The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2021 theme is “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.” This theme has been adopted to urge nations to ensure the full acknowledgement, inclusion and participation of Indigenous Peoples via constitutional reforms to address injustice and enable equal social and economic flourishing. The United Nations state ‘In many countries, where Indigenous peoples were driven from their lands, their cultures and languages denigrated and their people marginalized from political and economic activities, they were never included in the social contract, to begin with. The social contract was made among the dominant populations.’
In Episode 2 of the Columban Biodiversity Podcast series, Columban Lay Missionary John Din says the experience of working alongside the Indigenous Subanen Peoples of Mindanao in the Philippines has been transformative for Columban Missionaries. John states, ‘the spirituality of the Indigenous Peoples is anchored in the land,’ and exploitive extractive industries that benefit wealthier nations impoverish the environment and profoundly impact the livelihoods, culture, and religious practices of Traditional Owners. Columban Missionaries advocate for economic and social structures that are collaborative and beneficial for all.
In Australia, the Uluru Statement from the Heart issued by delegates of the First Nations Constitutional Convention in 2017 sets out three key elements of reform to ensure the enshrinement of First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution, a process of truth-telling about Australia’s history and colonization, and a process of agreement-making within states and territories. St Columbans Mission Society as a member of Catholic Religious Australia (CRA), supports the reforms set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples state ‘Indigenous peoples are the holders of a vast diversity of unique cultures, traditions, languages and knowledge systems. They have a special relationship with their lands and hold diverse concepts of development based on their own worldviews and priorities.’ Pope Francis says in Fratelli Tutti that unsustainable global economic growth has resulted in a disregard for the common good with an economy that imposes ‘a single cultural model.’ The Pope says this kind of globalism ‘strengthens the identity of the more powerful.’ and inflicts injustice. #12
In Australia, the Uluru Statement from the Heart issued by delegates of the First Nations Constitutional Convention in 2017 sets out three key elements of reform to ensure the enshrinement of First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution, a process of truth-telling about Australia’s history and colonization, and a process of agreement-making within states and territories. St Columbans Mission Society as a member of Catholic Religious Australia (CRA), supports the reforms set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
In October 2021, two important events will gather global leaders to make new agreements to care for the environment by halting biodiversity loss and limiting global warming, which are common goals for humanity. These are the United Nations Conference of the Parties on Biological Diversity (COP 15) and Climate Change (COP 26). Ahead of these meetings, global faith leaders and scientists will be gathering in Rome to develop their vision and make proposals to the United Nations Conventions. Cathnews, the newsletter produced by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, reported on 10th May that John Lochowiak, chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) would be participating in this meeting. John will share the experiences of Australia’s Indigenous Peoples and the importance of living in harmony with and caring for all creation. John states ‘NATSICC, as a national body, is working with state councils to address significant environmental issues and to create awareness about the impact climate change will have on the entire planet – on humans, animals and plants.”
Let us pray
God, Father, Son and Spirit, we Christians believe you are One; a Trinity of loving Persons: You have left your mark on all creation. Your reflection is there in nature. The world is a web of relationships, creating according to your divine model. Form in us the ideals of harmony, justice, fraternity and peace. Strengthen us to bring your ideals to this world, so badly in need. May we develop a spirituality of global solidarity flowing from the mystery that is you, O God, Trinity. Amen.
- From prayers in ‘Praying with Pope Francis for our Common Home; Adult Faith Education, Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst.
At an international level, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007 is one framework outlining agreements about the dignity, well-being and human rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM is a team member of the Columban Peace, Ecology & Justice office in Australia.
