Dear Candice, Rachel and Esteemed Earthlings,
Thank you for sharing this pivotal consultation on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems. As an indigenous person, a proud member of the KhoiSan Community (Gorachouqua Tribe), and a passionate advocate for sustainable and ethical practices, this topic holds profound significance to me. It aligns with the values I uphold through my work with Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa (BWC), Omni Wellness Media, Dr. Phil-Afel, and my ongoing involvement in the Human Animal Project (HAP).
Indigenous Wisdom for a Sustainable Future
Indigenous food systems are not merely historical remnants but dynamic, sustainable, and ethical frameworks that modern society can learn from. Our traditional practices demonstrate how humans can harmonise with nature rather than exploit it. While our ancestors may not have adhered to fully vegan practices, their predominantly plant-based diets reflected a profound respect for the environment, animals, and the interconnectedness of life.
Contrasting this with today’s industrial food systems, it becomes clear how far we’ve diverged from this sustainable path. The industrial model commodifies nature, treating animals as mere products, and devastates ecosystems. This is in stark contradiction to the principles of reciprocity, balance, and respect that indigenous systems embody.
Through the Human Animal Project, we have been bringing these critical conversations to the forefront, emphasising the intersection of indigenous wisdom, animal rights, and sustainable food practices. My PhD research, currently in development with the University of the Western Cape’s Sociology Department, explores these intersections deeply, focusing on how indigenous knowledge can inform and transform modern approaches to food systems and justice for all beings.
Rekindling Indigenous Practices
Some key takeaways I’d like to contribute to this consultation:
- Respect for All Beings
Traditional systems emphasised the sacredness of all life forms. Animals were honoured and never subjected to the exploitation we see today in factory farming and industrial agriculture. - Sustainability as a Core Value
Indigenous practices inherently operated within the limits of nature, ensuring regenerative cycles and biodiversity conservation. This stands in sharp contrast to the destructive monocultures and wastefulness of industrial farming. - Education Through Storytelling
Storytelling is a powerful pedagogical tool that transcends cultures and time. Through my work with the BWC Troopers Youth Program, we’ve used storytelling to instill values of compassion, respect for animals, and sustainable living in younger generations. - Documentation and Policy
The preservation of indigenous knowledge is essential. Policies must not only protect these systems but also create avenues for their integration into modern practices. - Rights-Based Frameworks
Indigenous communities must have agency and resources to reclaim, sustain, and innovate their traditional food systems. Their voices must lead this discourse.
Actions Through Advocacy
Under the umbrella of BWC and in collaboration with partners like Omni Wellness Media and Travel and Tours Cape Town, I am committed to advancing these principles through actionable campaigns and public education. Our initiatives include:
- The BWC Humane Guide, which empowers consumers with tools to choose cruelty-free products.
- The Human Animal Project, a movement dedicated to exploring the intersections of justice for humans, animals, and the environment.
- The Troopers Youth Program, which engages the next generation in compassionate leadership.
Our collective vision is a future where traditional knowledge informs a compassionate and sustainable world.
Call to Collaboration
I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to this consultation. As someone deeply connected to the land and culture of South Africa, I believe we can harness indigenous wisdom to address pressing challenges like food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss. I am also open to collaboration with other stakeholders, including those involved in this e-consultation, to further these goals.
For more information on my work and initiatives, please visit the following resources:
- Gorachouqua Tribe: gorachouquatribe.co.za
- Beauty Without Cruelty SA: BWC Linktree
- Omni Wellness Media: Omni Linktree
- Travel and Tours Cape Town: Travel and Tours Cape Town Linktree
- Human Animal Project: Dedicated to exploring justice for all beings through research and advocacy.
Thank you for this opportunity to engage with such an important topic. I look forward to contributing further and would be happy to participate in discussions or offer additional insights based on South Africa’s unique cultural and environmental context.
Warm regards,
Chad Cupido,
Executive Officer
Chad Cupido