In a world that relies on written contracts, digital servers, and printed textbooks, oral storytelling often seems like something archaic – nice for a campfire evening, but not essential for survival. For Indigenous cultures around the world, this assumption was and is a dangerously flawed one. Where there was no writing, storytelling was humanity’s most … Read more
In the icy winds of the Nordic tundra, under the dancing light of the Aurora Borealis, a unique culture has developed over millennia: that of the Sámi, Europe’s only recognized indigenous people. Long mistakenly called “Lapps” – today they proudly claim their own name and their rights. Their lives are inextricably linked to the reindeer, … Read more
Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, often called “Taiwanese Indigenous,” are descendants of Austronesian peoples who settled the island thousands of years ago. Their culture, languages, and traditions continue to shape Taiwan’s identity, even after long periods of marginalization. Historical Background Before the arrival of Han Chinese and colonial powers, indigenous peoples lived as hunters, gatherers, and farmers … Read more
The Ainu are an indigenous people in northern Japan, primarily on the island of Hokkaido. For centuries, they were marginalized and their culture denied. In 2008, Japan officially recognized the Ainu as an indigenous population, an important step toward preserving their traditions and rights. Historical Background The Ainu originally lived in Hokkaido, parts of Sakhalin, … Read more
The Nenets, Evenks, Khanty, and other indigenous peoples of Siberia have lived for centuries in extreme climatic conditions. Their culture, language, and lifestyle are closely linked to reindeer herds, rivers, and the tundra. Yet climate change increasingly threatens their existence and traditional practices. Historical Background The Nenets are nomadic reindeer herders in northern Russia. Their … Read more
When we think of Russia, we often see the domes of Moscow or the palaces of St. Petersburg. But east of the Urals lies another, much older Russia: a vast mosaic of landscapes and cultures that have lived for millennia in harmony with the harsh beauty of Siberia and the Far East. From the reindeer … Read more
The San, also known as Bushmen, are among Africa’s oldest indigenous peoples. Their lifestyle revolves around traditional hunting, gathering, and deep knowledge of flora, fauna, and the environment. Today, they face challenges such as land loss, tourism pressure, and modernization. Historical Background The San have lived for millennia in the Kalahari region and surrounding areas. … Read more
The Mapuche are the largest indigenous people in Chile, defending their culture, language, and land rights for centuries. Despite decades of marginalization, they continue to fight for autonomy, land ownership, and self-determination. Historical Background The Mapuche primarily inhabit the Araucanía and Los Ríos regions. Before colonial times, they had an independent social, economic, and spiritual … Read more
The Cordillera region in the northern Philippines is home to numerous indigenous tribes who have lived in close connection with nature for centuries. Protecting land, water, and culture is central to their way of life. Dam projects, however, threaten not only their environment but also their identity and rights. Historical Background The Cordillera region hosts … Read more
In our modern world, freedom is often tied to possession: to one’s own house, one’s own property, one’s own address. Home is equated with a fixed point on the map. This view obscures an ancient, yet highly relevant form of freedom: the freedom of movement – not as aimless wandering, but as a conscious, cyclical … Read more
