How can modern technologies keep indigenous cultures alive? | Emmanuela Shinta | TEDxKassel

TEDx Talks

8 Dec 202012:08

Summary

TLDRThis video captures the journey of a proud Dayak woman from Kalimantan, Indonesia, as she shares her experiences of preserving her indigenous culture amidst the challenges of modern technology and misconceptions. The speaker reflects on her struggles with discrimination and the impact of environmental exploitation on her community. Through filmmaking, she documents traditional wisdom, advocating for environmental and cultural preservation. The message emphasizes that modern technology, when used wisely, can enhance indigenous cultures, fostering a powerful collaboration between tradition and progress.

Takeaways

🌳 Kalimantan, part of Borneo, is home to a 140-million-year-old rainforest, where people can experience nature's beauty and tranquility.
🩰 The Dayak tribe has unique cultural dances, like the 'dadas,' which involves wearing heavy bracelets and adorned costumes made from coconut leaves and bird feathers.
🌅 Dayak culture emphasizes community, where visitors are welcomed warmly and don't have to worry about daily necessities like food, as they are provided by locals.
🛑 The speaker experienced discrimination and stigma growing up as an indigenous Dayak, facing misconceptions and stereotypes about her people.
👗 Society often labels indigenous people as less modern or primitive, but the speaker challenges this by embracing both modern and traditional identities.
📱 The rise of technology has presented challenges for indigenous traditions, with younger generations more drawn to social media than learning their cultural heritage.
🌏 The speaker emphasizes that modern technology should not replace indigenous wisdom but can be used as a tool to protect nature, rights, and traditions.
🎥 The speaker and her team use filmmaking to document and share the wisdom of the Dayak people, educating both locals and people around the world about their culture and environmental issues.
🌍 There is increasing global awareness of Borneo's environmental challenges, such as deforestation, and people are more conscious of their consumption habits.
🤝 The speaker advocates for collaboration between indigenous and non-indigenous people, stressing that differences can be a source of strength when used for a common goal.

Q & A

What is Kalimantan, and how does the speaker describe it?
-Kalimantan is the part of Borneo that belongs to Indonesia. The speaker describes it as a paradise, home to a 140-million-year-old rainforest where one can hear the sounds of animals like the gibbon and hornbill, smell the forest, and feel fresh water at their feet.
What is the traditional dance mentioned in the script, and what is unique about it?
-The traditional dance mentioned is called Dadas, a dance of the Dayak tribe. It is unique because dancers wear one-kilogram bracelets on both hands and dress in traditional costumes with crowns made from coconut leaves, sometimes decorated with bird feathers.
What challenges did the speaker face growing up as an indigenous Dayak?
-The speaker faced discrimination, misconception, and stigma. As a teenager, she was mocked for speaking her mother tongue and was subjected to questions based on stereotypes, such as whether her people ate human flesh or wore dark skin as clothes.
How does the speaker address misconceptions about indigenous people?
-The speaker challenges the misconception that indigenous people should always live in the forest and avoid modern life. She explains that wearing modern clothes or using technology doesn't negate their identity as indigenous people.
How has modern technology impacted the Dayak community?
-Modern technology has changed how the Dayak community communicates and preserves their culture. For instance, in the past, people had to climb trees to get a phone signal, but now, even in remote areas, they can stay connected. However, the speaker expresses concern that young people are more interested in social media than in learning traditional stories.
What environmental challenges does the speaker highlight regarding her community?
-The speaker highlights issues such as the expansion of palm oil plantations, mining, deforestation, river pollution, forest fires, floods, displacement, and conflicts, which all threaten the indigenous people's way of life and the environment.
What solution does the speaker propose for preserving indigenous culture and rights?
-The speaker suggests using modern technology as a tool to document and promote indigenous wisdom, protect the environment, and defend their rights. She has started making films to record traditional Dayak practices and advocate for land management policies.
What positive changes have occurred as a result of the speaker’s efforts?
-The speaker has seen an increased global recognition of Borneo and a greater awareness of environmental issues caused by corporate activities. Additionally, young people in her community are beginning to embrace their Dayak identity with pride, and children are learning their mother tongue while watching videos that promote indigenous culture.
What is the speaker’s overall message about the relationship between indigenous cultures and modern technology?
-The speaker emphasizes that indigenous cultures and modern technology are not opposing forces. Instead, when used appropriately, technology can enhance indigenous cultures by preserving and promoting them. She believes that modern tools can help protect their rights and culture.
What lesson does the speaker convey about overcoming challenges as an indigenous person?
-The speaker encourages others to view what seems like opposition or challenges as opportunities for growth. She believes that indigenous and non-indigenous people can work together, and that true success comes not from defeating opponents but from embracing differences and committing to walking together toward victory.

