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Stories

Introduction

Exploring the richness of Indigenous traditions worldwide.

Cult-ED stands for Cultural Education

Discover how beautiful and diverse our world is, and how empowering it feels to be part of one big family of humans.

Become an ambassador for humanity, one who deeply respects cultural diversity worldwide, including the traditions and knowledge of the Indigenous peoples.

Exploring the richness of Indigenous traditions worldwide
Meruert, Kazakh | Sagsai, Bayan-Ӧlgii province | Mongolia, 2017
Culture is everywhere

What is culture?

Culture shows how a group of people live and do things. It’s made up of their beliefs, the way they behave, what they think is important, and even the objects they make and use.

Imagine you have a special way of celebrating your birthday. That’s part of your culture! Or you celebrate special days of the year according to your religion, or the place where you are from.

We learn about culture from our families, friends, and the people around us. Sometimes we copy what they do, especially when different groups of people meet and share their ideas. Even the internet can help spread and change culture nowadays.

Culture is inherently dynamic and continually evolving.
Machacca, Zamata & Quispe, Q’ero | Qochamoqo, Hatun Q’eros, Andes | Peru, 2018
The global family of humanity

Who are the Indigenous peoples?

Humans have a strong connection to where they come from – it is a big part of who we are. No matter where we live now, we can trace our family roots back to a group of people who originally lived in Africa. Around 100,000 years ago, some of them started to move and spread all over the world over tens of thousands of years.

Sharing common origins makes all humans part of one big family, the global family of humanity.
Qapik, Inuit | Arctic Bay, Nunavut, Northwest passage | Canada, 2018
Stong and lasting connections

Can anyone be "indigenous" today?

The first people to live in a certain place are called “indigenous” a term that defines something that originated right there. But here’s a question: can anyone be Indigenous today?

Even though we all have African roots, we use the term “indigenous” to talk about groups of people who have kept a strong and lasting connection with their ancestors’ lands, traditions, and ways of life. These Indigenous peoples have a deep bond with their environment, and they have their own languages, stories, and traditions that make them unique.

*the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

This forms what the UNESCO* calls “the intangible heritage”, a treasure trove of amazing traditions and stories that make our world richer.
From left to right: Sonam | Ngalop, Pavel | Nenet, ? | Marquesans, ? | Muchimba, ? | Huli, Meruert | Kazakh, James | Mowanjum, Jose | Chichimeca Jonaz, Emiliana | Q’ero, Angelo | Wodaabe
Negative impact

Indigenous peoples are at risk.

It is not just about losing land, it is about losing their unique ways of life and the things that make them who they are.

Many Indigenous peoples rely on the natural environment for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. Climate change, environmental degradation, deforestation, and pollution disproportionately impact Indigenous communities, making them move from their homes and lose their places.

The traditions of Indigenous Peoples hold invaluable wisdom and perspectives that can greatly contribute to the global society.
Nagula | Yakel village, Tanna | Vanuatu, 2014
They recognise that human well-being is intricately linked to the health of the environment.
Angelo, Wodaabe, Sudosukai | Gerewol festival, Bossio, Chari-Baguirmi region | Chad, 2016
Resilience

Indigenous peoples are resilient.

Resilience means the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties. Just like how a tree bends but doesn’t break in a strong wind, people can also bend and adapt when faced with challenges.

Indigenous peoples have had to deal with hard things, like being treated unfairly, losing their land, and being treated differently. But they haven’t given up.

Instead, they’ve shown amazing bravery and strength in keeping their important traditions and knowledge alive, no matter what challenges come their way.

WE ARE ONE HUMANITY
Tess, Mèreker | Marken, Noord-Holland | The Netherlands, 2020
Dalaikhan, Kazakh | Altai, Bayan-Ӧlgii province | 2017
Diganbar Shivnarayan Giri, Sadhu | Haridwar | 2016
Saitoti, Maasai | Ngorongoro, Serengeti | Tanzania, 2010
Mundiya, Huli | Kope village, Tari, Hela province | Papua New Guinea, 2017
Judith, Korafe | Amunioan, Tufi, Oro province | Papua New Guine, 2017
By learning about and respecting all cultures, we make the world a happier and more exciting place where everyone feels important and part of one big family of humanity.