Neo-Indigeneity: Relating Again With The Land Of The British Isles

3 Aug

“Neo-indigeneity explores the journey of forming new identity level relationships with the Land based on reciprocity. It occurs within contemporary, industrialised societies where there are no continuous Indigenous communities or culture. A key consideration is that there is a very high level of land turned over to production and an high level of urban living.”

Neo-indigeneity is an emerging concept that embodies the process of becoming Indigenous to a bioregion once again. It is a journey of reconnection, where individuals and communities draw their personal and cultural identities from the local natural environment. This lifeway is characterized by a deep respect and understanding of the ecosystems and non-human communities within one's watershed, emphasizing a harmonious and sustainable relationship with the land. Unlike traditional notions of indigeneity, neo-indigeneity does not require a genetic lineage or ancestral ties to the land. Instead, it is the desire to explore and understand the Indigenous history of the British Isles and embody practices that foster a deep kinship with the land that defines this form of indigeneity.

Rediscovering Indigenous Lifeways

Neo-indigeneity is not about living a subsistence gathering lifestyle but rather about integrating practices that reflect a profound respect for the environment, specifically local ecologies. This could include various crafts and activities that maintain a relationship with the land and its nuances, such as foraging, traditional woodworking, natural dyeing, and herbalism. These practices allow individuals to develop a hands-on understanding of their local ecosystems, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment.

For example, foraging for wild foods such as berries, nuts, and edible plants can provide a tangible link to the land, offering not only sustenance but also a deeper appreciation of the seasonal cycles and biodiversity of the region. Similarly, traditional woodworking techniques that utilize locally sourced timber can create a direct connection to the forests and woodlands, promoting sustainable forestry practices and a greater awareness of the ecological significance of these habitats.

The Role of Crafts in Neo-Indigeneity

Crafts play a crucial role in the neo-indigenous lifeway, serving as a means of engaging with the natural environment and preserving traditional knowledge. Crafts such as basket weaving, pottery, and textile arts can be deeply rooted in the local culture and ecology, reflecting the materials and techniques unique to a specific region. These crafts not only provide a sustainable source of livelihood but also foster a sense of identity and belonging to the land.

For instance, basket weaving using locally harvested willow or reeds can be a sustainable practice that supports wetland conservation efforts. The act of gathering and processing these materials requires an intimate knowledge of the local environment, including the seasonal availability and ecological impact of harvesting. Similarly, natural dyeing techniques that utilize plants, lichens, and other natural materials from the local landscape can create beautiful, environmentally friendly textiles while promoting the conservation of native plant species.

Understanding the Indigenous History of the British Isles

A key aspect of neo-indigeneity is the desire to explore and understand the indigenous history of the Land, contemporarily known as the British Isles. This involves researching and reconnecting with the land-based traditions, knowledge systems, and cultural practices of the ancient peoples who once inhabited these islands. Through engaging with archaeological evidence, rather than appealing to general, often romanticised, notions of previous cultures of this Land, new ways of being with-the-Land are formed in context. Through studying how these communities interacted with the land, contemporary individuals can gain valuable insights into sustainable living practices and develop a deeper sense of relationship to the history of their bioregion.

The British Isles have a rich indigenous history, with ancient cultures such as the Celts, Picts, and Druids leaving a lasting legacy on the landscape. These cultures profoundly related the natural world, as evidenced by their agricultural practices, sacred sites, and seasonal festivals. By delving into this history, neo-indigenous practitioners can revive and adapt these traditions to contemporary contexts, creating a lifeway that is both rooted in the past and relevant to the present.

However, rather than only drawing from these specific lifeways, a rich, land-based set of crafts and interactions existed after this period that can also inform new relationships with the Land. From the Viking invasions onward, the British Isles saw waves of migration that introduced diverse land-based crafts, each enriching local practices. The Vikings, arriving in the 8th century, brought shipbuilding techniques, metalwork, and woodworking skills suited to coastal and forested environments, influencing local craftsmanship. Later, the Normans in the 11th century introduced stoneworking and advanced agricultural methods, reshaping both architecture and farming. Later migrations, such as the Flemish weavers in the 14th century, added textile skills that became foundational to wool and linen production. These successive influences wove a rich tapestry of skills that shaped the islands' craft traditions.

