Returning Indigenous Knowledge To Its Roots: Honoring Rice Diversity And Traditions Of Karen And Lua Indigenous Peoples

In collaboration with the Karen and Lua Indigenous Peoples of Mae Hong Son province, Indigenous Knowledge and Peoples of Asia (IKPA), Pga K’nyau Association for Sustainable Development (PASD), and the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) have co-produced a knowledge product titled “Rice Diversity: Center of Indigenous Life and Culture.”

This photo book celebrates the unique rice varieties preserved through rotational farming, showcasing the deep cultural and spiritual connections between rice and the Karen Indigenous Peoples of Mae Lid Pa Kae and Mae Salee villages, as well as the Lua Indigenous Peoples in La-Oob village.

👉 Download the photo book here: https://aippnet.org/rice-in-the-rotational-farming/

Designed to preserve the cultural heritage of rotational farming, the photo book aims to inspire younger generations to take pride in their culture and livelihood systems. It also serves as an advocacy tool, highlighting the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems as solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises.

At AIPP, we prioritize co-creation with Indigenous communities. This ensures that knowledge products are developed with the full participation of rightsholders and returned to the communities where they are most valuable, rather than stored on research shelves or in institutional libraries.

To honor this commitment, AIPP and PASD recently visited Karen and Lua Indigenous Peoples to present the photo book in both Thai and English. The event was attended by Indigenous Women, Youth, Children, and community leaders, who shared overwhelmingly positive feedback on the final product.

Community members expressed their gratitude and encouraged us to continue co-creating accessible, community-focused knowledge products. Their call for further collaboration to document their stories has reenergized AIPP and PASD team’s commitment to amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples, Youth, and Women.

Together, we will continue documenting and celebrating the rich stories of Indigenous Peoples, fostering meaningful partnerships that center their perspectives and knowledge.

Group photo taken during the meeting with the Karen Indigenous Peoples in Mae Lid Pa Kae village

Group photo taken during the meeting with the Lua Indigenous Peoples of La Oob village.

A Karen Indigenous woman from Mae Lid Pa Kae village sharing her reflections on the photo book.

A Lua Indigenous man from La Oob village sharing his reflections on the photo book.

Mr. Udom of PASD facilitating the discussion with Karen Indigenous Peoples in Mae Lid Pa Kae village

Click here to download the full article