harvest in a particular year; no wonder it has survived many years as a traditional practice for the Chewa people. This paper postulates that there are gender issues that have been undermined and need to be interrogated in order to strike a balance between indigenous practices as well as gender equality advances. This is a qualitative phenomenological paper, designed with the quest to engender and understand the meaning of individual women lived experiences about the Kulamba initiation ceremony of the Chewa people of Zambia. The paper concentrates on exploring the meaning of the Kulamba ceremony (embedded with it the Indigenous Knowledge System) to women’s lives in Zambia only. In support with Gerring on case studies: “as a systematic process of analyzing a particular person, group or detailed description of setting and situation” is found appropriate for this paper. Whilst, normally; findings from case studies are not generalizable to the larger population, here, the situation is different because the interpretation and meaning of gender embedded in the Kulamba initiation ceremony is applicable in different contexts to people that speak and practice the same culture.

Phenomenological Study: The Impact of Islamic Education on Indigenous Communities Wetu Telu Bayan

The Wetu Telu Bayan indigenous people are a community group that still maintains local traditional values in the midst of the progress of the times. They received Islamic teachings in the early phase, therefore the traces of the implementation of Islamic education still exist today. This research is designed with a phenomenological approach. Data was obtained through interviews, observations and FGD activities involving informants from traditional leaders, indigenous peoples, school principals, and teachers. The data obtained were then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The validity of the data was confirmed through the extension of the observation period and triangulation. The results of the study show that since the occurrence of Islamic educational accommodation in the Wetu Telu Bayan indigenous people, several impacts have occurred, such as changes in knowledge of Islamic practices and their customs. Some of the indigenous people practice perfect Islamic practices such as prayer, zakat, fasting and hajj. In addition, some parents from indigenous peoples also send their children to Islamic boarding schools or other religious schools, such a condition that gives birth to the Wetu Telu Inclusive type indigenous people.

Sapit System: The Case of Poblacion Norte, Lidlidda, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

This study investigated the Sapit System, an indigenous peace treaty practiced by Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Poblacion Norte, Lidlidda, Ilocos Sur. Using basic descriptive qualitative and purposive sampling, insights were gathered from 11 barangay officials and Lupon Tagapamayapa members, illustrating the System’s effectiveness in dispute resolution and fostering community harmony. The study’s findings carry important implications for policymakers, local government units, and community development agencies. Integrating indigenous conflict resolution methods like the Sapit System into governance frameworks is essential to enhancing community well-being and reducing the burden on formal law enforcement in IP communities. Furthermore, supporting indigenous peace treaty practices is the key to advancing cultural preservation, social cohesion, and accessible justice. Based on these findings, it is recommended that policymakers and local government units recognize the Sapit System’s potential and consider opportunities for its adoption or adaptation in appropriate contexts. Future research should explore the System’s adaptability in other IP communities, providing a foundation for evidence-based policy reforms and a deeper understanding of indigenous peace treaties. Nonetheless, this study contributes to the expanding field of indigenous peace treaties, emphasizing their role in supporting community harmony and accessible justice. Finaly, the findings underscore the importance of developing culturally sensitive governance frameworks and community empowerment initiatives, with far-reaching implications for IP communities and beyond.

Strategies in Contextualizing Araling Panlipunan Curriculum in Junior High School

This study explored how teachers contextualize the Araling Panlipunan curriculum in Junior High School. A developmental approach was adopted as the research design with data collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The findings show that teachers shared the curriculum through community participation, communication, and collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders to connect Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) with teacher education, as well as creating models, research, and using existing education in terms of existing programs in the community to achieve contextualization. Based on the findings, teachers were advised to review their curriculum and integrate the content into learning skills. Schools should establish school education groups to guide teachers in using the content and developing learning resources.