Outlines

00:00

🌳 Exploring the Beauty of Kalimantan's Culture and Nature

The speaker introduces the wonders of Kalimantan, a region in Borneo, Indonesia. Describing its 140-million-year-old rainforest, the unique sounds of wildlife, and the serene environment, the speaker portrays the region as a paradise. The traditional Dayak dance, 'Dadas,' is highlighted, showcasing the vibrant costumes, intricate bracelets, and traditional music. The warm hospitality of the Dayak people is emphasized, illustrating a community that values sharing and caring for visitors. The paragraph concludes by praising the generosity and kindness of the Dayak people, inviting others to experience their culture and way of life.

05:00

💔 Confronting Stereotypes and Misconceptions

The speaker reflects on her struggles with discrimination and misconceptions as a Dayak growing up in Kalimantan. She shares painful memories of being mocked for speaking her native language and facing ignorant questions about her culture. The speaker critiques societal prejudices that equate modernity with city life and view traditional lifestyles as backward. She challenges the stereotypes that indigenous people cannot embrace modernity while preserving their identity, advocating for a broader understanding of what it means to be indigenous. This paragraph addresses the personal impact of societal biases and the speaker's journey toward self-acceptance and pride in her heritage.

10:02

📱 The Intersection of Technology and Indigenous Identity

The speaker discusses the challenges indigenous communities face in adapting to modern technology while preserving their cultural identity. She recounts how advancements like mobile phones have transformed communication in remote areas but fears that they may erode traditional practices and knowledge. The speaker expresses concern about the impact of industrialization and deforestation on her community. Despite the challenges, she believes that technology can be a powerful tool to document and share the wisdom of the Dayak people. This paragraph outlines her journey of using filmmaking to advocate for indigenous rights, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.

🌍 Bridging Indigenous and Modern Worlds

The speaker reflects on the positive changes in how people perceive Kalimantan and its indigenous cultures, thanks to her and her team's efforts. Their films have raised awareness about environmental issues and indigenous rights, leading to greater recognition and appreciation of Dayak culture globally. She describes the joy of seeing young Dayaks embrace their identity and others appreciating the beauty of their culture. The speaker emphasizes that modern technology, when used responsibly, can enhance indigenous cultures rather than diminish them. She concludes with a call for unity and mutual respect, encouraging collaboration between indigenous and non-indigenous communities to work towards common goals.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Indigenous People

Indigenous people refer to the original inhabitants of a region, in this case, the Dayak people of Kalimantan in Borneo, Indonesia. The speaker emphasizes their deep connection to their land, culture, and traditions, highlighting the struggles they face such as discrimination, environmental destruction, and cultural preservation. The Dayak identity is central to the speaker's story, portraying the clash between modernity and indigenous traditions.

💡Dayak Tribe

The Dayak tribe is the indigenous group to which the speaker belongs. They are known for their unique customs, dances, and close relationship with nature. The speaker describes traditional Dayak elements like the 'Dadas' dance, their sustainable way of life, and their spiritual connection to the land, emphasizing the importance of preserving their cultural heritage despite external pressures and misconceptions.

