‘Indigenous people are part of the solution,’ says former AIPP Gen Secy

March 13, 2026 4 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Chizami | March 13

While Indigenous Peoples have always been considered ‘illiterate’ and ‘primitive’ at some point of time in history, Gam Angkang Shimray, Former General Secretary of Asia Indigenous People’s Pact (AIPP) on Thursday remarked that, “increasingly, we are beginning to be recognised. The world is realising that indigenous people have knowledge” towards addressing “the challenge and global agenda that everybody is looking for.”

In his keynote address at the North East Network 17th Biodiversity Festival in Chizami on March 12, he categorically stated that indigenous people and communities are part of the solution.

“Indigenous knowledge and rights have begun to be recognised,” he reiterated adding, “This is the knowledge system that is beginning to break down the wall of being primitive. That is the pathway we have created and it doesn’t mean the journey or the battle has ended.” Rather, he urged that more and more communities must come together, expand, spread, thrive and become a movement for transformative force.

Even as people are still contemplating and trying to understand what is community and indigenous knowledge, he further dwelt on the aspect of indigenous knowledge being very territorial based while highlighting that, “the way you develop the knowledge is very much within your territory.”

In this regard, he stated, “what is important politically is that every village acknowledges their knowledge sovereignty.” Describing these knowledge systems as ‘sacred’ and ‘rational’, Shimray also cited the fireplace in the kitchen consisting of three stones that represent ancestors, parents and children.

“How do we develop and learn about our community systems that begin from the fireplace?” he further posed.

Women, Youth and Children: The Heart of Indigenous Knowledge
Underlining the need for strengthening the roles of women, youth and children in indigenous knowledge, Shimray stated that as ‘life-givers and caregivers,’ women have always been a champion, and taking leadership roles, while also citing their weaving, symbols and ornaments that were displayed as part of the exhibition.

“If we look at our worldview and value system to understand indigenous knowledge systems,” he said affirming, ‘It is also nurtured by women and being kept alive by them.’ Stating that women are custodians, nurturers and propagators of our knowledge system, he asserted, these are frontiers that need to be revived and further expand.

He also spoke about the youth and children while quoting, “we draw our strength from our children.” To secure the future, he said, “If you leave behind responsible children then your future is secure.”

Ultimately, he asserted, “when we are talking about relational worldview and approach, we need culture and practices of community,” which, he added, is also the fundamental foundation in addressing all these climate and environmental challenges.

He also revealed his ‘small history’ with the village of Chizami while highlighting that he was born in Chizami village and that his umbilical cord was also buried in the village. “There has always been a curiosity and emotional drive to visit this place,” he expressed.

Seed exchange, which is an annual tradition of the Biodiversity Festival was also held among 5 communities from across Nagaland including Angami, Chakhesang, Khiamniungan, Yimkhiung and Pochury respectively, also indicating exchange of knowledge, experience and friendship.

Highlights of the event included blessings by Fr Vekupa George Rhakho, Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church, Chizami, welcome and introductions by Pamchingla Kumrah, State Coordinator, NEN, Nagaland, cultural performance by Pathso Nokeng Women Group, Community Voices featuring Role of Women in Biodiversity Conservation, Role of the Village Institutions for Strengthening Biodiversity.

Conservation, and Case Studies of Biodiversity Conservation.
An agricultural song was also presented by Kelhiwe Mekrisuh & Friends while short speeches were delivered by Chepeu Koza, Range Forest Officer, Phek, and Prof Geraldine Forbes, Emerita Department of History, State University of New York, Oswego while Dr Monisha Behal, Co-Founder & Chairperson, NEN also gave words of encouragement. During the event, Sumi Women Farmers also presented a cultural performance words of gratitude by Neitshopeu Thopi, General Manager, Nenterprise-Chizami Weaves and closing prayer by Rev. Mese Rhakho, Advisor, Chizami Baptist Church.

As part of the Biodiversity Festival, Earth Market, showcasing different local products was also inaugurated.