Conclusion to the Special Issue-School Psychology and Indigenous Peoples: Critical Perspectives and Indigenous-Led Approaches

This special issue of the Canadian Journal of School Psychology is the first of its kind, with a focus on the intersection of school psychology and Indigenous Peoples within the Canadian context. Contributing articles grapple with approaches to training for Indigenous graduate students and practice with Indigenous communities that are responsive while negotiating the discipline’s ethics. Many specific examples of effective practice, involving Indigenizing and decolonizing elements are outlined for trainers, researchers, and practitioners. In this commentary article, the contributing articles are reviewed within the framework of a First Nations school psychologist’s reflections regarding training and practice.

Art and Health: Lessons from Indigenous Cultures

This paper examines the interconnectedness of art and health in Indigenous cultures, examining how traditional artistic practices contribute to holistic well-being. Indigenous approaches to health often integrate art as a therapeutic practice, aligning spiritual, emotional, and community health with cultural expressions like storytelling, dance, and visual arts. The paper highlights the potential for integrating these insights into contemporary healthcare systems by analyzing Indigenous health practices that embody holistic and community-focused values. The study offers a framework for reimagining healthcare to address broader aspects of human experience beyond clinical disease models, emphasizing the significance of cultural and spiritual health in promoting resilience and well-being. This work serves as a call to action for healthcare practitioners and policymakers to recognize and incorporate Indigenous healing methods and artistic expressions within modern health interventions. Keywords: Indigenous healing, art and health, holistic healthcare, cultural health practices, traditional medicine, community well-being.

Social sustainability and genetic biodiversity in Peruvian alpaca production: a review

This conceptual review addresses the social sustainability challenges facing traditional alpaca pastoralism in Peru, particularly in light of economic and environmental interventions such as selective breeding for international market demands. While efforts to prioritize economic and environmental sustainability are well-documented, the neglect of social sustainability threatens the survival of traditional Andean knowledge, practices, and cultural resilience. Utilizing a triple-bottom-line framework, this review explores the social impacts of genetic biodiversity conservation efforts within the Peruvian alpaca value chain. It highlights how selective breeding, driven by global market preferences, risks eroding not only the genetic diversity of alpacas but also the sustainability of traditional herding practices. The review underscores the need for increased attention to social dimensions when implementing technical solutions to economic and environmental challenges, emphasizing the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems and practices to sustain the livelihoods and cultural heritage of alpaqueros. Recommendations include prioritizing social sustainability by integrating traditional practices into development agendas, fostering greater participation from indigenous communities, and encouraging the transmission of intergenerational knowledge to ensure the long-term viability of Peruvian pastoralism. Future research directions are also discussed.

We Dream You Up

This interdisciplinary research paper recombines Indigenous knowledges, postcolonial and new materialist theory, as well as fictional vignettes and drawings, to critically examine the biological synthesis of psilocybin through yeast. Against the backdrop of the “psychedelic renaissance” and consensus in the synthetic biology industry that generally, edited genes are “beyond containment”, the study addresses emergent ethical, cultural, and ecological implications of this nascent technology. The article charts potential ramifications of synthetic fungi on the intertwined relationships among space, time, and matter. Speculative narratives serve as conduits for exploring the multifaceted dimensions of non-human/human relationships and engage postcolonial perspectives on the commodification of beings traditionally embedded in Indigenous cultural practices. New materialist perspectives also inform discussion of matter’s agency and its entanglements with human interventions. This research contributes to ongoing onto-epistemological and psychedelic discourses, posing critical provocations to the ethical boundaries of synthetic biology frontiers, encouraging nuanced approaches to this new field.

