Indigenous Values

The Influence of Indigenous Values on Foreign Policy

Life has never been in isolation. The world is encompassed with living and non-living things, minerals, and numerous resources that are known and some yet untapped. Life found on the surface of the earth is inhabited by humans, plants, and animals, in all of these there is a need for order, guidance, and teaching, which is present both in the animal kingdom and the world at large.

Humans generally, are the super creatures of Earth, most religious books claim we humans have been given control over all living and nonliving things on the planet Earth. But it is a diverse world, with numerous races, and different kinds and forms of socialization, languages, values, and cultures.

But one thing is consistent about the human race. This is guided by the culture and value systems in the society, for which they differ in the aspect of culture, values and socialization processes. From the Pacific to Asia, to Europe, America, and Africa, there are different cultures, values, and beliefs.

However, people generally looked for ways to modernize their way of life, lifestyle, and all, but key indigenous values are still prominent in the world at large, inhabitants on planet Earth have transformed and developed a lot, with some countries known as developed nation and some known as the underdeveloped nations.

We now have superpowers or power states that tend to create policies and guidelines for underdeveloped nations. By doing this, there is always a matching conflict between the policies and their indigenous values. There are also instances where these indigenous values have helped ensure the right policies are formulated and utilized for the best interest of the people. This article will take a critical look at the influence of indigenous values on foreign policies.

The key to understanding the intricacies of this topic is to understand what indigenous values are. It is simply a set of practices and social behaviors based on values that have been passed down from generation to generation. They are unique to each culture and are an important part of their identity. Indigenous values resonate with the values of honor, trust, honesty, and humility; they reflect a commitment to the collective and embody a respectful relationship with the land.

On the other hand, Foreign policy is the general objectives that guide the activities and relationships of one state in its interactions with other states. It is sometimes influenced by domestic considerations or in other times by the policies or behavior of other states, or plans to advance specific geopolitical designs to states.

These two definitions have clear and varying distinctions, indigenous values are passed down from generation to generation, and foreign policies guide the interaction of states. By these clear distinctions, we can see that the indigenous values of the host nation should and will play an important role in their policy formulation.

Indigenous values that are rooted in the cultural heritage and wisdom of the indigenous people are now gaining prominence in shaping a nation’s approach to international relations. Foreign policy was traditionally shaped by geopolitical considerations and national interest. However, the influence being enjoyed by indigenous values on foreign policy is a growing acknowledgment of identifying with different perspectives in addressing issues and the formulation of policies.

Indigenous communities with their values often have great connections with their environment. The host community knows what works best for the sustainability of its environment. A distinct example is the Dagaaba people of Northern Ghana. According to, (Gebremariam, 1987), the people of Dagaaba have a deep understanding of their environment and the varying means of preserving it. I believe this knowledge of theirs which is part of their indigenous values can be used to generate and formulate policies to develop sustainable agricultural practices that will help preserve the environment.

The above example is relevant to some policies which have been formulated across different states. These policies differ in their interpretations and they can be very sensitive, according to the perceptions of different people. One of the policies can be linked to the issue of same-sex marriage which has been rejected by some countries globally, and this rejection has been linked to the indigenous beliefs and value systems of those countries.

This is a clear distinction on the influence indigenous beliefs have on foreign policies, if a foreign policy is not in tandem with the people’s indigenous values or beliefs, no matter how good or logical such policy is, it will be dead on arrival.

There is a saying in Africa, that “You cannot shave the hair of someone in his absence”. There is a strong need to always consider the host nation’s indigenous values and beliefs when formulating policies for them. There are also examples of indigenous beliefs that can influence foreign policies more and make the world a better place for us all.

One of these indigenous values can be found in Africa, which is the concept of Ubuntu (Irabor, 2020). Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term meaning “Humanity”. This is often translated as “I am because we are”. This concept has been used to promote peace and ensure reconciliation in conflict-prone areas in Africa. It is an indigenous value on the interconnectedness of all people and the importance of self-determination and sovereignty in African culture.

Imagine if an alien policy is formulated to guarantee peace without duly considering the people’s values and beliefs. It will not work and it has never worked, that is why most takeovers of indigenous societies were either through hostility or the creation of different policies that were not in tandem with the indigenous people.

