To effect a transformative shift in our relationship with nature, we would do well to turn to the values and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples, writes Chad Tudenggongbu.
The ritual of placing a newborn’s umbilical cord in a bamboo shoot tied to a tree symbolises a lifelong commitment, illustrating that the individual’s fate and the tree’s health are inextricably linked. Such practices underscore a broader responsibility to the community and the natural world, extending beyond the individual to the collective.
This deep respect for nature is further enriched by the Chewong of Malaysia, who enforce talaiden, a sacred law that protects the dignity of all living creatures by prohibiting the ridicule of animals. This respect is echoed in the Pacific by the Māori, who embrace their role of guardians over nature through kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, which involves an intergenerational duty to protect and nurture the environment.
Similarly, the Andean Quechua attribute the highest authority to their mountains, or Apus, which are considered vital caretakers of biodiversity and ecological health. These diverse practices and beliefs, though varied, share a common thread of deep respect, gratitude, and duty towards nature.
The above examples illustrate some of the values and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples across the world, which stand in stark contrast to the often extractive and disconnected dealings of supposedly more developed societies. Indigenous cultures have long practiced what many are only now beginning to understand and appreciate: respect nature as one does for themselves, their families, and their community to ensure the long-term wellbeing of all.
These Indigenous values resonate with scientific perspectives as well. Rachel Carson, in her seminal book Silent Spring, emphasised that “in nature, nothing exists alone.” Her work laid the foundations for the environmental movement by articulating the interconnectedness of nature and the catastrophic effects of human disregard for these connections.
Evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould emphasised that the evolutionary unity of humans with all other organisms is a key message from Darwin’s work, suggesting that recognising our biological kinship with nature could revolutionise our environmental responsibilities and highlight that human survival is deeply intertwined with the health of nature.
David Suzuki, in his influential book The Sacred Balance, advocates for us to “reclaim our faith in ourselves as creatures of the Earth, living in harmony with all other forms of life.”
What might a future shaped by these holistic Indigenous values and worldviews look like? It would be a world where policies and practices are not merely reactive to today’s environmental crises but are proactive in regenerating and maintaining the sacred balance in nature. It would be a global community that prioritises long-term resilience and prosperity over short-term gains, reflecting a genuine shift from exploitation to stewardship of nature.
For this transformative relationship with nature to take hold, a broader cultural shift is necessary. This includes weaving Indigenous values into mainstream cultural, educational, and social systems, and policymaking, ensuring that the principles of respect, reciprocity, and interconnectedness become the guiding light of our behaviors.
The Resilience Frontiers Initiative envisions a resilient and vibrant world where taking care of nature means caring for each other, honoring our deep connections with nature, and ensuring resilience and prosperity for future generations in the true spirit of kaitiakitanga, guardianship and care.