To move forward while still rooted in my Garo identity
I am Audrey Nokrek Angela and my roots begin with the Garo tribe of Bangladesh. I am very proud of my community. Being Garo is an important part of who I am. Our traditions, language,
Youth listen to and reflect on their stories and their community stories: Gathering Two of the Indigenous Youth Learning Journey to COP31
Pedro Walpole SJ An echo of how Indigenous youth in many areas struggle to keep their indigenous land and continue to fear the loss of land and way of life was shared during the second
Beginning with the person behind the story: Gathering One of the Indigenous Youth Learning Journey to COP31
James Pochury “Who am I?” is the fundamental question tackled at the onset of Gathering One of the Indigenous Youth Learning Journey, the online learning activity series that the River Above Asia Oceania Ecclesial Network
Listening to self, reflecting on feelings
Pedro Walpole SJ To talk of feelings is to embark on a process of discussion that begins with learning to listen to self and others, identifying roots and roles among the people around, and exploring
Why Indigenous knowledge matters to future generations
Mar John Linggay I grew up in Bendum, and this community shaped who I am. I left to pursue my education and other opportunities. I returned and recently joined a youth gathering, Tapok Kabatan-unan, that
Integral Ecology: Learning becomes deeper when we listen to others
Eneriza Menaling There are many things we already know, but we do not always understand them fully. By listening carefully, we discover deeper meanings and new perspectives. As part of the facilitation team at Balay
What is integral ecology for a community of faith?
Pedro Walpole SJ Many indigenous communities suffer a range of interconnected issues, from the loss of resources, especially land, to situations of serious ecological degradation and destruction due to climate change, corporate takeover of agriculture,
Pagtimbaya: Welcoming 2026, navigating feelings, and recalling my story, grounding in faith
Carmela Marie Santos Pulangiyēn youth leaders gathered in Bendum in Bukidnon, Philippines from 6 to 9 January 2026 to greet the New Year in the spirit of reflection and community life. There were 32 participants
Community mapping: When a community holds up the mirror
James Pochury In a small village in Khunti, a district in Jharkhand in eastern India, the RAOEN team’s synodal journey in January 2026 encountered a moment when listening was no longer enough and community mapping
Who am I when I cannot be who I know I am?
James Pochury Simran and Jiren are Adivasi youth who carry their ancestors in their bones, know their people’s history in their cells, and can trace their relationship to land and community with perfect clarity but