For example, the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, can be celebrated as a way of honouring the cyclical nature of life and death in the natural world. Modern neo-indigenous communities might gather to share stories, light bonfires, and prepare seasonal foods, fostering a sense of community and kinship to the land. In essence, it is rediscovering available lifeways through the affordances of immediate, local ecologies.

Crucially, we must avoid, as has been done to Indigenous peoples and their cultures throughout history and today, reducing indignity to a one-dimensional monolith. This homogenises and distorts the depth and breadth of how peoples of those cultures interpret and live their lives. Therefore, not only must we avoid appropriating from the lifeways afforded by other places, but we must celebrate the many ways in which people explore and express this new relationship experience with the Land.

Embodying a Practice of Kinship with the Land

At its core, neo-indigeneity is about embodying a practice that supports a deep kinship with the land. This involves cultivating a reciprocal relationship with the environment, where individuals not only take from the land but also give back through acts of stewardship and conservation. It requires a shift in mindset, from viewing the land as a resource to be exploited to seeing it as a living entity with which we are intimately connected.

One way to embody this practice is through the creation and maintenance of habitats that support biodiversity and ecosystem health. This could involve activities such as planting native species, creating wildlife corridors, and restoring degraded landscapes. By actively participating in the care and restoration of the land, individuals can develop a sense of responsibility and agency in the face of environmental challenges.

For instance, rewilding initiatives that aim to restore natural processes and habitats can be a powerful expression of neo-indigeneity. By reintroducing native species, such as beavers and wildflowers, and allowing ecosystems to regenerate naturally, individuals can contribute to the resilience and vitality of their bioregion. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also provide opportunities for people to reconnect with the land and its inhabitants.

Inclusivity in Neo-Indigeneity

One of the most significant aspects of neo-indigeneity is its inclusivity. Unlike traditional notions of indigeneity, which are often tied to specific genetic or ancestral ties, neo-indigeneity is open to anyone who wishes to undertake a neo-indigenous lifeway. This inclusivity allows for a diverse range of individuals and communities to come together in their shared commitment to living in harmony with the land.

This inclusive approach recognizes that the desire to reconnect with the land and foster a sustainable relationship with the environment transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. It acknowledges that the ecological challenges we face are global in nature and require a collective effort to address. By embracing neo-indigeneity, individuals can find common ground in their shared love and respect for the natural world, creating a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

For example, community gardens and permaculture projects can bring together people from diverse backgrounds to work towards a common goal of food sovereignty and environmental sustainability. These initiatives provide opportunities for individuals to learn from one another, share knowledge and skills, and build a sense of community rooted in a shared commitment to the land.

The Future of Neo-Indigeneity

As the concept of neo-indigeneity continues to evolve, it holds the potential to inspire new approaches to nurturing more sustainable and relational practices with the land. By drawing on the wisdom of Indigenous traditions and adapting them to contemporary contexts, neo-indigenous practitioners can create lifeways that honour the past while addressing the pressing ecological challenges of the present.

Discussion, research and a sharing of practice will be crucial in fostering a deeper understanding of neo-indigeneity. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to engage with their local environments, we can cultivate a new context for environmental stewardship drawn from a sense of identity-related to the health and vitality of the land.

Furthermore, policy and advocacy efforts will be essential in supporting the growth of neo-indigenous practices. This could include advocating for the protection and restoration of natural habitats, supporting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, and promoting access to green spaces and community gardens. By creating a supportive policy environment, we can enable individuals and communities to thrive in their efforts to reconnect with the land.

Conclusion

Neo-indigeneity represents a powerful and inclusive vision for the future, where individuals and communities can rediscover their connection to the land and cultivate a sustainable and harmonious relationship with the environment. By drawing on the Indigenous history of the British Isles and embodying practices that foster a deep kinship with the land, anyone, irrespective of their ancestry, can undertake a neo-indigenous lifeway. Through crafts, stewardship, and a commitment to understanding and honouring the natural world, neo-indigenous practitioners can create lifeways rooted in the past and responsive to the ecological challenges of the present. As we look to the future, neo-indigeneity principles offer one guide towards a more resilient, sustainable, and interconnected world.