Indigenous Peoples

“We respect the sacred wisdom of each religion, spiritual expression and indigenous tradition.” - URI Principle 2
Caminhos Da Terra CC Indigenous Blessing

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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Stopping the Islamization of Europe?

Europe
Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Policy Advocacy
Indigenous Peoples

In the 17th century, the logical conclusion to interreligious conflict was holy war. A handful of extremists would argue for that conclusion today. But for most of us, violence in the name of God, any God, is not an answer, it is a blasphemy. But if the point is not to take up arms in the cause of exclusive righteousness, then what can people do to cope with the very real changes happening in their communities?