In the study of religion, Indigenous Religion is a category that describes indigenous religion's religious beliefs. These beliefs are contrasted to world religions, and new religious movements. Although many indigenous religions are very similar to European ones, others are quite different. Animism, for example, is considered 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 changed Indigenous life significantly through missionaries and government policies, resulting in hybridized, often contradictory religious practices. Despite this, many contemporary Indigenous communities have tried to reclaim their traditional spiritual practices and worship.
Some Indigenous Peoples refused conversion. Others accepted the Christian lifestyle openly. Jesuit missions often aided the conversion process. Converts frequently formed new communities, often against the Indigenous group. This process tested the strength of the communities. The seventeenth century saw the conversion of an indigenous religion to a European religion.
Although they may have different beliefs and practices from one another, many indigenous religions share some commonalities. Their beliefs are influenced by their environment and strong relationships with nature.
Animism
Animism encompasses many indigenous religions. It is the belief that all things in nature have a soul. This belief is directly related to growing environmental sustainability. Animism has received renewed interest.
Many animist cultures attach great importance to living in harmony and with their environment. They know that the only way to get out of a situation is through its manipulation. Happiness and fulfillment are not achieved through material wealth and possessions. According to Animists a person's happiness is dependent upon building a strong relationship and not accumulating too much material wealth.
In 1871, Edward Tylor described animism as a belief in the existence of souls in all natural objects, including animals. Tylor argued that animism was the earliest form of religion, but it evolved into polytheism and later monotheism.
Diversity of indigenous religions
Studying indigenous religions requires a keen attention to the cultural and political contexts of these traditions. We must recognize the unique factors that shape indigenous religious communities and acknowledge indigenous philosophies, practices, and insights. Self-reflexivity is crucial in contextualizing indigenous religious traditions.
Many Indigenous peoples have non-ceremonial practices for their Spirituality. These practices might require space and time, or may have particular requirements. Organizations may be required to accommodate such practices. However, certain practices could conflict with existing schedules, leave of absence provisions, and other organizational policies.
In the case of Christianity, indigenous people have used Christian beliefs to resist colonization. For example, the Mi'kmaq from the Esgenoopetitj/Burnt Church in the United States have used Christianity to be a political ally and a spiritual resource. Their Catholic priests have prayed that Kateri, a Mohawk women, would be canonized. This is what could be considered indigenous Catholicism. Today, Kateri is shared among nations as part of the ongoing process to indigenize Christianity.