An area of the study religion that studies indigenous belief systems is called indigenous religion. These belief systems are then compared with new religious movements and world religions. Although many indigenous religions are very similar to European ones, others are quite different. For example, animism is an indigenous religion.
Adaptation to European religion
Canada's Indigenous religions are diverse and contain complex social and cultural practices. These practices address sacred and supernatural matters. European religion has had a significant impact on Indigenous life through missionaries and government policies. The result was a variety of religious practices, many of which are contradictory. Many Indigenous peoples today have attempted to restore their traditional spiritual practices and worship, despite this.
Some Indigenous Peoples refused convert, while others were open to the Christian lifestyle. Jesuit missions often aided the conversion process. Converts often formed new communities, which were opposed to the original Indigenous group. This process was very disruptive to the community's fabric. In the seventeenth Century, European religions were able to be adapted from indigenous beliefs.
Although they may have different beliefs and practices from one another, many indigenous religions share some commonalities. They have strong connections with nature and each other, and their beliefs are based on their environment.
Animism
Animism is a general term that covers many indigenous religions. It is the belief system that all life has a soul. This belief is closely related to the growing concern for environmental sustainability. As a result, there has been renewed interest in animism.
Many animist cultures value harmony with the environment. They understand that exploitation of the environment is a dead end. Material wealth and possessions do not make a person happy or fulfilled. According to Animists, happiness and fulfillment are dependent on building strong relationships with all living things around you.
Edward Tylor, who described animism back in 1871, believed that all natural things, including animals and humans, have souls. Tylor stated that animism was a form of religion which originated in the beginning. It evolved into polytheism, and then to monotheism.
Diverse indigenous religions
The cultural and political contexts that indigenous religions exist requires careful attention. It is important to recognize the unique features that influence indigenous religious communities, as well as acknowledge indigenous philosophies and practices. When contextualizing indigenous religion practices, self-reflexivity is essential.
Many Indigenous peoples believe in Spirituality, but they do so in non-ceremonial manners. These practices might require space and time, or may have particular requirements. These practices may require special time and space, so organizations might be required to accommodate them. However, some practices may not conform to current schedules, leave provisions, or other organizational policies.
Christianity is an example of how indigenous people used Christian beliefs in resisting colonization. For example, the Mi'kmaq members of the Esgenoopetitj/Burnt Church used Christianity as both a spiritual and political ally in the United States. 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.