James Cameron’s movie, Avatar, delighted us. Its 3D effects were breathtaking and its message, timely. It is a story of two worldviews in conflict: that of the people of Earth who need Pandora’s forest resources and that of the indigenous Na’vi whose lives depend on oneness with their environment. In such a conflict, it takes a person like Jake Sully to enter the Na’vi world and learn at their feet.

The lesson of Avatar reflects such a conflict today even in the Philippines with its abundant biodiversity. An example is that of powerful mining companies which threaten the “lumads” (natives) in Mindanao and other ethnic groups elsewhere in their drive to exploit their natural resources.

We need an educational system that teaches respect and appreciation for the values, the culture and the natural resources of our indigenous peoples to conserve our rich culture and preserve our ecosystem.

This educational system will help young people enter into a real dialogue with one another in their diversity; help them understand what are those dignified means of responsibly planning their future families in respect to their cultural and traditional values, and the ways of becoming good citizens of the nation. An educational system focus to address these challenges makes learning more integral and inclusive. It doesn’t reduce, degrade and diminish the human person nor does it do so to any culture and nation.

We require therefore an education which is meant to bridge diversity and this starts first of all within us. Then the dialogue is extended towards others—at school, in families, and society.

In this issue, we will be presenting some models of educational systems and activities that have set out on this path like the Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Education in Davao City, a very innovative center that cater to indigenous youths with much respect for their culture, and which empowers them to be good citizens of the country.