An area of the study religion that studies indigenous belief systems is called indigenous religion. These belief systems are compared with world religions and other new religious movements. While many indigenous groups have religious practices that are similar to European religions, others are entirely distinct. For example, animism can be considered an indigenous religion.
Adaptation to European religion
Canada's indigenous religions differ widely. Many are made up complex social-cultural practices that address spiritual and supernatural issues. European religion had an impact on Indigenous life, changing it through missionaries and government policies. It created a mix of often contradictory religious practices. Many Indigenous communities today have tried to reclaim their traditional spiritual practices.
While some Indigenous Peoples refused to be converted, others embraced the Christian lifestyle with great openness. Jesuit missions often helped with conversion. Converts are often able to form new communities that oppose the original Indigenous group. This process tested the fabric of the communities. In the seventeenth century, European religion began to adapt to Indian religion.
Despite the vast difference in beliefs and practices, indigenous religions often share important characteristics. They are strongly connected with each other and the natural world, and their beliefs reflect their environment.
Animism
Animism encompasses many indigenous religions. It is the belief system that all life has a soul. This belief is closely linked to environmental sustainability. Animism is gaining popularity.
Many animist cultures put a lot of importance on harmony with the natural world. They understand that exploitation of the environment is a dead end. A person's happiness and fulfillment is not dependent on material wealth or possessions. According to Animists, happiness and fulfillment are dependent on building strong relationships with all living things around you.
Edward Tylor, an 1871 Englishman, described animism in 1871 as the belief that souls exist in all natural objects, even animals. Tylor asserted that animism began as a religion. However, polytheism evolved and became monotheism.
Diversity of indigenous religions
The cultural and political contexts that indigenous religions exist requires careful attention. We must recognize the unique factors that shape indigenous religious communities and acknowledge indigenous philosophies, practices, and insights. We must also recognize the significance of self-reflexivity in contextualizing indigenous religious practices.
Many Indigenous peoples believe in Spirituality, but they do so in non-ceremonial manners. These practices may be restricted in time and space, and may have special requirements. As such, organizations may have a responsibility to accommodate these practices. Some practices can be inconsistent with current schedules or leave-of-absence provisions.
In the case of Christianity, indigenous people have used Christian beliefs to resist colonization. The United States' Mi'kmaq of Esgenoopetitj/Burnt Church have, for example used Christianity as a resource and political ally. In what could be called an expression of indigenous Catholicism, their Catholic priests have prayed to Kateri, a Mohawk woman, to have her canonized. Today, Kateri’s story is shared across nations in the ongoing indigenization and Christianization.