To Appropriate or not to Appropriate — that is a question

The appropriation–-adoption, misuse, fraud, stealing, cheating, annexation–-of Native American cultures and other Indigenous traditions by Westerners in their search for meaningful spirituality has become a topic of increasing controversy and sensitivity in our present social discourse. This issue echoes a complex relationship of cultural exchange, colonialist exploitation, greed, and, on the other hand, a genuine quest for cultural fulfillment and self-identification in our progressively globalized world.

As humanity faces unprecedented extensional challenges, including global warming, a widespread collapse of trust in societal institutions, and economic disparity, the potential role of Indigenous wisdom in forging pathways toward sustainability and reconciliation has never been greater. Let me explore the nuances of cultural appropriation, the shared stewardship of Mother Earth, and how Indigenous knowledge systems might offer essential insights for addressing the planet’s most burning issues.

A Quest for Spirituality

The appropriation of Indigenous cultures by Westerners often manifests through the adoption of spiritual practices, symbols, branding, and rituals removed from their original cultural contexts and meanings. Such practices range from the use of sacred medicinal psychedelics like peyote, mushroom, and ayahuasca in non-traditional ceremonies or medical clinics to the commercialization of spiritual symbols, apparel, and music. While some individuals genuinely seek deeper spiritual meaning and connection, this kind of appropriation may seem trivial but it can be disrespectful of the profound cultural and spiritual significance these elements hold within Indigenous communities. It continues the legacy of Westerners colonialism and exploitation, overlooking the struggles Indigenous peoples face in preserving their cultures, rights, and ways of living.

The Collapse of Institutional Trust

The modern world is grappling with ecological and social crises, from climate change to widespread disenchantment with political, economic, medical, and religious institutions. These challenges are symptomatic of a broader disconnect between Nature and fair governance models. The erosion of trust in institutions reflects a crisis of legitimacy stemming from systemic inequities, racism, corruption, and a perceived failure to address the true needs of the planet and its inhabitants. In this context, the search for alternative paradigms and wisdom is both understandable, legitimate, and vital at this time.

We Are All Natives

The shamanic concept of being “Natives” underscores all of life’s fundamental interconnectedness and interdependence. We all come from the Earth and go back to the Earth, our common mother. Our first and most sacred and vital relations. This shamanic perspective of the Feminine or our Hearts, deeply rooted in many Indigenous worldviews, recognizes us as a part of the Earth, a living entity with central value rather than merely a resource to exploit. It acknowledges the long chain of ancestry we all share from the beginning of time. It recognizes Western civilization’s deep disconnection from Spirit and its ancient roots due to the rise of science, logic, and industrialization, represented as the Masculine powers. Adopting this holistic understanding can foster a greater sense of responsibility towards the environment and each other, encouraging sustainable, respectful, and regenerative practices.

Indigenous Leaders Hold the Key to Humanity’s Future.

Indigenous knowledge systems, perfected over millennia of intimate observation and interaction with the natural world and the cosmos, offer invaluable insights into sustainable living. These traditions involve ecological knowledge, principales of social organization, social justice, and physical and spiritual well-being. Indigenous practices such as rotational and permaculture farming, forest management, and water conservation demonstrate sophisticated, sustainable approaches to resource use. Indigenous concepts of community, stewardship, and reciprocity can inform more equitable and sustainable societal structures.

However, integrating Indigenous wisdom into global strategies for sustainability and healing requires more than superficial appropriation. It necessitates genuine, conscious alteration, dialogue, respect, and partnership. Acknowledging the sovereignty and rights of Indigenous peoples and ensuring their leadership and informed consent in sharing their knowledge is crucial. Further still, this process involves a collective examination of values and priorities, moving away from vicious consumerism and exploitation towards a shared society of mutual respect and sustainability.

For Indigenous leaders to withhold the keys for this change is a true misstep. Keeping their wisdom and medicine close to their chests, for fear of Western abuse, is like watching our common house go up in flames and withholding the keys from the firefighters who have arrived to help to put the fire out.

Our time calls for all Elders to step up in courage, rally their troops, and give with open hearts for the unity of all. Teaching the rest of the population with love will bring us all closer, fortify native self-esteem, and restore their place in society. They are no longer outcasts, victims living in the peripheries of modern life, but truly equal spiritual guides and full partners.

