Indigenous Peoples
A closer look at the first people in the USA, Australia and New Zealand
What are Indigenous Peoples?
The term «Indigenous Peoples» refers to the original inhabitants of regions around the world. There are over 476 million indigenous people across the world, living in 90 different countries.
In 2007, the United Nations (UN) adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to safeguard their rights. Historically, Indigenous peoples have faced oppression and discrimination from dominant societies. It is crucial to acknowledge their distinct cultures, histories, and connections to the land to protect their rights.
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First Nations Women performing a Fancy Shawl Dance in a grass field with a river background
The Native Americans
Before the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century, the continent was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, called Native Americans. These original inhabitants were not just one group but consisted of over 500 distinct tribes. Each tribe had its own languages, traditions, and lifestyles.
Three dancers dressed in vibrant traditional costume of a North American aboriginal from British Columbia, Canada. Includes feathers, bones, beadwork and bells.
Respect for nature
The Native Americans have a profound respect for nature. Unlike European settlers who often viewed land as something to own and develop, many Indigenous tribes saw themselves as guardians of the earth.
The Native Americans believe in living in harmony with nature, taking only what they need.
A totem pole against a blue sky
Rituals are important
Ceremonies are a big part of Native American life. The Plains tribes practise the Sun Dance, which is a ritual to connect to the spirit world.
The tribes of the Pacific Northwest had Totem poles. These are tall wooden beams with carvings of animals and spirits. The Totem poles tell different stories that are important for the tribe.
Native american dancing in traditional clothes
The Aboriginal people of Australia
Before Australia was explored by Europeans in the 17th century, it had been home to the world’s oldest living cultures for over 65,000 years.
📷 Aboriginal Australian people of the Yirrganydji people at a cultural show in Queensland, Australia.
These are the Indigenous peoples of Australia, often grouped into two main categories: the Aboriginal peoples of the mainland and Tasmania, and the Torres Strait Islanders from the islands between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
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Aboriginal Australian people of the Yirrganydji people at a cultural show in Queensland, Australia. Dressed in traditional costumes
Dreamtime
In Australia, the Aboriginal peoples have something called Dreamtime. This is the name for a special period that at the same time feels both very ancient and still present in their lives.
📷 Aboriginal painting, Baiame Cave.
Dreamtime is a deep part of the beliefs of Aboriginal peoples and how they understand the world. The tales of Dreamtime tell about spirits from long ago that shaped the world, making rivers, hills, plants, and animals.
There are stories about right and wrong, nature, and how people should live.
Stories told in many ways
The stories are not just spoken but they are also shown in paintings, dances, and ceremonies. This way younger people learn about and grow to respect them.
Knowing about Dreamtime helps us understand the richness of Aboriginal culture. It tells us how closely humans, nature, and spirits are connected.
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Aboriginal painting, Baiame Cave
Aboriginal art
Aboriginal art, characterized by iconic dot paintings, and the didgeridoo, a wind instrument played during ceremonies, are vital components of the cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people.
📷 Austrailan Digeridoos in Cairns, Australia.
A few different digeridoos instruments
The Māori of New Zealand
The Europeans arrived in New Zealand in the 17th century, but before that New Zealand was inhabited by the Māori, its Indigenous people. The Māori navigated vast oceans using stars and ocean currents to reach New Zealand around the 13th century.
📷 Maori warriors perform a Haka (dance of welcome).
Maori warriors perform a Haka
Rich culture
Their culture is rich with intricate carvings, powerful ‘haka’ war dances, and ‘moko’ tattoos that tell personal stories and show status. They developed a rich culture seen in their wood carvings, war dances called ‘haka’, and face tattoos called ‘moko’.
Close up portrait of a beautiful Maori businesswoman outdoors in the workplace with traditional tattoo on her chin
Family and kin are important
Māori society was organised into ‘iwi,’ or communities, each with its own history, lands, and chieftain. Relationships between iwi could be both cooperative and competitive.
📷 A Maori marae entrance, Tapawera, New Zealand.
Maori marae entrance Tapawera, New Zealand
Core beliefs
Core beliefs in Māori culture have shaped their interactions with the world, fostering respect, understanding, and unity. For example, Māori believe that everything is connected (‘whakapapa’), and that a spiritual power exists in everything (‘mana’). Some things and places are holy, or ‘tapu’.
📷 Sunrise at Te Mata Peak, New Zealand
Sunrise at Te Mata Peak, New Zealand
Sources:
- The World Bank (30.8.2023): Indigenous Peoples Overview
Indigenous Peoples Overview (worldbank.org)
- United Nations (30.8.2023): Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Peoples | United Nations
- Regjeringen.no (30.8.2023): What Defines an Indigenous People
What Defines an Indigenous People? – regjeringen.no
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Photo by Sardaka (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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Photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo / Public domain
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