A category within the study and practice of religion that describes the beliefs systems of indigenous groups is called Indigenous religion. These belief systems are then compared with new religious movements and world religions. While many indigenous people have practices similar to European religious traditions, others are totally different. For example, animism is an indigenous religion.
Adaptation to European religion
Canada's indigenous religions differ widely. Many are made up complex social-cultural practices that address spiritual and supernatural issues. European religion changed Indigenous life significantly through missionaries and government policies, resulting in hybridized, often contradictory religious practices. Many Indigenous communities today are striving to regain their traditional spiritual practices, worship and worship.
While some Indigenous Peoples resisted conversion, others accepted the Christian lifestyle without reservation. Jesuit missions often helped with conversion. Converts often formed new communities, which were opposed to 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.
Although they may have different beliefs and practices from one another, many indigenous religions share some commonalities. They are connected to nature and one another, and their beliefs are based upon their environment.
Animism
Animism is a general term that covers many indigenous religions. It is the belief system that all life has a soul. This belief is closely linked to environmental sustainability. Animism is gaining popularity.
Many animist cultures believe that harmony with their environment is a key value. They understand that the end of exploiting the environment is death. Being wealthy and possessive does not make one happy. According to Animists a person's happiness is dependent upon building a strong relationship and not accumulating too much material wealth.
In 1871, Edward Tylor described animism as a belief in the existence of souls in all natural objects, including animals. Tylor claimed that animism is the earliest form religion. But, it developed into polytheism and then 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. Self-reflexivity is crucial in contextualizing indigenous religious traditions.
Many Indigenous peoples practice their Spirituality in non-ceremonial ways. These practices can be time- and space-specific and may have specific requirements. These practices may require special time and space, so organizations might be required to accommodate them. However, some practices may not conform to current schedules, leave provisions, or other organizational policies.
The case of Christianity is a case in point. In order to resist colonization, the indigenous people used Christian beliefs. The United States has seen the Mi'kmaq/Burnt Church of the Esgenoopetitj/Burnt Church use Christianity as a political and spiritual ally. In what could be called an expression of indigenous Catholicism, their Catholic priests have prayed to Kateri, a Mohawk woman, to have her canonized. Today, Kateri’s story is shared across nations in the ongoing indigenization and Christianization.