John P. Kamanga’s Post

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘄𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝗔 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The Ewe people, an ethnic group inhabiting southeastern Ghana, southern Benin, and southern Togo, represent a vibrant culture shaped by centuries of migration and resilience. Speaking various dialects of the Ewe language (part of the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family), their history stretches back centuries, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 13𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘆𝗼, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮. Oral traditions paint a picture of significant migrations beginning in the 11th century, with the Ewe settling in their present locations by the early 17th century. 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗴𝘆𝗽𝘁, 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮, 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆𝘀. The imposition of colonial borders in the 19th century fractured the Ewe community, separating people who shared a common language and culture under different colonial powers. This division, vividly illustrated in the epic story of their escape from 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗼𝗸𝗼𝗹𝗶'𝘀 𝘁𝘆𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆, highlights the challenges of maintaining unity amidst political fragmentation. Despite these divisions, the Ewe people have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and cultural richness. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗺𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀), 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆, 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. Their society, traditionally patrilineal, centers around lineages and family land, considered an ancestral gift, passed down through generations and held sacred. Their religious beliefs are centered around a creator god, Mawu (Nana Buluku among the Fon), with a rich pantheon of lesser deities shaping daily life. Ancestral spirits also hold significant importance, reinforcing social structures and familial ties. 𝗜𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗘𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲. The Ewe story is a powerful reminder of the complex dynamics of migration, cultural resilience, and the enduring strength of community in the face of historical upheaval. It underscores the importance of understanding the intricate narratives that shape the African continent's diverse tapestry of peoples and cultures. #EwePeople #AfricanHistory #Migration #Culture #Ghana #Togo #Benin #Ethnicity #AfricanCulture #History

Every year on August 9th, the United Nations observes the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱'𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀. Indigenous peoples represent a significant portion of the global population, with distinct cultures, languages, and traditions. They reside in remote forests rich in natural resources in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Venezuela. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 is focusing on ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact’. 🔹 🔸🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 Some definitions: Groups of people who are in 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 have chosen to live outside of mainstream society and have minimal or no contact with the outside world. 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 refers to the first interaction between Indigenous people in voluntary isolation and the outside world. 🔹 🔸🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 🔹 🔸 It's important to note that initial contact is often initiated by outsiders, such as loggers, miners, or missionaries, rather than by the Indigenous people themselves. This can disrupt their way of life, introduce diseases, and erode their cultural identity. This day is a call to action for governments, international organisations, and individuals to address the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, including issues like land rights and economic development. #Indigenous #IndigenousPeoples #Resources

As we explore the Beautiful Tribes of Kenya series with Enua Kijana Afrika - Enuka, the spotlight today is on the Rendille people—pastoralists of Kenya’s arid northern frontier, who embody resilience, adaptability, and unity. Their clan system is not just a social structure but a cultural cornerstone, fostering identity, collaboration, and survival. 🔸 Social Dynamics: Rendille society is organized into clans that transcend individual families, serving as the primary network for kinship, inheritance, and mutual aid. Clans dictate marriage alliances, with strict rules against intra-clan unions, ensuring strong inter-clan bonds. These marriages are not just unions but strategic ties that strengthen social cohesion. Elders, drawn from various clans, play a pivotal role as custodians of culture, arbitrators in disputes, and decision-makers in resource management. Their collective wisdom ensures that traditions endure while addressing modern challenges. 🔸 Cultural Significance: Clans also carry spiritual weight, acting as keepers of sacred knowledge and rituals that define Rendille identity. Whether it’s during rites of passage, seasonal celebrations, or conflict resolutions, the clan structure emphasizes unity, shared responsibility, and respect for heritage. In the face of shifting socio-economic landscapes, the Rendille clan system remains a beacon of cultural preservation and a reminder of the strength found in community-centered living. Explore more in the #BeautifulTribesofKenya series by Enuka, where we celebrate Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry. Carolyne Ogake Momanyi Dorsila Ogola Amos Njiraini Mark Mutugi James Owino Hazel Kipsanai Bernice Namulekhwa National Museums of Kenya Ministry of Sports, Culture & Heritage African Digital Heritage Foundation Mambo Heritage African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) #beautifultribesofkenya #rendilleculture #communityfirst #enuka #cultureandheritage

There is no single definition of #IndigenousKnowledge. Throughout their history First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have passed down traditional ways to interact with their environment. Generally, Indigenous Knowledge: ➡️ accepts that all aspects of a person’s well-being are complex and connected ➡️ involves living well with, and being in relationship with, the natural world ➡️ builds upon experiences passed down through generations Often, Knowledge Holders define Indigenous Knowledge for their communities. Knowledge Holders maintain Indigenous Knowledge traditions. Canada will continue to work with Indigenous Peoples to ensure this Knowledge informs the #NationalAdaptationStrategy. Learn more: https://ow.ly/4niJ50SS5gJ

