On November 13, 2024, the Laudato Si’ Research Institute at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, hosted a public lecture by Fr. Vijay D’Souza SJ on indigenous approaches to nature and their relevance in addressing the planetary crisis. Vijay explored how indigenous perspectives, particularly from Northeast India, offer valuable insights into human-nature relationships and environmental sustainability. Drawing from indigenous traditions, oral histories, and ecological practices, he emphasized the deep spiritual and cultural connections that many indigenous communities maintain with their natural surroundings. He illustrated how these worldviews – rooted in reciprocity, stewardship, and harmony with the environment – challenge extractive development models and reshape ecological thinking, driving sustainable policies.
