Indigenous Perspectives on Sacred Natural Sites: Culture, Governance and Conservation

by Jonathan Liljeblad (Editor), Bas Verschuuren (Editor)

Overview

Much previous literature on sacred natural sites has been written from a non-indigenous perspective. In contrast, this book facilitates a greater self-expression of indigenous perspectives regarding treatment of the sacred and its protection and governance in the face of threats from various forms of natural resource exploitation and development.

It provides indigenous custodians the opportunity to explain how they view and treat the sacred through a written account that is available to a global audience. It thus illuminates similarities and differences of both definitions, interpretations and governance approaches regarding sacred natural phenomena and their conservation. The volume presents an international range of case studies, from the recent controversy of pipeline construction at Standing Rock, a sacred site for the Sioux people spanning North and South Dakota, to others located in Australia, Canada, East Timor, Hawaii, India, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria and the Philippines.

Each chapter includes an analytical introduction and conclusion written by the editors to identify common themes, unique insights and key messages. The book is therefore a valuable teaching resource for students of indigenous studies, anthropology, religion, heritage, human rights and law, nature conservation and environmental protection. It will also be of great interest to professionals and NGOs concerned with nature and heritage conservation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781351234887
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/17/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	246
File size:	7 MB

About the Author

Jonathan Liljeblad is Senior Lecturer, Law School, Swinburne University, Australia, and a Steering Committee Member of the IUCN Specialist Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas. He received his PhD and JD from the University of Southern California. Born under the name Nanda Zaw Win, he is a member of the Pa’oh people of Shan State, Myanmar.

Bas Verschuuren is Associate Researcher at the Sociology of Development and Change group at Wageningen University, the Netherlands, Co-Chair of the IUCN Specialist Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas, and Programme Coordinator for the Sacred Natural Sites Initiative.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Indigenous Voices and Indigenous Sacred Sites, Promoting Diverse Perspectives in a Global Discourse Part I Identity and embodying the sacred 2. Giving Voice to the Sacred Black Female Body in Takayna Country 3. Defending the Sacred through Plant Knowledge 4. Imagine Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe Part II Resistance, advocacy and perseverance 5. Kondhs' Resistance Movement to Save Sacred Niyamgiri, Odisha 6. Human Rights Law and the Protection of Sacred Sites and Territories: A Case Study of the Bethany Griqua Community in South Africa 7. Taos Pueblo Blue Lake: A Legacy of Cultural Perseverance Part III The sacred in intangible heritage and education 8. The Crocodiles of Fesawa: Sacred Sites and Rituals in a Changing Context in Southern East Timor 9. Maghee: A Case Study of Indigenous Tharu Cultural Heritage for Democratic Practice and STEM Education Part IV Recognition and preservation of the sacred in place 10. Wirikuta: Sacred Heart of Mexico – Pueblo Wixárika (Huichol) 11. Hongan di Pa'ge: The Sacredness and Realism of Terraced Landscape in Ifugao Culture, Philippines 12. Perpetuation is the Key to Preservation: Encouraging Local Development and Valuing Indigenous Culture as the Sole Bastion against Bagan's Museification 13. Protecting Our Sacred Water: Cenote Conservation in the Maya Area of Yucatan, Mexico Part V Conclusions 14. Indigenous Perspectives in a Global Discourse on the Conservation of Sacred Heritage