Western civilization on African societies and the need for a return to #Afrocentrism. Dot Bekker's insights highlight a critical issue: the disconnection from land and nature, which has historically been a cornerstone of many African cultures. This disconnection has been exacerbated by the allure of material wealth and urban living, often seen as markers of success in a capitalist framework. #Matrix The idea that cities function as "concentration camps" for material aspiration is a powerful metaphor. It underscores how urbanization and the pursuit of material wealth can lead to a loss of cultural identity and a disconnection from the land, which is vital for sustainable living and spiritual well-being. #Ubuntu Historically, African civilizations have indeed placed a strong emphasis on the land, not just as a resource for survival but as a sacred trust to be nurtured and protected. The communal distribution of land ensured that families could sustain themselves and maintain a connection to their heritage and environment. This contrasts sharply with the individualistic and often exploitative nature of land use in capitalist societies. The call for #Afrocentric education is crucial. It aims to reframe African history, culture, and values from an African perspective, rather than through the lens of colonialism. This educational shift can help restore pride in African heritage and promote sustainable practices that are in harmony with nature. The notion of being "negropean" versus African speaks to the internalized colonial mindset that values Western norms and achievements over indigenous ones. Reclaiming an #Afrocentric identity involves recognizing and valuing the wisdom and practices that have sustained African societies for generations. In summary, Dot Bekker's message is a call to action for Africans to reconnect with their roots, value their land, and embrace an education system that reflects their history and values. By doing so, there is potential to foster a more sustainable and spiritually fulfilling way of life that honors the legacy of African ancestors and the natural world. None Africans know who we are, But Africans don't know who they are. May be it will take a none indigenous African to drive the message home. #Oladelesthoughts #Africa #Alkebulan #Afrocentrism #Africadiaspora #MindsetMatters #Theafricawewant #MindsetChangers #AlkebulanAwakening #AlkebulanRenaissance

🔴🇨🇳Western China-experts were overwhelmed by the poor conditions of China’s Anshan 鞍山or Saddle Hill steel manufacturing complex. After 🇯🇵Militarist Japan was defeated, the victor the Soviet Union began to dismantle China’s Anshan steelworks as war trophies to bring back to the Soviet Union, causing as much as 60% damage. See seperate post for damage estimate by Japanese researcher Koji Hirata. See Appendices. The Western experts envisioned fields of sorghum 高粱in place of the steel mills, because it would take China too long, more than 20 years, to restore it to steel manufacturing. In the face of this expert opinion, the foolhardy generations of steel workers of Saddle Hill ignored the well-meaning Western sinophiles who pitied them, and began restoration work immediately. Instead of 20 years, the folks of Anshan began producing steel again just six months later, and kept nursing Anshan steel production back to full capacity and beyond. Never let well-meaning foreign experts hold your people back. Local people with their hearts at the right place can perform smaller miracles in just 6 months, followed by historic miracles in just 40 years eradicating extreme poverty for 800 million of their own countrymen. 🔶Key questions to ask are: 🔸Are the hearts at the right place❓ 🔸If we do not love our own people, who will❓ ❇️ APPENDICES 🔶🇨🇳 Seminar︱Koji Hirata: The Great Northeast after the War—How the Nationalist Government Recovered Industries in Northeast China Koji HIRATA平田康治 讲座︱平田康治：战后大东北——国民政府如何收复东北工业 🌐 https://lnkd.in/gvG3TXmu Japanese researcher on Soviet dismantling 🔶🇨🇳🇯🇵🇷🇺 Making Mao's Steelworks: Industrial Manchuria and the Transnational Origins of Chinese Socialism (Cambridge Studies in the History of the People's Republic of China) by Koji Hirata 平田康治 (Author) 🌐 https://lnkd.in/ggRqY-ib 🔶🌐Anshan steel emerged from its ashes like a phoenix in Liaoning Province 辽宁省(look out for my coming post on Liaoning Province) 🔶 🇨🇳China insider accidentally revealed China’s secretive economic plans as much as 5 years ahead❗️ Hence, anyone, of course a Nobel Prize Laureate too, could evaluate the outcome to see the mind boggling transformations‼️ 🔴🇨🇳 KMF2023] Chinese New Economy and Globalisation - The Sequel - Dr. Eric Li Khazanah Megatrends Forum 17 Oct 2023; 106,315 views 🌐 https://lnkd.in/ghrC7XY3 .