Indigenous Practices of Women during Pregnancy, Labour and Puerperium among Cultural Groupings at Selected Hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Indigenous practices are performances that occur naturally in a region. Most women believe in Indigenous practices because of their cultures and social structure. In South Africa, regardless of the availability and accessibility of maternal and child health services, 50% of women still consult traditional birth attendants as their first choice during pregnancy, labour, delivery and postnatal care. A qualitative research approach was applied with an explorative and descriptive design to explore the Indigenous practices of women during pregnancy, labour and puerperium among cultural groupings. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 25 participants and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with a guide until data saturation was reached. Data was analysed using tech’s open coding method. The study showed most women use Indigenous practices for protection against witchcraft and a fear of caesarean section. This study will help pregnant women to be aware of the harmful Indigenous practices that can affect their own health and that of their baby. It will also help nurses provide holistic nursing care, taking into consideration pregnant women’s cultures and beliefs. The study recommends that nursing education include Indigenous practices in the curriculum so that healthcare practitioners know about them. This could reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

A Comparative Analysis of the Indian Lunacy Act 1912 and Pakistan's Mental Health Ordinance 2001

ABSTRACTThis study compares the Indian Lunacy Act (ILA) 1912 with the Mental Health Ordinance (MHO) 2001 to demonstrate the (dis)continuity of colonial practices in the context of postcolonial Pakistan. This analysis is informed by Foucauldian power/knowledge nexus making a unique contribution to the broader field of mental health policy. The discursive continuity of the colonial legacy involving the legal structures in the mental health system, where the state uses psychiatric knowledge to legitimize the detention of individuals, echoes the Foucauldian concept of the power/knowledge nexus. Scrutinizing the words used in both legislations, it has been understood that language is not neutral; rather it is suffused with meaning, creating knowledge and truths. This is seen through the offensive words used in the ILA 1912 that denote degradation, disdain, and contempt toward the “insane,” “dangerous,” and “lunatics.” Although MHO 2001 adopted a more neutral language, a continuation of the mechanism of control is seen during the admitting process, in which the opinions and statements of medical professionals play an important role. The marginalization of alternative mental health practices, in the form of indigenous and communal mental health practices in both mental health legislations, showcases the dominance of the biomedical model, enforcing a particular form of epistemic control. Nonetheless, the relative improvement of the MHO 2001, as opposed to the ILA 1912, has been seen in terms of the language used and the inclusion of community‐based mental health services.

Impact of Indigenous Practices in School Leadership: A Phenomenological Study of Community Schools

This paper aims to explore the influences of indigenous practices of the Sherpa community in school leadership. Purposely four Sherpa head teachers with more than five years of experience were selected from the Dolakha district. In-depth interviews were conducted for the information collection and head teachers day to day activities and their decision-making and administrative practices were observed and maintained diary. The interview records and diary notes were transcribed and developed code. Themes were developed using a similar code and analyzed thematically. The study found that Indigenous school leadership enhanced their indigenous knowledge, values, and culture in school. It promotes inclusiveness and equity in the school. The Sherpa community has a strong belief system of rebirth. Taking something from others is a sin, and enjoy donating poor and backwards. Indigenous leaders are found more accountable and transparent in the school administrative process.

Exploring the Evidence: A Systematic Review of Nutraceuticals and its Application

The core idea of Nutraceuticals is based on the intersection of two words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical. Nutraceuticals are products of nutrition as well as medicine. Another definition would be a material that offers protection from various diseases or benefits the body physiologically. The nutraceutical field is divided into three sectors dietary supplements, functional foods and herbal/natural products. The most common commercially available nutraceutical products are β-carotene soft gel capsules (β-Carotene), Phytrol (Plant-derived sterols), Revital (Multivitamin and minerals), Yakult (Probiotics) etc. In this review article, neutraceutical products have been classified into various groups according to their sources, chemical nature, application availability etc. Due to their potential health benefits, numerous herbs and plants (also known as nutraceuticals) have been employed traditionally in traditional medical systems including traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and other indigenous practices. In addition to their nutritional value for humans, nutraceuticals are an efficacious treatment and preventive measure for several diseases, includingobesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis, as well as other degenerative and chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Nutraceuticals work by modifying signal transduction pathways, maintaining promoting cell proliferation, mitochondrial integrity and activating antioxidant defencesand modifying gene expression linked to cell survival. Nutritional supplements that block the cyclooxygenase pathway and the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) include flavonoids, flavonones,flavones, cruciferous vegetables, onions, apples, cherries, blackberriesand berries.

