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

Summary

This 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.