During the filming of Saving Walden's World, I visited Cuba, Kerala and Slovenia. Here's blog post on my time in Cuba, made especially memorable by my conversation with Mavis. https://lnkd.in/ewhuAPy3 "When I started working with Agrarian Reform, 40 percent of Cuba's rural population was illiterate… they would put an X or their finger prints on the land titles that I was bringing to them." Mavis becomes animated, "Ownership of the farm went to the man, always. And I started to wonder: OK, but why always to the man and not the woman? The population of the Cuban countryside lived in dreadful poverty, because there was a great concentration of land in a very few hands and people… many people had no land. In other words, we had the classic agrarian structure of colonized countries."—Mavis Dora Alvarez, Agronomist, Specialist in Land Reform and Gender, Literacy Campaign Participant 1961 #film #cinema, #documentary, #storytelling, #bethechange, #savingwaldensworld, #savetheplanet, #sustainability, #environment, #sustainablefuture, #sustainability, #feminism, #empowerment, #cuba, #slovenia, #kerala, #radicalsimplicity, #Democracy, #Citizenship, #Education, #Women's History, #World History, #Global Studies, #theliteracyproject #UNSDG #SustainableDevelopmentGoals

Many people in Africa who were affected by colonialism spend more time thinking about the past instead of focusing on the present and future. There is so much that we can research and learn about our ancestors. They were intelligent with a lot of wisdom. They were concerned about the community and not individuals. I come from the Kikuyu community where ancestors had a strong stand on many things. They passed their knowledge through storytelling, songs, proverbs, etc because of the rich oral traditions. These were then passed down from generation to generation with moral lessons and cultural values. They encouraged every generation to listen to their elders and learn from their experiences unlike in present times when people disregard those growing old. Elders were respected and decisions were made collectively and not by one person dictating others. Our people were very connected to the land and nature because of the beliefs that our ancestors’ spirits resided in the forests and mountains. This is why we respect and look at Mt Kenya or Mt Kirinyaga as a sacred mountain. It has played a central role in Kikuyu spirituality and identity. There was a major emphasis on community and family in Kikuyu culture as they were seen as important factors. Everyone had a role to play and it was all to support and uplift the community and not an individual. One who pursued own interests alone was perceived as a selfish person. We had strong cultural practices and traditions which were demonstrated through rites of passage such as circumcision ceremonies for boys, initiation for girls, marriage, customs, agricultural techniques, etc. These were all designed as valuable aspects of our society which gave responsibility and a sense of belonging to every member of the community. Kikuyu people were resilient and adaptable. They showed resilience in many ways through some historical challenges. For example, during colonialism, they were on the forefront of resistance movements to the oppression of the colonizers. They took up their arms and went into the forest to fight for the liberation of the country. This is a testament to the strength and wisdom that future generations need to learn about. Future generations need to know our history, strength, wisdom, intelligence so that they would not look down upon themselves as inferior people from primitive backgrounds, but use this knowledge and understanding to propel themselves to the next level as global citizens. #Generations #GlobalCitizen #Resilience

✋Interested in #indigenouspeoples and #humanrights? @IWGIA published the 38th edition of the Indigenous World, 🙌 Download it at http://bit.ly/2nTAsKO - Curious about developments in South Africa? 👉: https://bit.ly/4c2TIrP The Indigenous World 2024 report by IWGIA highlights the status and ongoing challenges of the San and Khoekhoe peoples in South Africa. These communities continue to face significant issues, such as: Historical Land Injustices: Many Indigenous communities still await the resolution of historical land claims, which leaves them without secure access to their ancestral territories and impacts their cultural and economic activities. Insufficient Legal Recognition: The San and Khoekhoe peoples are not formally recognized under national legislation, which hampers their ability to assert their rights and obtain necessary resources. Cultural Marginalization: Indigenous languages and cultural practices are under threat, with limited efforts to preserve and promote these vital aspects of their heritage, leading to a loss of cultural identity. Economic Exclusion: High levels of poverty prevail among Indigenous communities, who face barriers to accessing economic opportunities and resources, exacerbating their marginalization. Environmental Threats: Industrial activities such as mining and large-scale agriculture pose significant risks to traditional lands, causing environmental degradation that affects the livelihoods and well-being of Indigenous populations. The report underscores the urgent need for policies that recognize and protect Indigenous rights, ensuring their inclusion in sustainable development efforts.

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Day, I find myself reflecting on what heritage means, especially for those of us who feel caught between identities. It’s not always easy to dig deep and connect with your roots, particularly when our past is so complicated. For many, there's an unspoken struggle within our communities where we face an identity crisis that isn’t often discussed. Historically, people like me—people from mixed backgrounds—have faced a lot of uncertainty about where we fit in. We carry the weight of a past shaped by colonialism, apartheid, and segregation, and as a result, our heritage is layered with complexity. South Africa's history tells the story of how diverse groups were categorised under one label, often reducing our rich and varied backgrounds. From indigenous Khoisan ancestry to the mixed influences of slaves, immigrants, and colonisers, we’re the product of centuries of cultural blending. And yet, there are moments where it feels like we don’t fully belong to any one group. But despite the challenges, I am still proudly South African. As a father, husband, and business owner, I carry hope for our beautiful country. The strength of South Africa lies in its diversity, and I believe that if we can learn to embrace our differences and understand each other better, we’ll move towards a brighter, more unified future. Heritage is about more than just where we come from—it’s about where we’re headed. For me, that means working to build a future where my children can feel connected to their roots without question. Here’s to celebrating the beauty, the complexity, and the resilience of our South African heritage. #HeritageDay #ProudlySouthAfrican #HopeForTheFuture