Context:
In New Zealand, Maori lawmakers recently staged a haka protest at the legislature to express their opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill, which proposes a reinterpretation of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. This powerful display of traditional Maori dance underscored the intense debate surrounding the bill and its implications for tribal development policies. The protest highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing cultural heritage with modern governance practices.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Haka Dance
- Approaches to Tribal Development Policy
- India’s Tribal Development Policy Overview
Haka Dance
- Definition: Haka is a ceremonial dance of the Maori people, involving rhythmic body movements and chanting. It is performed to display a tribe’s pride, strength, and unity.
- Cultural Significance: Acts as a symbol of the Maori community’s cultural identity and is often used in protests and ceremonies.
- Historical Usage: Traditionally used by Maori warriors before a battle, showcasing their prowess and intimidating opponents.
Background of the Maori Tribe
- Indigenous Roots: The Maori are the native people of New Zealand, known for their rich tribal culture and traditions.
- Haka as Protest: The dance has been adapted into a form of protest against policies perceived as undermining Maori rights, such as the Treaty Principles Bill.
Treaty Principles Bill
- Purpose: Introduced to reinterpret the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, aiming to apply its principles equally to all New Zealanders.
- Criticism: Critics argue that it dilutes the specific rights granted to the Maori, affecting the protections established under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Approaches to Tribal Development Policy
Protectionist Approach
- Objective: To safeguard the cultural and ecological systems of Indigenous communities by limiting their interaction with the external modern influences.
- Example: The Sentinelese tribe is completely isolated under strict protection laws to preserve their way of life.
- Pros:
- Maintains traditional lifestyles and biodiversity.
- Shields from exploitative external influences.
- Cons:
- Can lead to a lack of essential services like healthcare and education.
- May exclude communities from broader national development efforts.
Assimilation Approach
- Description: Aims to integrate Indigenous communities into the mainstream culture, often at the cost of their unique cultural identity.
- Examples:
- Native American children in the US were historically placed in boarding schools to enforce cultural assimilation.
- Aboriginal children in Australia, known as the “Stolen Generations,” were forcibly assimilated into White culture.
- Pros:
- Improves access to education, health services, and job opportunities.
- Cons:
- Leads to the erosion of Indigenous languages and traditions.
- Often results in resistance and distrust towards government efforts.
Integration Approach
- Goal: To include Indigenous peoples in modern governance systems while respecting their unique cultural identities.
- Example: The Gundjeihmi and Bininj tribes in Australia collaborate in managing Kakadu National Park, blending traditional practices with modern conservation.
- Pros:
- Gives Indigenous peoples a voice in governance.
- Enhances protection of lands and traditions through formal recognition.
- Cons:
- Indigenous communities may still face systemic inequalities.
- Potential resistance from governments and industries to share resources or power.
India’s Tribal Development Policy Overview
Historical Context
- British Colonial Policies: During the British colonial period, tribal areas were often isolated through legal designations as “Excluded” or “Partially Excluded” zones under the Scheduled District Act of 1874, aimed at protecting these communities from exploitation and preserving law and order.
Autonomy-Oriented Policies
- Legal Frameworks: Key legislation supporting tribal autonomy includes:
- Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA): Empowers tribal populations in Scheduled Areas by extending the provisions of Panchayati Raj (local self-government) to these areas.
- Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in forest land to tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers.
- Constitutional Safeguards: The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution provide for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in several states of India, ensuring tribal autonomy and security over their lands.
Integration-Oriented Policies
- Nehru’s Tribal Panchsheel: The policy formulated by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, outlines principles for tribal development: emphasises self-development, respect for tribal rights, minimal external imposition, local participation in administration, and human-centred outcomes over financial metrics
Recent Initiatives:
Efforts to integrate tribal communities into the national mainstream while respecting their distinct identity include:
- Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) Development Mission: Targets the holistic development of particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools: Provides quality education to tribal children in remote areas.
- Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana: Aims to harness the non-timber forest produce sector for the benefit of tribal gatherers and artisans.
- National Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia: Focuses on healthcare initiatives for tribal communities affected by sickle cell disease.
-Source: Indian Express
