In the study of religion, Indigenous Religion is a category that describes indigenous religion's religious beliefs. These belief systems are then compared with new religious movements and world religions. While many indigenous groups have religious practices that are similar to European religions, others are entirely distinct. Animism, for instance, is an indigenous religion.
Adaptation to European Religion
Indigenous religions vary widely in Canada and are made up of complex social and cultural practices that address matters of the sacred and supernatural. European religion significantly influenced Indigenous life through missionaries, government policies, and resulting in hybridized, sometimes contradictory religious practices. Many Indigenous peoples today have attempted to restore their traditional spiritual practices and worship, despite this.
While some Indigenous Peoples resisted conversion, others accepted the Christian lifestyle without reservation. Jesuit missions were often instrumental in helping with the conversion process. Converts are often able to form new communities that oppose the original Indigenous group. This process was very disruptive to the community's fabric. In the seventeenth century, European religion began to adapt to Indian religion.
Despite their vast differences in beliefs, practices and beliefs, many indigenous religions have some similarities. They have strong connections to each other and nature, and their beliefs are based in their environment.
Animism
Animism is a general term that covers many indigenous religions. It is the belief that all things in nature have a soul. This belief is directly connected to the growing concern about environmental sustainability. Animism has received renewed interest.
Many animist cultures put a lot of importance on harmony with the natural world. They understand that exploitation of the environment is a dead end. Material wealth and possessions do not make a person happy or fulfilled. Animists believe that happiness and fulfillment can only be achieved through a strong connection with the world around us.
Edward Tylor, who described animism back in 1871, believed that all natural things, including animals and humans, have souls. Tylor stated that animism was a form of religion which originated in the beginning. It evolved into polytheism, and then to monotheism.
Diverse religions
It is important to pay attention to the political and cultural contexts in which indigenous religions are practiced. Recognizing the unique characteristics that make up indigenous religious communities is essential. We also need to acknowledge indigenous wisdom, practices, and insights. It is important to recognize the importance of self-reflexivity when contextualizing indigenous religious practices.
Many Indigenous peoples have non-ceremonial practices for their Spirituality. These practices might require space and time, or may have particular requirements. Organisations might have to accommodate these types of practices. However, some practices may conflict with current schedules, leave-of-absence provisions, or other organizational policies.
Christianity has been a subject of resistance by indigenous peoples to colonization. The United States' Mi'kmaq of Esgenoopetitj/Burnt Church have, for example used Christianity as a resource and political ally. Their Catholic priests prayed for Kateri to be canonized by the Church. This could be considered an expression indigenous Catholicism. Today, Kateri's story is shared between nations in the ongoing process of indigenization of Christianity.