Indigenous Religions & Ecology

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/indigenous-religions-ecology

Introduction

### Course Review: Indigenous Religions & Ecology on Coursera **Overview** The online course titled **"Indigenous Religions & Ecology"** offers a thought-provoking examination of the relationship between Indigenous belief systems and ecological awareness. As presented in the course description, it navigates through the intersection of spirituality and environmental stewardship, revealing how the two domains are integrally linked. The course aims to foster a broader literacy regarding Indigenous perspectives on ecology, emphasizing themes of interdependence between humans and nature, and highlighting the critical role Indigenous voices play in ecological discussions. **Course Structure** The course is divided into ten comprehensive modules, each dissecting different aspects of Indigenous religions and their ecological significance: 1. **Course Introduction**: An essential overview of what to expect from the course. 2. **Introduction to the Study of Indigenous Religions and Ecology**: This module lays the groundwork by exploring key terms and underlying themes such as sovereignty, responsibilities, and social-ecological interconnections. Learners are introduced to the notion of integral ecology, emphasizing environmental and social justice. 3. **From Decolonization to Restoration in Indigenous Communities**: The historical context of colonization is discussed, along with its ongoing impacts. This module emphasizes the importance of Decolonization for the restoration of Indigenous sovereignty and perspectives in environmental decision-making. 4. **Native North Americans**: Focused on resilience among Native North American communities, this module illustrates how traditional worldviews are revived to restore their relationship with the land amidst modern challenges. 5. **Native Peoples in Meso-America and South America**: Exploring the rich cultural practices and values of Indigenous peoples in these regions, the course highlights their struggles and activism towards environmental protection in the face of exploitation. 6. **Native Peoples of Africa**: This module centers on environmental issues affecting Indigenous groups in Africa. The course draws on the work of Wangari Maathai and discusses how traditional ethics guide contemporary environmental movements. 7. **Indigenous Peoples in Asia**: The exploration of cultural integrity amidst global pressures underlines the resistance and ritualistic connections Indigenous peoples maintain with their environment. 8. **First Nations in Australia**: By examining the rich heritage of Indigenous Australians, this module reveals how ancient custodial practices inform contemporary ecological approaches and social movements. 9. **Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific**: Highlighting the interconnectedness of land and water, the course delves into cultural practices, food sovereignty, and ecological challenges, showcasing how Indigenous peoples are leading the charge for ecological well-being. 10. **Course Conclusion**: This final module reflects on the overarching themes discussed throughout the course, allowing students to synthesize their learning. **Review and Recommendations** The **"Indigenous Religions & Ecology"** course on Coursera is an exceptional opportunity for anyone interested in understanding the critical interrelationship between Indigenous knowledge systems and ecological practices. The curriculum is carefully crafted, combining academic rigor with real-world applications, making it relevant for both scholars and practitioners in the fields of environmental science, anthropology, and religious studies. The course excels in its multidisciplinary approach, equally addressing historical injustices and contemporary ecological crises. The incorporation of Indigenous voices and perspectives not only enriches the content but also lends authenticity to the learning experience. **Who Should Enroll:** - Environmentalists looking to integrate Indigenous wisdom into ecological practices. - Students and professionals in social justice, anthropology, and religious studies. - Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of global ecological challenges and the roles of Indigenous communities. In summary, this course is highly recommended for its insightful content, diverse perspectives, and emphasis on the urgent need for a more profound respect for Indigenous wisdom in ecological discourse. It promises to be a transformative learning journey for those who embark on it.

Syllabus

MODULE 1: Course Introduction

We explore terms and themes in the study of Indigenous religions and ecology. Terms such as Indigeneity, sovereignty, lifeway, cosmovision and cosmopolitics are examined. Underlying themes such as responsibilities, rights and reciprocities with the Earth are highlighted by Native spokespersons. There is an inherent call for interweaving environmental and social justice often referred to as integral ecology.

Settlers and nation-states have used stereotypes to demean, subjugate, and exploit Indigenous peoples, communities, and lands. “Decolonization” is the recognition of this historical distortion and the racism that continues into the present. In light of this reality, “Indigeneity” may be seen as a call to self-discovery necessary for restoring Indigenous voices and sovereignty in decision-making.

Native worldviews and cultural values were undermined by dominant societies. Yet these losses did not fully erase the resilience that has led to recovery of lifeways and traditional knowledge, as described by a Hopi elder. Native peoples in North America have restored relationships with land and seeds, lakes and rivers, animals and biodiversity. This is expressed in ritual revivals among the Crow and Salish peoples as well as ecosystem restoration by Pacific Northwest peoples. We see resilience among Arctic Inuit peoples struggling with climate emergencies, and Gwich’in peoples resisting oil development in caribou calving grounds.

We examine Indigenous peoples from Meso-America through the Amazon Basin and South America. In diverse ways their cosmovisions draw on traditional values and practices providing resilience in the face of present challenges. As Indigenous peoples reintegrate their social and spiritual visions they mount creative modes of resistance to exploitation. These contemporary expressions of environmental activism directly relate to their struggles to establish the rights of nature as expressed in the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth.

We open with Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Prize winning environmentalist and founder of the Greenbelt Movement for reforestation led by women. Then we explore local Native groups in Africa touching on their environmental challenges after centuries of colonization. Forest conservation and climate challenges provide themes for exploring ways in which traditional African societies bring religious worldviews and ethics to bear on these issues.

We examine regions in Asia where Indigenous peoples continue to experience global and national challenges to their cultural integrity. These include projects such as dams, deforestation, and industrial extraction in which environmental resistance provides rallying points for Indigenous cultural survival. We explore the practices of these Indigenous peoples as they ritually interact with land and biodiversity, which also includes the revival of diverse forms of shamanism.

We examine diverse groups of Indigenous-Aboriginal peoples who for over 50,000 years have inhabited the land mass now called Australia. Cosmovisions, law, and cultural practices find expressions in Dreaming and Songlines, as well as social and eco-justice movements. We hear elders narrate how mythic stories ground fire regimes that keep forested areas cleared. We see how restoration projects bring traditional knowledge forward for renewal of peoples and ecosystems. Many of these ancient custodial relations are now beginning to inform mainstream societies’ ecological practices.

The relations of Indigenous peoples to oceans, islands, rivers, and biodiversity are the focus of this module on the Pacific region. Interactive themes such as cosmovisions, transoceanic voyages, food sovereignty, and climate emergencies frame these discussions. Ancient Māori and Hawaiian aspirations toward ecological wellbeing surfaces in the renewal of Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices leading to responsibility for our planet. This also finds expression in the quest for rights of nature.