Paper short abstract:

Mitakuye oyasin, the ecosystemic worldview of the Lakota Sioux, sums up the cultural revivalism as means of appropriation of nature conservation and sustainable programs by indigenous people, as well as followers of Neo-Shamanism and Paganism around the world.

Paper long abstract:

How revival of the traditionally existing engagement between some human societies, animal societies and their surroundings has helped local populations to understand better the objectives of environmental protection and thus, help local sustainable development projects. Since the 1990's, the Lakota Sioux (South Dakota, USA) have been involved in sustainable development programs to recuperate lands lost years ago and to become once more « the Keepers of the Earth » by bringing back biodiversity to the Great Plains. Restoration of native animals and plants will help « mend the Sacred Hoop of the Indian Nations », as together with human beings, animal societies and some medicinal plants have been acting as partners during the creation and re-organization of the Universe. This renewal of the links between humans and non-humans will strenthen cultural and social identities, and has great potential economic and social advantages for the young generations of local populations.

Cultural sustainability relate to ecological, social and economic dimensions of sustainabilitiy thanks to the revival of local Shamanisms which have been influenced by New Age practices. Today, connections between New Age, Neo-Paganism, Neo-Shamanism and traditional Shamanisms are quite often becoming inextricable. A few anthropologists together with Indian holy men have played an important part in the creative processes of Neo-Shamanisms. And ever since the 1970's, the revival of the ecosystemic worldviews and traditional beliefs of North American Indians, have been adopted by followers of Neo-Shamanism and Neo-Paganism all around the world.