Tuus: Reflected experiences in identity and belonging by Pulangiyēn youth

Belonging is the foundation of community life and cultural integrity. For the Pulangiyēn youth, it is a source of identity, strength, and hope. It connects them to their ancestors, their communities, and their Creator, grounding them in the wisdom of the past while preparing them for the challenges of the future. This sense of belonging is essential to their identity, to the vitality of their communities, and to the integrity of their cultural heritage.

The journey to belonging

Pulangiyēn youth, like many indigenous youth, today face a unique and often challenging journey. They navigate multiple worlds as they balance the traditions and wisdom of their ancestors with the fast-paced, technology-driven realities of modern society. For many, this is a journey of finding their “integrity of being” – a sense of wholeness that weaves together their cultural identity, faith, and relationships with the cosmos. With their lives deeply intertwined with the land and the Creator’s presence within it, it is a spiritual journey for the indigenous youth.

Indigenous cosmologies often speak of the Spirit Creator who is in relation to their ancestors and who offers an ongoing vision of harmony between humanity and creation. This worldview connects them with the communities, land and water, and to all life in the cosmos. It is a profound sense of relationality, the realization that life is not lived in isolation but in harmony with others and life around us.

However, this journey is not without struggle. Many indigenous youth find themselves caught between the pull of urban modernity – consumerism, social media, and cultural discrimination – and the call to remain rooted in their ancestral traditions. The challenge is to sustain their cultural integrity while navigating the pressures of a rapidly changing world. For some, this tension can lead to a disconnection, but for others, it opens up opportunities for growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of their identity.

Youth returning to their roots

One powerful example of the importance of belonging can be seen in the story of young adults who, after leaving their ancestral villages for cities or other communities, actively return to their roots. These youth reconnect with the land where they grew up, sharing their ongoing experiences, and rediscovering the sacred relationships that hold them together.

In these gatherings, they find belonging not only with their land but also in each other. They create spaces where they can listen attentively to one another, respectfully probe each other’s thoughts, and encourage one another to articulate their feelings and experiences. This process of deep and honest listening helps them to ground themselves in their shared identity and trust to understand their real situations: their joys, sorrows, hopes, and struggles.

This profound sense of care and connection strengthens their bonds as friends and as members of a larger community. Through these gatherings, they rediscover their relationship with the Creator and their role in the community’s life and mission. Prayer, listening, and sharing become sacred acts that remind them of their spiritual connection to the land, the Creator, and one another. These experiences offer an assurance of peace and a renewed sense of purpose leading to action.

A shared mission of belonging

For the Pulangiyēn youth, identity and belonging is not static. It is dynamic, proactive, and mission-driven. It is about finding purpose in caring for the land, preserving cultural practices, and building stronger communities. This sense of belonging is expressed through the rhythms of daily life: seasonal practices, livelihoods, family interactions, and spiritual traditions. It is through these shared experiences that they discover how their individual identities are connected to the life of the community and the larger cosmos.

Belonging also calls for gratitude –  a recognition of the Creator’s gifts – and a commitment to proactively care for what the community has. It is about protecting the land, honouring the wisdom of the elders, and creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive.

Facilitating and accompanying the youth journey: Balay Laudato Si’ and the River Above Asia Oceania Ecclesial Network

Balay Laudato Si’ (BLS) is a community-based center engaging Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao through the River Above Asia Oceania Ecclesial Network (RAOEN). BLS gives a community welcome and context and hosts some of RAOEN’s regional activities.

RAOEN sees the importance of facilitating identity among indigenous youth as a pathway to building stronger, more sustainable communities. Through culture-based gatherings, faith-sharing circles, and ecological initiatives, RAOEN accompanies indigenous youth in their journey toward deeper connection and purpose.

Facilitators recognize and respect the unique struggles and aspirations of indigenous youth. They approach this work with humility, checking their assumptions, and creating spaces where youth can freely express themselves. By doing so, young people are helped in finding the balance between honouring their traditions and navigating the realities of modern life. Some of these efforts include:

• Facilitating youth gatherings: Creating spaces where young people can share their experiences, reflect on their identity, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
• Supporting ecological initiatives: Encouraging youth to engage with the land and participate in activities that restore natural forest and water, and rebuild the cultural balance with creation.
• Promoting cultural revitalization: Ensuring that Indigenous traditions, languages, and practices are celebrated and passed on to future generations.
• Accompanying youth in faith-sharing: Providing opportunities for prayer, reflection, and dialogue that leads to collective action and affirm their spiritual connection to the Creator and the land.

RAOEN invites Church leaders, faith communities, and broader society to walk alongside indigenous youth on this journey of belonging. By listening to their stories, honouring their cultural heritage, and supporting their aspirations, a world can be created where every young person feels connected, valued, and empowered to contribute to the flourishing of their community and creation.