World’s Indigenous Peoples : Honouring legacy, rights of India’s indigenous communities.

– Digbal Simon Tandi, CG state coordinator (Progressive Christian Alliance)

On the occasion of World Indigenous Peoples Day, the Progressive Christian Alliance (PCA) joins hands with Indigenous communities across India to reflect, honour, and reaffirm our commitment to their constitutional, cultural, and human rights.This day is not merely symbolic; it is a clarion call to recognize the historic struggles, cultural resilience, and contributions of Adivasi and tribal communities—who are the original custodians of India’s forests, lands, and rich natural resources.

Historical Relationship between Christian Missionaries & Tribal Communities :

From the 19th century onwards, Christian missionaries played a pivotal role in tribal regions, particularly in central India, the Northeast, and the Nilgiris. While the motivations were rooted in faith, the impact went far beyond evangelism.
Missionary schools introduced formal education, often in local dialects, empowering generations of tribal youth.
Clinics and hospitals run by Christian missions reached deep into forested and remote areas, improving maternal health and reducing child mortality.
Missionaries often assisted tribal communities in understanding and asserting land rights and resisting exploitation under colonial and postcolonial land acquisition regimes
While critiques of missionary activity exist, it is undeniable that in many regions, Christian engagement uplifted the most marginalized through social service, literacy, and dignity.
Growing Fractures : Christian and Non-Christian Tribal Communities
In recent years, polarization between Christian and non-Christian tribals has intensified due to socio-political manipulation, identity politics, and increasing communalization of tribal spaces. Misunderstandings and suspicions, often fueled by external actors, have turned communities with shared histories into estranged neighbours.

This growing division is a matter of grave socio-legal concern, as it undermines,

The constitutional promise of religious freedom (Article 25).
The secular character of tribal autonomy under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
The collective indigenous identity that transcends religious affiliation.
Call for Peace building and Reconciliation :

The PCA believes that true tribal solidarity cannot be based on religion, but on shared struggles against displacement, land loss, economic marginalization, and ecological destruction. We call for urgent peacebuilding initiatives, including

Inter-faith and inter-community dialogues led by tribal elders, youth, and civil society.
Joint cultural festivals that honour traditional and Christian expressions of tribal identity.
Community-based dispute resolution mechanisms rooted in the tribal customary law and constitutional values.
Legal workshops to educate all tribal communities on their shared rights under the Forest Rights Act (2006), PESA (1996), and SC/ST Atrocities Act.
Our Stand :
As followers of Christ, who stood with the oppressed and excluded, we recognize the pain of division and the urgency of reconciliation. We affirm that tribal identity is not diminished by faith, and Christian tribals are no less indigenous than their non-Christian brothers and sisters.

The PCA remains committed to :

Advocating for inclusive tribal rights and religious freedom.
Opposing hate-based narratives targeting Christian communities
Partnering with Adivasi-led movements and organizations working for ecological justice and cultural dignity.
On this World Indigenous Peoples Day, we reaffirm that justice, peace, and solidarity are possible only when all tribal communities—Christian and non-Christian alike—stand together.
We should resist the forces that divide and rediscover our shared values, our common ancestors, and our collective future. Greetings and best wishes to all, specially indigenous people on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.