Indigenous Hub

Balipara Foundation > Indigenous Hub

Indigenous Hub

A lack of access to opportunities for indigenous communities to inform decisions has compromised the spirit of ‘inclusive' development, accelerating climate vulnerability among these communities through sustained ecological degradation & economic pressures. The IH bridges this gap by creating a citizen-centric approach that enables communities to design development approaches which meet key needs for ecological and climate resilience through natural resource management, local governance, and equal representation.

Indigenous Hub

The IH aims to achieve this by

training youth leaders in communities to articulate critical climate challenges

foster inter-community knowledge exchange to create sustainable businesses & practices

generate solutions to key challenges combining science and traditional knowledge

advocate for community-centred climate resilience plans with local government bodies through sustained dialogues and creative storytelling.

ASSam

Jorhat

  • Kartick Chapori

    • 1. 40 village members set up bamboo porcupines to address soil erosion
    • 2. Youth Exchange with Dhakuakhana to learn and share indigenous knowledge (15 youths from both villages)
    • 3. 10 people trained and provided resources for bee-keeping

  • Jhanjhimukh

    • 1. 40 village members set up bamboo porcupines to address soil erosion
    • 2. Youth Exchange with Dhakuakhana to learn and share indigenous knowledge (15 youths from both villages)
    • 3. 10 people trained and provided resources for bee-keeping

Balipara

  • Sikom

    • 1. 40 village members set up bamboo porcupines to address soil erosion
    • 2. Youth Exchange with Dhakuakhana to learn and share indigenous knowledge (15 youths from both villages)
    • 3. 10 people trained and provided resources for bee-keeping

  • Bogijuli

    • 1. 40 village members set up bamboo porcupines to address soil erosion
    • 2. Youth Exchange with Dhakuakhana to learn and share indigenous knowledge (15 youths from both villages)
    • 3. 10 people trained and provided resources for bee-keeping

  • Laal Borahi

    • 1. 40 village members set up bamboo porcupines to address soil erosion
    • 2. Youth Exchange with Dhakuakhana to learn and share indigenous knowledge (15 youths from both villages)
    • 3. 10 people trained and provided resources for bee-keeping

Highlights from Indigenous Hub Interventions

Bamboo Bridge Building in Bogijuli

In the face of climate challenges, the youth of Bogijuli village came together to construct a climate-resilient bamboo bridge, symbolizing their resilience and dedication to sustainability. With over 50 committed individuals acting as catalysts and wholeheartedly contributing their labour and bamboo resources to drive forward this project, the bridge not only reestablished vital communication routes but also exemplified localized solutions for climate resilience. 

“Previously, floods would wash away the bridge, forcing children to travel over an hour to school and limiting access to medical facilities. Rebuilding with bamboo highlights the strength of natural resources and local innovation. Now, the bridge ensures easier travel, better connectivity, and improved healthcare access, supporting the village’s climate adaptation efforts.”

Bharat Basumatary, Bogijuli resident

Indigenous Architecture and Vermicomposting Workshop in Sikom

Due to its limited accessibility to nearby areas, Sikom village residents endure a challenging 1-2 hour journey by boat and road for basic necessities. In response, a significant workshop on Indigenous Architecture was conducted in Sikom, Sonitpur, aiming to preserve traditional knowledge while creating income avenues. This workshop highlighted the Mising community’s traditional architectural practices, particularly the construction of “Chang Ghar” houses, establishing a homestay to promote indigenous architecture and generate income to purchase a first aid kit for the primary school. This kit, managed by school authorities, will ensure prompt medical assistance for students in need without having to travel for hours.

The chang ghar has helped us survive the floods; this particular chang ghar will function as a homestay for tourists. We have used our indigenous knowledge to build this, and we are thankful to the support provided by Indigenous Hub in building this homestay.

Shiyam Mili, resident of Sikom village

Moreover, a vermicomposting workshop was arranged to boost organic yields, enhance soil health, and create income opportunities through surplus vermicompost sales. Led by a Bogijuli community member, it facilitated the exchange of indigenous knowledge between communities. The vermicomposting was meticulously prepared for communal use, allowing individuals to practice independently once ready. Additionally, the abundance of cow dung and banana trees in the area underscores the suitability of vermicomposting, highlighting its sustainable utilization of local resources.

I am happy to have this exchange with the people of Sikom. I have been practising vermicomposting, and now I am excited to share this experience.

Bhaban Narzary, resident of Bogijuli who delivered the workshop in Sikom

Dhakuakhana and Kartick Chapori Youth Cultural Exchange

This exchange fostered indigenous knowledge sharing between the riverine Mising communities, both affected by severe monsoon flooding. Held in Kartick Chapori and supported by the Indigenous Hub, the workshop focused on traditional flood-mitigation techniques, particularly bamboo porcupines and agriculture. Youth from Dhakuakhana helped their counterparts construct bamboo porcupines to combat floods.

“This exchange deepened understanding of shared challenges and resilience strategies. We are grateful for the Dhakuakhana youths’ support in building the porcupines using indigenous techniques.”

Aditya Kardong, resident of Kartick Chapori

Through livelihood programs centered on fishery, piggery, and beekeeping, over 100 people have gained sustainable income opportunities. These initiatives are deeply rooted in traditional practices, ensuring that ancestral knowledge is preserved and passed down to future generations while fostering economic resilience.

"We are grateful for the piggery distribution and plan to expand it further. By sharing piglets with new community members, we aim to create a self-sustaining cycle where every household in our village becomes economically resilient."

Satsuma Khaklary, Lal Borahi, Bogijuli

The Indigenous People’s Forum

Since 2024, the Indigenous People’s Forum has served as a platform for diverse communities to exchange traditional knowledge through oral stories, folktales, and songs. It fosters discussions on the vital role of forests, rivers, and indigenous wisdom in sustaining communities while promoting collaboration in biodiversity conservation and disaster resilience. This annual gathering strengthens cultural heritage and community-based efforts toward environmental sustainability.

“Such forums enable exchange between communities. We are grateful for this forum and hope it keeps happening every year to preserve our rich knowledge and share our challenges and achievements. We deeply thank the Balipara Foundation for giving us this platform and opportunity.”

Dhiren Narzary, resident of Bogijuli village

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