💡Modern Technology

Modern technology refers to advancements such as the internet, smartphones, and other digital tools. In the video, the speaker discusses the tension between indigenous traditions and modern technology, arguing that while technology can alienate people from their roots, it can also be harnessed as a tool to preserve and share indigenous wisdom. The speaker's filmmaking and advocacy work use technology to raise awareness about environmental issues and protect Dayak culture.

💡Cultural Misconceptions

Cultural misconceptions refer to the false or stereotyped beliefs people hold about indigenous cultures. The speaker shares personal experiences of being asked if the Dayak people still eat human flesh or wear bark as clothing, reflecting the ignorance and bias many people have towards indigenous communities. The video seeks to challenge these misconceptions by showing the complexity and richness of Dayak culture.

💡Environmental Destruction

Environmental destruction in the context of the video refers to the deforestation, pollution, and land exploitation caused by industries such as palm oil, mining, and logging in Kalimantan. The speaker highlights the devastation these activities bring to indigenous lands, causing displacement and harm to both the environment and Dayak communities. The speaker’s films document these issues to advocate for better land management and protection of indigenous territories.

💡Dadas Dance

The Dadas dance is a traditional dance of the Dayak people, characterized by its unique movements and the wearing of heavy bracelets and traditional costumes. It serves as a symbol of Dayak cultural pride, passed down through generations. In the video, the speaker uses the dance to illustrate the beauty of Dayak culture and to challenge the idea that indigenous traditions are primitive or outdated.

💡Industrial Revolution 4.0

Industrial Revolution 4.0 refers to the current era of technological innovation, marked by automation, digitalization, and the fusion of physical and virtual worlds. The speaker expresses concern that indigenous people may be left behind in this new era if they do not adapt. However, she also emphasizes that indigenous wisdom can coexist with modern technologies if used thoughtfully, offering a balanced perspective on progress.

💡Cultural Preservation

Cultural preservation is the act of safeguarding and maintaining the traditions, languages, and practices of a culture. The speaker focuses on preserving Dayak culture through storytelling, filmmaking, and education, especially for younger generations who may be disconnected from their roots. The video conveys the importance of cultural preservation in the face of globalization and environmental threats.

💡Displacement

Displacement refers to the forced removal of indigenous people from their land due to environmental destruction and industrial activities. In the video, the speaker discusses how Dayak communities have been displaced by palm oil plantations, mining, and deforestation, which threatens their traditional way of life. The speaker advocates for indigenous rights and the protection of their ancestral lands.

💡Identity

Identity in the video relates to the speaker’s exploration of her Dayak heritage and the journey to embrace and be proud of it. Initially, the speaker struggled with societal perceptions and felt ashamed of her indigenous roots, but later came to realize the strength and value in her culture. The video encourages others to embrace their indigenous identity despite external pressures and stereotypes.

Highlights

Experience walking inside a 140-million-year-old rainforest in Kalimantan.

Introduction to the sounds of indigenous animals like the gibbon and the hornbill.

Unique Dayak traditional dance called 'dadas,' featuring a 1kg bracelet worn on both hands.

Traditional costumes of the Dayak tribe made from coconut leaves and bird feathers.

Hospitality of the Dayak people, offering traditional cakes and coffee in the morning.

Dayak people’s generosity in sharing fruits, fish, and vegetables with visitors.

Personal struggle with discrimination and misconceptions faced by the Dayak people.

Misunderstanding of indigenous cultures, with examples like the misconception of Dayak people as primitive or cannibals.

The speaker’s realization that modernism and indigenous traditions are not opposites.

Reflections on the challenges of preserving indigenous identity in the face of modern technology.

The harmful environmental impact of palm oil plantations, mining, and deforestation in Kalimantan.

Embracing modern tools like cameras, laptops, and the internet to document and preserve indigenous culture.

The importance of using technology to bring indigenous stories to the global stage.

The increasing recognition and respect for Borneo's indigenous culture worldwide.

The notion that indigenous and modern worlds can complement and enhance each other when used in the right way.