Indigenous knowledge encompasses a wide range of knowledge systems; including spiritual, ecological, and medicinal knowledge. Indigenous people used to have a boundless knowledge about traditional medical practices, ecological cure, and various other wellness techniques that prioritize the community health, ecosystem and environment. It possesses unique knowledge system that have been developed and redefined over centuries of experiences with infectious disease and their impact on population. COVID-19 pandemic with unprecedented social, psychological and economic consequences affecting the nations across the globe which has posed significant challenges for Indigenous communities around the world, including threats to health, livelihoods, and cultural practices. The present paper highlights the ways in which Indigenous knowledge has been used to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including through the use of traditional healing practices and the incorporation of cultural practices into public health messaging.
Therefore, through an analysis of key themes in the literature and case studies, the paper also looks into the amalgamation of indigenous healing knowledge with modern science and how it can lead to innovative solutions that respect culture, improve health outcomes, and benefit ecology environment and society as a whole. In addition, Indigenous knowledge can offer valuable insights into how to build more resilient and equitable health systems, and how to support the well-being of communities in the face of ongoing challenges. By exploring the ways in which Indigenous communities are adapting to the pandemic while maintaining continuity with their cultural practices, this paper seeks to contribute to a broader conversation about how to build more inclusive and equitable health systems in the context of ongoing global challenges.
