The Paths of Water and their relations: A dialogue between Brazil and Norway

Abstract

The formation of ethnic groups is a result of interactions among group members and those from the outside, influencing criteria for valuation. Ethnicity, considered a part of human interaction, shapes the cultural specificities of ethnic groups through the experiential nature of ethnic relations. However, it is not only human interaction that shapes culture—the analysis of human societies should take into account interactions between humans and non-humans, challenging the modern view that attributes agency solely to humans. The environment, with an emphasis on the human-water relationship, plays a crucial role in human life and territory construction, reflecting a recent ontological shift in sociology and parallels with indigenous worldviews. The article explores the profound relationships between humans and non-humans, focusing on two Indigenous communities in Latin America and the Arctic. The two cases include the Aldeia (Village) Maraka’nà in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the Alta case in Northern Norway (Sápmi), illustrating issues of ethnicity, autonomy, and territory. Emphasising water’s integral role, it challenges traditional notions of territory, offering a richer understanding rooted in Indigenous cosmogonies. The study enriches existing sustainability frameworks, notably the SDGs, highlighting the importance of including Indigenous knowledge in sustainability research. Promoting a decolonising approach to research and an inclusive approach to planetary health, the chapter advocates for the recognition of Indigenous perspectives.