The circumstances of each Indigenous group are unique, and generalizations about Indigenous per- spectives on resilience may not apply to particular cases. Built on the common understandings of Indigenous scholars, Indigenous resilience focuses on the innate determination of Indigenous peoples to succeed rather than to overcome chal- lenges. Valaskakis (2009) claim it is cantered in “a search for success” (p. 3), and Reid et al. (1996) defined it as “the capability of individuals to cope and flourish successfully in the face of significant adversity or risk” (p. 7). For Indigenous peoples, success involves a holistic understanding of the inextricable link between spirituality, culture, healing, and connection to land. To be successful is to have a strong sense of community and a spiritual relationship with all life forms. Indige- nous peoples were able to continue with their traditional culture and ways of living despite col- onization processes. Restoring cultural values and knowledge of Indigenous groups that faced colo- nial suppression is central to nurture resilience and, therefore, success and well-being across the community. Indigenous peoples have been prac- ticing resilience before it was a concept developed by Western scientists (Berkes et al. 2000); there- fore, their perspectives of resilience cannot be properly understood under Western frameworks.
Indigenous Perspectives of Resilience: Strength and Adaptive Strategies
Vieira, Leticia Canal
2019
Abstract
The circumstances of each Indigenous group are unique, and generalizations about Indigenous per- spectives on resilience may not apply to particular cases. Built on the common understandings of Indigenous scholars, Indigenous resilience focuses on the innate determination of Indigenous peoples to succeed rather than to overcome chal- lenges. Valaskakis (2009) claim it is cantered in “a search for success” (p. 3), and Reid et al. (1996) defined it as “the capability of individuals to cope and flourish successfully in the face of significant adversity or risk” (p. 7). For Indigenous peoples, success involves a holistic understanding of the inextricable link between spirituality, culture, healing, and connection to land. To be successful is to have a strong sense of community and a spiritual relationship with all life forms. Indige- nous peoples were able to continue with their traditional culture and ways of living despite col- onization processes. Restoring cultural values and knowledge of Indigenous groups that faced colo- nial suppression is central to nurture resilience and, therefore, success and well-being across the community. Indigenous peoples have been prac- ticing resilience before it was a concept developed by Western scientists (Berkes et al. 2000); there- fore, their perspectives of resilience cannot be properly understood under Western frameworks.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
