What is indigenous worldview?
What is worldview in general?
Why do indigenous people care so much about the land?
What makes indigenous beliefs different?
What is so special about indigenous teachings?
These are all important questions in order to truly understand the essence of indigenous
cultures.
If you're not even sure what worldview means, you are in the right place.
This is the best place to get started learning about indigenous worldview, so make sure that
you keep on watching.
In this video, I'll be discussing three key differences between indigenous worldviews
and Western worldviews.
By the time this video is over, you will have a better understanding of what makes an indigenous
worldview truly unique.
Hi, there.
I'm Mallory.
Welcome back to the Tribal Trade channel, where we share new videos every single week
about smudging, indigenous culture, native teachings, and much more.
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Now, let's start by discussing what a worldview even is.
Every culture, background and society is unique and different.
They each have their own set of beliefs, values and perspectives on the world.
That is what a worldview is.
If you know anything about indigenous cultures, then you might already know that an indigenous
worldview is drastically different from what a Western worldview might be.
Now, that is because indigenous people have completely different histories, teachings,
practices, beliefs, and values than the Western worldview.
Here at Tribal Trade, we talk about all things indigenous culture and native teachings.
So we're going to fill you in on the indigenous worldview, what it is and the three important
points that you need to know in order to better understand either your roots or the background
of your indigenous friends.
We hope that by the end of this video, you'll be able to identify the differences between
these worldviews, why understanding indigenous worldviews is important and even be able to
describe it to your friends and family.
There are a few key things to know and understand about indigenous worldview, so let's talk
through the basics.
The first thing you need to know about indigenous worldview is what the heck worldview even
means.
Now, what is worldview?
I know I already mentioned what worldview has to do with different perspectives on the
world, but let's define it even further.
A worldview is a collection of attitudes, values, stories, and expectations about the
world around us.
These inform our thoughts and our actions.
Our worldview is expressed through ethics, religion, philosophy, beliefs, et cetera.
Overall, worldview determines how people live and how it can be shaped in any number of
things, including ancestry, community, and social structure.
Worldview is also how we think about our relationship between ourselves and other living things.
You have a worldview that shaped you and has determined your beliefs.
In the same way, indigenous people have a unique worldview that influences absolutely
everything we do.
By learning about indigenous culture, traditions, practices, and teachings, you are engaging
with an indigenous worldview.
So let's talk more about that.
The second thing you need to know about indigenous worldview is the fundamentals of this worldview.
Now, what is an indigenous worldview?
The guiding principle of an indigenous worldview is that all living things are connected.
Appreciation for all living things is a prominent indigenous value, which comes directly from
the indigenous worldview.
Indigenous people live their lives under the principle that all living things contribute
to the circle of life equally and should be acknowledged and respected as such.
Indigenous people believe that the connection to ourselves, to the Creator, to Mother Earth
and all living things are integral parts of existing.
That is why the land and other natural life is so important to an indigenous worldview.
Understanding that all living things are connected and that everything plays an important role
in the world is an integral element of an indigenous worldview.
These principles are what guide the teachings, beliefs, values, and practices of indigenous
communities.
Now, the third thing you need to know about indigenous worldview is how it differs from
Western worldview.
Now, how is indigenous worldview different from Western worldview?
Most commonly, Western worldview is based on the assumption that man is superior.
Instead of all living things being equal, living things are structured in a hierarchy.
An indigenous worldview is based on the idea that humans are equally important to plants,
animals and all other living things.
Western worldview traditionally treats humans as the top of the hierarchy and everything
else falls below them, which shapes the way we treat plants, animals, and nature.
This often leads to misusing, mistreating or disrespecting other life because it labels
humans as most important.
Indigenous worldview can be visualized as a circle while Western worldview can be seen
as a ladder or a collective outlook versus an individual outlook.
This structure is the primary difference between indigenous worldview and Western worldview.
Based on what you've learned so far, which part of indigenous worldview is your favorite?
Please share with us in the comments below.
Understanding worldview, what it is, how it differs between communities of people and
how it shapes values, beliefs and attitudes can not only help you understand other people,
it can help you understand yourself.
Understanding the indigenous worldview can help you have more empathy toward people with
different perspectives, and it can also help you better connect with your indigenous friends
and neighbors.
It can also always be helpful to take a look at your worldview and understand how it has
shaped who you are.
How can you challenge your assumptions?
How can you incorporate other attitudes or values into your own worldview?
There is no wrong answer.
It's simply a new way to understand and perceive the world.
Indigenous worldview is all about connecting with ourselves and other living things and
the world around us.
I hope understanding this worldview gives you the opportunity to try to do the same.
If you'd like to learn even more about topics like this one, check out the other many workshops
we offer at Tribal Trade Co. that offer not only an in-depth exploration of indigenous
worldview, but tons of unique lessons and insights into indigenous culture, teachings
and beliefs.
I hope you now have a better understanding of the concept of worldview overall, what
it is, how it's defined for indigenous people and how it differs from Western worldview
and why it's important.
You can use this knowledge to better connect with yourself and with others.
If you want to join an inclusive community where you can discuss, learn about and engage
with topics just like this one, join our Facebook community to get started with this.
What are some similarities between indigenous worldview and your own personal worldview?
We'd love for you to share with us in the comments below.
Thank you so much for watching today.
I hope you have a wonderful day and we will see you next time.