Indigenous peoples around the world have shown remarkable resilience in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on their traditional knowledge and practices, they have navigated the challenges brought on by the crisis. However, the pandemic has also highlighted the existing inequalities and exclusion faced by indigenous communities, raising important questions about the social contract that governs our societies.
The United Nations Secretary-General has called for a rewriting of the social contract, the implicit set of rules by which all members of a society live and interact with each other. This call is particularly relevant for indigenous peoples who have historically been marginalized and excluded from the social contract. In many countries, indigenous communities were driven from their lands, their cultures denigrated, and their people marginalized from political and economic activities.
It is interesting to note that the Constitution of the United States, created in 1787, was inspired by the social and political solutions of Native American nations, particularly the Haudenosaunee. Despite this historical influence, many indigenous peoples around the world continue to be excluded from the social contract and face challenges in asserting their rights and autonomy.
In 2020, the drafting of the new Chilean constitution was led by Elisa Loncón, an indigenous Mapuche woman, highlighting a shift towards recognizing and including indigenous peoples in governance and decision-making processes. While some indigenous communities have achieved self-governance and autonomy, many still come under the authority of central governments that control their lands, territories, and resources.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in 2021 will focus on addressing the injustices faced by indigenous communities and advocating for a new and inclusive social contract. This new social contract should be based on genuine participation and partnership, fostering equal opportunities and respecting the rights, dignity, and freedoms of all individuals.
Indigenous peoples‘ right to participate in decision-making processes is crucial for achieving genuine reconciliation between indigenous peoples and states. A new social contract must address the legacy of exclusion and marginalization affecting indigenous communities by ensuring their meaningful and effective participation and obtaining their free, prior, and informed consent.
In conclusion, the global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the resilience of indigenous peoples and the need for a new social contract that is inclusive and equitable. By recognizing and including indigenous communities in decision-making processes, we can work towards building a more just and sustainable society for all.