Designing a transnational indigenous leaders interaction in the context of globalization: a Wisdom of the People Forum

Abstract

Abstract Forty Indigenous leaders from the Americas and New Zealand and several non‐Indigenous participants sitting in the traditional Comanche Tribe circle began the forum by sharing their ‘medicine’—inner strength or personal power. They evoked in various ways a common deep spirituality based on a respect for the earth, ancestors, family, and peaceful coexistence. The purpose of the forum was to create, through true dialogue, a shared understanding of the barriers that will need to be addressed in the enhancement of liberating transnational interactions among emerging Indigenous leaders in the context of globalization. Finding patterns of effective interactions was the primary task of the forum participants. The fact that the participants are searching for ‘patterns of meaning’ implies that what they strive for is to integrate the intangible of traditional core cultural values into a contemporary reality. In the forum, the group identified effective, practical means that embody Indigeneity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.