In the study of religion, Indigenous Religion is a category that describes indigenous religion's religious beliefs. These belief systems are compared with world religions and other new religious movements. Although many indigenous religions are very similar to European ones, others are quite different. For example, animism 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 changed Indigenous life significantly through missionaries and government policies, resulting in hybridized, often contradictory religious practices. Many Indigenous peoples today have attempted to restore their traditional spiritual practices and worship, despite this.
Some Indigenous Peoples refused conversion. Others accepted the Christian lifestyle openly. Jesuit missions often helped with conversion. Many converts formed new communities that were not in line with the original Indigenous group. This process tested the strength of the communities. 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 broad term that encompasses many indigenous religions. It refers to the belief that everything in nature has a soul. This belief is closely tied to the increasing concern for environmental sustainability. As a result, there has been renewed interest in animism.
Many animist cultures attach great importance to living in harmony and with their environment. They know that the only way to get out of a situation is through its manipulation. Wealth and possessions are not what make someone happy. According to Animists a person's happiness is dependent upon building a strong relationship and not accumulating too much material wealth.
Edward Tylor defined animism as belief in the existence souls within all natural objects, including animals, in 1871. Tylor claimed that animism is the earliest form religion. But, it developed into polytheism and then monotheism.
Diversity of indigenous religions
Understanding the cultural and political contexts within which indigenous religions operate is essential for understanding them. We must recognize the unique factors that shape indigenous religious communities and acknowledge indigenous philosophies, practices, and insights. Self-reflexivity is crucial in contextualizing indigenous religious traditions.
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 not conform to current schedules, leave provisions, or other organizational policies.
Christianity has been a subject of resistance by indigenous peoples to colonization. For example, the Mi'kmaq members of the Esgenoopetitj/Burnt Church used Christianity as both a spiritual and political ally in the United States. Their Catholic priests have prayed that Kateri, a Mohawk women, would be canonized. This is what could be considered indigenous Catholicism. Today, Kateri’s tale is shared between nations as part the ongoing process for indigenization.