CARIBBEAN YOUTH VOICES: PARTICIPATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN CARIBBEAN GOVERNANCE
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE BY LOOKING AT FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE: THE PARTICIPATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN CARIBBEAN GOVERNANCE In the final piece from our 'Caribbean Youth Voices', this article looks at the role of indigenous peoples in governance in the Caribbean. Introduction The impact of the processes of imperialism, colonialism and modernisation have not just degraded the environment but eroded the relationship between the indigenous peoples of the Commonwealth and the land. The importance placed on protecting land and its sacredness has been replaced by exploitation and industry. As we face the current environmental and climate crisis, it has been well documented that indigenous communities have been disproportionately impacted by its effects. However, nature in places occupied by the indigenous is degrading slower than other areas (Drissi). The ones that were taking care of our lands for years before we arrived hold the key to its recuperation. The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth acknowledged this on Indigenous Peoples Day in 2020: Approximately one-third of the world’s indigenous peoples live in the Commonwealth, across Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Africa, the Pacific and Europe. Many of our indigenous communities live with the reality of being extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, but at the same time, continue to be custodians of rich resources of wisdom and knowledge and are sources of inspiration as exemplars of sustainability. (The Commonwealth). This wisdom is urgently needed for the days ahead. The theme for this year’s CHOGM meeting is therefore an apt one: ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’. In order to look towards the future, Commonwealth nations need to dig into their past and reconnect with their first peoples and transform
modern societies. In the Caribbean Region, there are many indigenous communities that can be included in building a common future. However, along with most of the world, these communities are generally sidelined. Their inclusion in not just society but participation in decision-making processes is instrumental in building a transformative future. Indigenous Knowledge Indigenous knowledge is tied to their foundational beliefs. This includes a belief in the oneness of the universe in which humans are connected. Therefore, they have learnt to incorporate sustainable methods of living so the environment can continue to provide humans with water, soil, shelter and medicine (Drissi). Bruchac defines indigenous knowledge as “a network of knowledges, beliefs, and traditions intended to preserve, communicate, and contextualize Indigenous relationships with culture and landscape over time.” (Bruchac 3814). Over time, scientists and policymakers have realised the value of this knowledge in crafting environmental policy. However, this realisation is not unanimous. Many have questioned the veracity of indigenous knowledge or the extent to which it should be trusted over scientific research (Bruchac 3820). The belief in the superiority of science and technology has kept indigenous knowledge from informing policy and development. However, both can be used to guide nations through the current climate crisis and towards sustainability.
Shauneé Richards
is a 23-year-old writer from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She is a Political Science student at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill and has held various student leader positions including External Affairs Committee Chairperson, UWI Stat Senior Ambassador and Education Committee Chairperson of the Trinidad and Tobago Student Association. She is passionate about learning, politics, culture and enjoys writing articles on a plethora of topics. Email: shauneedrichards@hotmail.com With special thanks for the coordination of the series of articles in the Caribbean Youth Voices to Rashana Jones, Youth Representative for the Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region on the Editorial Advisory Board for The Parliamentarian.
The Parliamentarian | 2021: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing | 177
