Development and indigenous peoples: for a critique of sustainable development

Abstract

The concept of sustainable development was consolidated in 1987 with the Brundtland report, and despite the various theoretical developments brought to date, this notion remains not taking into account the empirical and scientific contribution of indigenous peoples. By producing the goods and services they need, living their own economies, indigenous peoples, and their varied modes and means of production, they are the ones that most closely approach the concept of sustainable development. Sustainability presupposes the ability not to produce ecological damage greater than the possibility of renewal of natural resources. However, the notion of development in western ways is in check, in relation to indigenous economies, which include endogenous paradigms, linked to cosmogony and cultural practices, among other elements of distinction. Such parameters are difficult to understand outside indigenous societies, although they are conceptually close to what has been called sustainable development. Incorporating the way of thinking of indigenous peoples can bring a gain to non-indigenous societies, as the article proposes to reflect. This text is the result of the experience and professional performance of the authors, as well as was elaborated from bibliographic and documentary research, with the objective of presenting theoretical-critical reflection on the theme of development.