Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUG 9 (NPN): The need to preserve indigenous identity, culture, traditional knowledge and institutions amid rapid development and generational change was emphasised at the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples programme organised by Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum (NIPF) at Town Hall, Dimapur, on Sunday.
Held under the theme “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being”, the programme celebrated indigenous heritage and traditional knowledge while highlighting the need to safeguard indigenous rights and institutions for future generations. Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, the special guest, also launched the event souvenir.
Addressing the gathering, Longkumer said the UN-proclaimed day was an opportunity to celebrate the unique cultures, identities, knowledge systems and contributions of indigenous communities, but stressed that “recognition alone will not suffice”. He said the responsibility to preserve indigenous identity rested with the communities themselves.
On the theme, Longkumer described indigenous midwifery as a “sacred calling”, paying tribute to generations of midwives who guided mothers and newborns through childbirth. He shared his personal connection to the tradition, noting that he was the grandson of a midwife who was also the great-aunt of NIPF president Dr Limawati Jamir.
Highlighting the Northeast’s diversity, Longkumer said the region was home to around 220 indigenous communities, each with distinct languages, traditions, customary laws and worldviews. He called for strengthening customary institutions, preserving indigenous languages and protecting ancestral lands and natural resources, which he described as the foundation of indigenous culture, spirituality and identity.
On constitutional safeguards, Longkumer announced that efforts would be made to form an Assembly committee in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to address indigenous rights. He highlighted Article 371A in Nagaland, the Sixth Schedule in Assam and the Inner Line Permit system as important safeguards.
Linking indigenous preservation with Viksit Bharat 2047, Longkumer cautioned that development could result in uniformity if the distinct circumstances of indigenous communities were ignored. Referring to the expected generational shift by 2040 and rapid advances in technology and artificial intelligence, he questioned whether existing customary courts, village councils, tribal literature boards and civil society organisations would remain relevant to younger generations.
“Without our roots, we are nothing,” Longkumer said, urging development without sacrificing indigenous roots. Recalling his recent visit to Sydney for the Commonwealth Conference, he said indigenous Australians, particularly Aboriginal people, were acknowledged only briefly during public programmes, with a similar situation observed among Maori people in New Zealand. He questioned whether Northeast communities could face a similar fate if development weakened their institutions and traditions.
Longkumer also called for greater solidarity among Northeastern states and welcomed more NEIPF programmes in Nagaland. Quoting senior leader K.K. Sema, he urged people to move beyond the mindset of “what is yours is mine, but what is mine is not yours” and focus instead on collective aspirations.
Advisor for Science and Technology Khuzoluzo Azo Neinu also called for collective efforts to protect indigenous identity, culture, heritage, traditional knowledge and rights while pursuing development. He said Indigenous Peoples Day should provide an opportunity for Northeast communities to honour their roots, respect their rights and work towards their future.
Paying tribute to traditional midwives, Neinu described them as “quiet guardians” whose knowledge extended beyond childbirth to traditional remedies, cultural understanding and emotional support. While acknowledging modern medicine, he stressed that “progress shouldn’t mean amnesia”, calling for documentation of indigenous health practices, stronger rural healthcare networks and greater interaction between traditional caregivers and certified healthcare workers.
Neinu also called for regular Indigenous Peoples Day programmes across the Northeast to strengthen solidarity and said the experience of Tripura should encourage other states to support one another in protecting indigenous interests.
The programme was chaired by Alito Z. Chishi, while former NBCC general secretary Dr Anjo Keikung proposed the invocation. NEIPF chairman Anup Chetia spoke on the significance of the event, while NEIPF secretary general Ibungochoubi presented the report. NIPF general secretary Kikheto Kika Sumi delivered the vote of thanks and Nagaland Joint Christian Forum president Dr N. Paphino offered the benediction. Representatives from other Northeastern states also addressed the gathering.
The programme featured flag hoisting of the UN, NEIPF and NIPF. Cultural presentations included a war dance by Kulolau Shena Old Küqhakulu, Indigenous Bamhum by Abiogenesis, an Assam cultural troupe performance and a special number by Discipleship Bible College, Dimapur.