The global outbreak of the Covid-19 poses a threat to indigenous people who experience the more significant burden of infectious diseases, generally.  Such burden is related to social and health inequities that make indigenous people a more vulnerable group during this global pandemic. The increased vulnerability to disease is unquestionable, evident not only in shorter life expectancies but also in the lower age they become more vulnerable. Influencing factors include lack of access to effective monitoring and early warning systems and inadequate health and essential social services. Relevant information about infectious diseases as well as preventive measures if existing are not available in indigenous languages.  It is important to ensure these services and facilities are provided in indigenous languages and appropriate to the specific context and situation of indigenous peoples.
 

The lifeways of indigenous people like large traditional gatherings and living in multi-generational housing are sources of their resiliency, however, this can also pose a threat in preventing the spread of the virus. Likewise, this puts the indigenous people, especially the elders, at risk. The COVID‐19 crisis has seen unprecedented disruption to cultural practices and the normal relational and collective practices of indigenous peoples. This is detrimental as it has been empirically proven that the cultural determinants of health have an overwhelmingly positive impact on their health. Likewise, the lockdowns and social distancing pose difficulties for them to reconcile coronavirus restrictions with their relationally-based cultural obligations. On a positive note, they are able to act with caution and use traditional knowledge and practices, such as voluntary isolation, as preventive measures. Amidst the uncertainties of the Covid-19 and similar public health emergencies and disasters, these prevailing conditions of the indigenous people are fertile areas of research.

This conference can provide an effective platform for collaborative roles of higher education institutions, indigenous peoples organizations, and cultural agencies in national and international development of new and innovative ideas for societal development. We should be accountable and responsible in promoting cultural identity, cultural diversity and the dynamism of indigenous cultural practices.  May this 3rd International Conference on Cultural Studies, with the theme: Nature and Culture in a Changing World: COVID 19 Aftermath and Glocal Responses bring forth all these as we acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples as the  traditional custodians of our country, and their continuing relationship to nature and culture.