ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a critical exploration of the topic of indigenous nature spirituality. Within the growing and increasingly institutionalised framework that recognises indigenous nature spirituality, indigenous peoples can claim rights to sacred natural sites and natural places that have cultural value for them. The recognition of indigenous peoples’ nature spirituality can also give the concept greater visibility, and this allows it to become a cultural resource that others can draw upon. As a result, indigenous peoples can inadvertently become flagbearers for an alternative way of relating to nature in general. In this chapter, I explore the implications of these two different dynamics—one confers greater rights on indigenous peoples and the other requires more of indigenous peoples to embody the ideal or symbol that can influence thinking in the environmental movement. I ask if there is a tension between these two dynamics and also discuss indigenous nature spirituality in a non-essentialist manner. With examples from the Indian context and with references to indigenous nature spirituality as situated in a global context, the chapter seeks to bring clarity to the scope, politics, and appeal of indigenous nature spirituality.
