Indigenous Peacemaking
The History
Indigenous peacemaking involves the continuation or revival of traditional dispute resolution practices in Indigenous communities. Historically, all nations had their own methods for resolving disputes. However, in many cases, this knowledge has been lost or disrupted due to colonization. In such cases, Indigenous communities may consult with other nations to learn about their practices and adapt them to their own cultural context. Furthermore, Indigenous peacemaking practices are not limited to Indigenous communities. They can also be adapted to fit into non-Indigenous contexts. For example, non-natives may consult with local Indigenous peoples to learn about traditional practices and adapt them to fit their own needs. This has been done successfully with practices such as sentencing circles and peacemaking circles, which have been adapted as effective dispute resolution tools in non-Indigenous contexts. Overall, the revival and adaptation of Indigenous peacemaking practices can have far-reaching benefits for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Peacemaking
While the terms ‘traditional’ and ‘indigenous’ are often used interchangeably, they have slightly different meanings. ‘Traditional’ refers to a practice or norm that has a long-standing heritage, while ‘indigenous’ implies that a particular activity or norm is locally inspired. It is important to note that indigenous practices and activities need not be traditional, as these communities are capable of adapting to new social, economic, or political practices. For instance, the widespread adoption of mobile phones in remote areas illustrates how indigenous communities can adopt new practices while still emphasizing their customary practices.
Traditional and indigenous dispute resolution methods typically involve consensus decision-making, restoring ecological balance, and gift exchanges aimed at fostering harmonious relations between groups. These methods prioritize maintaining reciprocal and ongoing relations over punitive measures.
Indigenous peacemaking is important for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a comparative perspective on general peacemaking principles from a cultural standpoint. Secondly, Indigenous forms of peacemaking broaden the available options beyond Western models and methods. Thirdly, Indigenous peacemaking is often effective in resolving conflicts. This suggests that when colonial or national policies disrupt local Indigenous systems for peacemaking, returning to tried-and-true Indigenous methods may be a wise course of action.
Fourthly, an understanding of the wealth of Indigenous approaches to conflict prevention, management, transformation, and reconciliation can inform a broader view of humanity and human nature. It challenges the Western presumption that competition, violence, and mayhem are the default reactions of humans to conflict. Finally, recognizing and respecting Indigenous peacemaking practices in the modern global community promotes the values, norms, institutions, and ethics of egalitarian participation, justice, and human rights for humanity as a whole. This move towards equalizing relationships, perceptions, and practices aims to shift away from the domination of some people by others and promote a more just and inclusive society.