The influence of indigenous values on foreign policies is not just about Africa alone, there are several instances in developed nations where they have incorporated their indigenous beliefs into policy formation.

New Zealand provides a compelling example of a nation actively integrating indigenous values into its foreign policy. According to (Leah Carrell 2022), the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Maori chiefs, is a testament to this. A foundational document that establishes a partnership between the government and the indigenous Maori people, is their indigenous values, which has brought about geopolitical collaboration and working partnership with the populace.

Canada has also been actively working to incorporate indigenous values into its foreign policy, particularly in the context of reconciliation with its First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Rightly so, according to The Guardian (2023), the recognition of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is a significant step in this direction. Their commitment to indigenous rights on the domestic front has translated into a more conscientious approach to foreign policy, fostering partnerships with other nations that share similar values. Canada’s emphasis on reconciliation has become a hallmark of Canada's diplomatic efforts, contributing to a more inclusive and respectful global engagement, once again we can see the influence of indigenous values on fostering global peace.

Moreover, even Norway is not left out. Norway which is home to the indigenous Sami people, has made significant strides in incorporating indigenous values into its foreign policy. According to Fjord Tours (2022), the Norwegian government has engaged in dialogue with Sami representatives, addressing issues related to land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination. By recognizing and respecting Sami values, Norway has not only strengthened its relationship with the indigenous community but has also set an example for other nations to follow in promoting inclusivity and respect for indigenous rights in foreign relations.

Incorporating indigenous values with foreign policies has numerous benefits; it creates an avenue for collaboration, communication, and national development.

Certainly! Crafting a strong conclusion is crucial for summarizing the key points and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Here's a suggestion for your conclusion:

In a world where the dynamics of international relations continually evolve, the influence of indigenous values on foreign policy emerges as a profound force shaping the course of global interactions. This journey across cultures, from the Dagaaba people in Ghana to the indigenous Maori in New Zealand, and from Canada's commitment to reconciliation to Norway's dialogue with the Sami people, underscores the transformative power of incorporating indigenous values into foreign policy.

As we reflect on the intricate dance between tradition and modernity, it becomes evident that the recognition of indigenous values is not merely a nod to history; it is rather a strategic investment in sustainable development, meaningful collaboration, and global peace. The stories of nations actively integrating indigenous wisdom into their diplomatic endeavors offer a beacon of hope, demonstrating that harmonious coexistence between tradition and progress is not only possible but also beneficial.

The saying, "You cannot shave the hair of someone in his absence," echoes with profound wisdom. It is a reminder that foreign policies, no matter how well-intentioned, must resonate with the cultural heartbeat of the host nation. As the world navigates complex issues, the embrace of indigenous values becomes an imperative step towards inclusive and respectful global engagement.

In conclusion, the journey of Nations sighted in this article teaches us that acknowledging and incorporating indigenous values into foreign policies is not a concession; it is an elevation of diplomatic discourse. It creates bridges of understanding, fosters collaboration, and paves the way for a world where diverse cultures coalesce in harmony. As we look to the future, the enduring lesson is clear: the influence of indigenous values on foreign policy is not just a cultural consideration; it is a pathway to a more interconnected, compassionate, and sustainable world.

REFERENCES:

Gebremariam, G. G. (1987). Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Northern Ghana. Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAPs) in Northern Ghana (uni-bonn.de)

Irabor, B. P. and Quadri, A. (2020). Indigenous African Value System and the Quest for Contemporary Education: The Ubuntu Perspective. https://www.academia.edu/61521995/Indigenous_African_Value_System_and_the_Quest_for_Contemporary_Education_The_Ubuntu_Perspective

Hess, M. A. (2023). Norway’s Treatment of Sámi Indigenous People Makes a Mockery of Its Progressive Image. https://jacobin.com/2023/03/norway-sami-indigenous-people-reindeer-herding-wind-turbines-dispossession-protest

Leah, C. (2022). United Nations: Third Committee - General Discussion on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Published on: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/media-and-resources/united-nations-third-committee-general-discussion-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples-item-65/

Fjord Tours (2022). The Sami People of Northern Norway. https://www.fjordtours.com/inspiration/articles/sami-people-norway/

The Guardian (2023). Commission exposes injustices against Norway’s Indigenous people. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/01/commission-exposes-injustices-norway-indigenous-people-sami-kvens