An investigation of Agriculture Knowledge Sharing through Indigenous Communication Systems: Insights from Ethnic Communities

Developing countries like India are having latest methods of communication, but their effective utilization by people who are less exposed is doubtful. In rural areas indigenous means of communication still play a vital role in social functioning, maintenance and social change. A study was employed with a qualitative research design to explore the indigenous communication systems of four ethnic communities (Ahom, Kachari, Mising and Deori) in Dhemaji district of Assam. The total respondents for the study was one hundred (100) comprising both male and female to capture gender-specific roles in agricultural communication. Focus group discussions, interviews, and auto-ethnographic observations were employed, ensuring a participatory approach to collect data from four selected villages across two culturally diverse blocks. Findings reveal that folk songs such as Bihu songs, Oi-nitom, and Bisugeet encapsulate agricultural processes and seasonal transitions, ensuring the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge. The rituals like Narasiga Sabah, Nakathia Sisha, and Guch Luwa not only serve as cultural markers but also communicate critical agricultural practices to farmers. Similarly, proverbs and riddles acted as mnemonic devices for agricultural techniques and ecological wisdom. The study concludes that integrating these indigenous practices with modern extension systems can significantly enhance rural communication strategies. The findings of the present study hold a great potential in the field of communication for development research as well as for planning and dissemination of need based information among rural families for agricultural development that elevate sustainable rural livelihoods.

Effectiveness of the Buddhist-Based Elderly Mental Health Counseling Training Program for Thai Health Volunteer Monks

The mental health challenges faced by aging societies, particularly within the context of Thai Buddhist communities, underscore the urgent need for capacity-building initiatives to support monks in promoting the psychological well-being of the elderly. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a mental health training program for monks, rooted in Buddhist principles. The primary aim is to assess how well the program equips monks to counsel the elderly in Thai Buddhist society. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 32 health volunteer monks selected through purposive sampling. The study assessed the monks’ knowledge and practical counseling skills and collected participant feedback. The results indicate significant improvements in both knowledge and practical skills, with marked progress observed from pre- to post-test scores (p < 0.001) and sustained effectiveness in follow-up assessments (p = 0.005). Approximately 71.88% of participants passed the knowledge post-test and practical skills evaluation, with 62.50% demonstrating proficiency in the follow-up assessment. These findings suggest that the program is effective in preparing monks to address mental health issues among the elderly in Thai Buddhist society. Additionally, integrating indigenous practices and beliefs into mental health interventions can enhance their cultural relevance and acceptance. This approach empowers local religious leaders and fosters culturally sensitive solutions to mental health challenges across diverse populations.

The Impact of Language Revitalization Efforts on Indigenous Cultural Practices: A Case Study of the Tahltan, Cherokee, and Lakota Nations

Historically (and currently) Indigenous languages have been suppressed and marginalized within society, inspiring declining levels of language usage and L1 and L2 speakers. It can be argued that these declining levels of speakership have impacted the tangible and intangible elements of Indigenous cultural practices. Although Indigenous peoples have faced punishment for using their languages, the reclamation or revitalization of Indigenous languages can lead to the recovery of cultural knowledge and, in the process, help heal the trauma caused by colonization. This article seeks to address the impact language revitalization efforts can have on maintaining the cultural practices of Indigenous communities by examining three case studies of ongoing revitalization efforts: the Tahltan Nation, the Cherokee Nation, and the Lakota Nation. Moreover, a theoretical analysis will be conducted following the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis of linguistic relativity and linguistic determinism. A review of these practical and theoretical examples demonstrates that the language we speak can shape our thinking patterns as well as how we are predisposed to view the world.