Those Westerners are not dressing up for Halloween, they are searching for their soul and spirit. The more they experience the beauty of Indigenous wisdom, the more they will respect and adopt it – in its fullness – in the long run.

A New Paradigm

The High Andean prophecy of the Condor and the Eagle captures a particularly illuminating example of how Indigenous wisdom can guide humanity toward a more sustainable and interconnected future. This prophecy speaks of a time when the Condor—representing Indigenous wisdom, intuition, and a heart-centered way of life—flies together in a dance of harmony and cooperation with the Eagle –  symbolizing the modern West with its focus on science, technology, and rationality. The essence of this prophecy is the harmonious co-existence of these seemingly contrasting worlds for the mutual benefit of all humanity and the environment.

The prophecy indicates that we have entered a new era where the survival of the human race and the preservation of our planet depend on integrating the deep ecological insights and sustainable living practices of Indigenous cultures with the technological advancements and scientific understanding of the Western world. This convergence is not merely about the exchange of knowledge; it’s about creating a new paradigm of balance between the masculine and feminine that values the heart wisdom of the Condor as much as the intellectual and technological prowess of the Eagle. This new global consciousness encourages a holistic approach to addressing our future.

This synthesis of knowledge and wisdom presents a powerful, sustainable model in which the advancements of modern society complement the timeless insights of Indigenous traditions. It envisions a world where technology coexists with spirituality and rational thought with intuition, creating a relationship that mutually enhances all life forms on Earth.

By embracing the message of the Condor and the Eagle, humanity can progress towards a future that honors and integrates the strengths of both Indigenous wisdom and Western innovation. This collaborative path offers hope for resolving our most pressing global issues, fostering a world where technology enhances our connection to the Earth and to each other rather than creating alienation from our planetary home and its ancient wisdom. In this new paradigm, we recognize the invaluable contributions of all cultures and knowledge systems in creating a sustainable, just, and flourishing world.

Building Bridges

Since the 1980s and 1990s, many tribal leaders, Elders, and Indigenous shamans have picked inquisitive Western men and women whom they see fit to pass on their knowledge, wisdom, and sacred crafts, hoping they will carry on their traditions to prevent them all from vanishing. The late Yachak Don Alberto Taxo encouraged us to teach what we learned from him. Their children and grandchildren simply don’t show interest in the “old primitive ways.” The beast of the modern world’s glitter has consumed them. They are mostly ashamed of the old ways which they see as preventing them from integrating themselves into the modern global society that has found them through their cell phone screens, social media, films, and music. The Western greed virus has infected their souls. It’s not all their fault.  The natural resources around them are quickly disappearing as the result of big oil, tree logging, and big agro. palm oil, etc., and they need a good Western education and money to pay for all life’s necessities. You can’t blame them. But this is why the role of Westerners passionate about carrying the indigenous grandparents’ messages is so critical, even if they don’t look the part. They have experienced the beauty of Indigenous wisdom, and they see the fullness of its potential. It is clearly going to take all of us — and, after all, it’s the message and the intention that matters.

Navigating Appropriation

In order to avoid feelings of exploitation and trivialization, sensitivity and respect is crucial to navigating the misuse of Native American and other Indigenous cultures by Westerners who are seeking meaning in their lives. In the face of global warming and a crisis of trust in institutions, the wisdom of Indigenous peoples offers us a blueprint for living in agreement with the Earth and with one another. Recognizing that all humans are natives of Mother Earth and embracing Indigenous knowledge with integrity may be the key to addressing our time’s ecological and social challenges. Embracing this path requires great humility, openness, and a commitment to social justice and sustainability that transcend all cultural boundaries, guiding humanity toward a more hopeful and resilient future. The paddles are in the hands of the Native Elders to help us all navigate our canoe to a safe shore.

Going Forward

It’s not up to us to know who the next shamans will be. We should not be afraid of people who are experimenting with shamanism. Westerners, who may appear to be “dressing for Halloween,” should not be turned away, for they are seeking meaning. We should invite them into the fold and allow them the opportunity to learn and grow. If they are there for the wrong reasons, Spirit will spit them out — those who are meant to be there may surprise us all by becoming the ones who guide us into the future …