Indigenous Peoples have been considered ‘people in the periphery’ for several years, wherein social injustices have become part of indigenous lives; peoples’ unjustifiable perceptions, unequal opportunities, coping with the demands of the changing world- cultural challenges, and living out their indigenous spirituality, which seems problematic from the educated peoples’ point of view. Truthfully, they became the victims of external and internal injustices. External factors may include governments’ responses to the community’s urgent needs, providing legal/essential opportunities, and sustainable programs for the district to survive- because they are considered ‘stewards of the environment.’ On the other hand, internal factors comprise power relations and conflict within the community, such as clashes of clans and intergenerational gap-bearing of the culture, beliefs, traditions, and practices. It may sound demanding, but the indigenous communities are distant regarding transformational development, and Muslims and some Christian communities are thriving and fostering. These are first-hand and collective encounters with the Indigenous communities I work with.
ALL Forum has become accommodating to deal with various realities of humanity. It is my second time attending the formation initiatives of the said program. Throughout the 11 days of learning and engaging with other participants from other Asian countries, I could manifest reflective listening and proactively rationalize my thoughts on several societal issues. The invitation was continuous contemplation and a concrete response towards proximity. There are various strategies to respond to the context of the communities, nationally and internationally. As I listened to the accounts’ shared by the people in the church and advocates of human deficiency, I realized that as we walk together, we need to consider how others can responsively and committedly contribute to what we are fighting for.
I belong to an indigenous community in Bukidnon, the Umayamnon tribe, and I am slowly learning our genealogy- my innate connection with my ancestors, ‘how they contributed to my being,’ and unlearning not relatable- applicable practices, which may sound disrespectful with the community. The intergenerational gap has become one of the significant concerns wherein youth has become complacent, and the elders have become authoritative. It is the result of continuous social injustices: youth have limited opportunities for quality education, elders need to respond to the standard of the community, unequal essential services, and diverse religious beliefs, which is also stratifying. These realities contributed to the inadequate progress of the indigenous peoples.
All are called, but few responded. The Fr. Leoni Mission Foundation, Inc. has been journeying with the Indigenous Peoples in Bukidnon for 25 years. Yet, IPs are still part of the more significant problem- marginalization, injustices, and exclusivity. Many Jesuits advocated for the IPs, and some have prospered but still became the victims of societal concerns. One year in the mission made me realize that ‘we can only do so much.’ As a member of the few respondents to this calling, I am blessed and favored by how God continuously guides and enlightens my daily mission. As I move forward, it is crucial for me to ‘walk with God and others’, to discern, strategically, and responsibly respond to various realities of humanity, not just for IPs. One of the opportunities I have seen is providing social spaces for women to prosper and contribute to change. It has been several years since the patriarchial way of living has spread worldwide. We need to fight for authentic social spaces for women to contribute and become empowered contributors to the world’s calling today. Let us be part of this initiative to provide equitable privileges for women to stand and fight for what is right. During the ALL-forum event in Bali, most of the participants are young women; by that, there is hope. We just need to know what and where we can greatly help.” Just choose the proper battle.”
My encounters with other advocates to live out “what is the most loving way to do.” It will take years, and even centuries, to become the bridge and voice of various communities experiencing injustices. But, as we walk together, it would become a bearable journey. Let our hearts listen to what is needed and is proactively responding to the changing world.
By: ZACARA P. LASTIMADO