Indigenous religion is a category in the study of religion that describes the religious belief systems of indigenous groups. These belief systems are compared with world religions and other new religious movements. Many indigenous peoples have similar religious practices to European religions. However, some are completely different. Animism is one example of an indigenous religion.
Adaptation to European Religion
Canada has many indigenous religions. They are complex and include social and cultural practices that deal with the sacred and supernatural. European religion has had a significant impact on Indigenous life through missionaries and government policies. The result was a variety of religious practices, many of which are contradictory. Many contemporary Indigenous communities are trying to reclaim traditional worship and spiritual practices.
Some Indigenous Peoples refused conversion. Others accepted the Christian lifestyle openly. The conversion process was often assisted by Jesuit missions. Converts often formed new communities, which were opposed to the original Indigenous group. This process tested the strength of the communities. In the 17th century, European religion was adapted to indigenous religion.
Despite the vast difference in beliefs and practices, indigenous religions often share important characteristics. They have strong connections with nature and each other, and their beliefs are based on their environment.
Animism
Animism is a general term that covers many indigenous religions. It is the belief system that all life has a soul. This belief is closely related to the growing concern for environmental sustainability. Animism has experienced renewed interest.
Many animist cultures place a high value on living in harmony with their surroundings. They recognize that exploitation of the natural environment is a dead end. Material wealth and possessions do not make a person happy or fulfilled. According to Animists, happiness and fulfillment are dependent on building strong relationships with all living things around you.
Edward Tylor, an 1871 Englishman, described animism in 1871 as the belief that souls exist in all natural objects, even animals. Tylor argued that animism was the earliest form of religion, but it evolved into polytheism and later monotheism.
Diverse indigenous religions
The cultural and political contexts that indigenous religions exist requires careful attention. We need to be aware of the unique circumstances that have shaped indigenous religious communities. Self-reflexivity is crucial in contextualizing indigenous religious traditions.
Many Indigenous peoples believe in Spirituality, but they do so in non-ceremonial manners. These practices may require specific time and space and may have unique requirements. Organisations might have to accommodate these types of practices. However, some practices may not conform to current schedules, leave provisions, or other organizational policies.
In the case of Christianity, indigenous people have used Christian beliefs to resist colonization. The United States has seen the Mi'kmaq/Burnt Church of the Esgenoopetitj/Burnt Church use Christianity as a political and spiritual ally. Their Catholic priests prayed for Kateri to be canonized by the Church. This could be considered an expression indigenous Catholicism. Today, Kateri is shared among nations as part of the ongoing process to indigenize Christianity.