Seminar on 'Indigenous peoples in the digital world' conclud
Seminar on 'Indigenous peoples in the digital world' concludes
A two-day national seminar on 'Indigenous peoples in the digital world' concluded on Wednesday at Trinity Theological College (TTC), Thahekhu, Dimapur.
Resource persons and participants during the national
seminar on 'Indigenous peoples in the digital world' at Trinity Theological
College in Dimapur on Wednesday.
DIMAPUR — A
two-day national seminar on 'Indigenous peoples in the digital world' concluded
on Wednesday at Trinity Theological College (TTC), Thahekhu, Dimapur.
Organised by TTC and sponsored by Aboghü: Indigenous Studies
and Research Centre, the seminar brought together esteemed scholars,
theologians and researchers to engage in critical discussions on the
intersection of indigenous identity and the digital landscape.
In a keynote address, Rev. Dr. Hukato, principal of TTC,
stated that while the digital world provides indigenous communities with a
powerful platform to be seen and heard, it also presents challenges that demand
deeper inquiry and strategic responses.
Prominent scholars and presenters included Dr. Vikato
Achumi, associate professor at TTC; Dr. Otoka Chophi, associate professor at
WTC; Rev. Wanbok Shylla, D.Th. 3rd year at CTC; Prof. L Imsutoshi Jamir, dean
of Doctoral Studies at CTC; and Dr. Chumchano Ovung, associate professor at
TTC.
A key highlight of the seminar was the insightful
discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence on indigenous communities,
the importance of digital preservation of cultural heritage and the role of
indigenous media (Indigimedia) in bridging traditional knowledge with
technological advancements.
An update from TTC stated that the speakers highlighted the
need for indigenous scholars to engage critically with the evolving digital
landscape to safeguard their cultural identities and narratives.
In the exploration of tribal cultural identity, participants
reflected on how indigenous identities have historically been shaped and, at
times, imposed by external forces.
The seminar also raised pertinent questions about the
sustainability of indigenous cultures in a digital environment and emphasised the
necessity of contextual grounding in the evolving notion of community.
It stated that an analysis of Proverbs 31:10-31 provided a
theological perspective on empowerment, particularly for tribal Naga women,
highlighting virtues such as industriousness, adaptability and resourcefulness
in the digital era.
The event concluded with an engaging cultural night, which
was attended by Asenla Walling, executive engineer of Industries and Commerce
department.
It further stated that the seminar served as a vital platform
for dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the importance of indigenous
representation in the digital sphere while addressing the complexities of
technology, culture and identity.
