Rhythm of Reconnection

Meet Mashudu, who is reconnecting knowledgeable elders with young people to animate their ancestral wisdom, culture and confidence.

A new story of decolonisation from the African Earth Jurisprudence Collective, told by Mashudu Takalani of EarthLore Foundation, supported by The Gaia Foundation. Thanks to artist Tim Hawkins, who created this animation for our collective endeavor.

WATCH THE ANIMATION:

READ MASHUDU’S STORY:

RIVERS OF KNOWLEDGE

 

Working for our longstanding partner, the EarthLore Foundation, Mashudu is accompanying her community on a journey of decolonisation, following the principles of Earth Jurisprudence and using methodologies from the Colombian Amazon. Together they are restoring food sovereignty, regenerating ecosystems, and remembering traditional governance that enables humans to live in respectful relationship with our living world, guided by customary laws derived from Nature.

This holistic approach to reviving biocultural diversity is rooted in Indigenous wisdom held by elders. It reminds South Africa’s VhaVenda people that they lived in harmony with each other and their ecosystem for generations, and brings back confidence in their ancestral knowledge, practices and identity: holding them steady against the onslaught of colonialism, Christianity and the west’s industrial growth model.

“If we are strong, we can show everyone that our Indigenous culture is something to be cherished, not ashamed of.” Mashudu Takalani

Mashudu’s journey demonstrates the immense value of Indigenous cultures in navigating the multiple ecological and social crises of our times. It is a testament to the fact that, by drawing on the power of our ancestry, we can weave a resilient future.

MORE STORIES OF DECOLONISATION:

EARTH JURISPRUDENCE EXPLAINED:

A New Story for the Earth

 

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