Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous voices have been an essential part of URI since its beginning. Cooperation Circles act to protect Indigenous peoples' rights to live and thrive in accordance with their traditions.

Examples of our work in this Action Area:

Comunidad Cosmica CC, in Buenos Aires, Argentina preserves Indigenous cultures' rich oral histories by publishing written stories.
1God CC, in Clayton, Victoria, Australia, leads a movement to return uncovered Aboriginal human remains for dignified burial in accordance with Aboriginal traditions.
Indlondlo Zulu Dancers Cultural and Art Centre, in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, keeps traditional Zulu dances, costume, and culture alive through classes and performances.

The URI delegation delivers prayers and sacred water from around the world as part of the Interfaith Day of Prayer at the Oceti Sakowin Camp on December 4, 2016. URI has a long history of honoring Indigenous traditions, protecting the environment, and creating cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings.

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Stories

A Full House

From October 15 through October 21, URI Leadership (Preeta Bansal (Chair), Kelsey Ramsden (Global Council Trustee), and Jerry White (Executive Director)) visited the Latin America and the Caribbean region. Following are Maria Crespo’s reflections on the visit to Christ the Redeemer statue.

Together for Indigenous Communities

Since its inception, URI has benefited from the knowledge and wisdom of many indigenous sisters and brothers who were essential contributors to URI's design, values, and impact.

Working, Changing, and Learning Together with Indigenous Communities

“We respect the sacred wisdom of each religion, spiritual expression, and indigenous tradition.” URI Principle 3

Let us celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of indigenous communities around the world!

Read about some of the amazing efforts by CCs working with Indigenous communities around the world.

Transformative environmental education with 30 high school learners in South India - the launch of the Ecopeace Teen Cafe

In India, Greshma Raju, from Jyothirgamaya Interfaith CC, has initiated a project called Ecopeace Teen Cafe, which is a four month education programme reaching 29 high school learners in South India, focusing on community building, environmentalism, peacebuilding and social justice. Read more about the inspiration behind this initiative and Greshma’s learnings through the experience of starting a project like this!