With an emotional ancestral ritual, the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) inaugurated the “Dialogue of Knowledge Seminar on Indigenous Customary Justice”, an event that brings together academics, Indigenous leaders, and experts in ethnic rights to reflect on the importance of traditions and justice systems in Indigenous communities. Organized by the Institute for Regional Outreach and Distance Education (IPRED), the School of Law and Political Science, and the Epidemiological Observatory of Nutrition and Chronic Diseases, the seminar took place on November 28 and 29.
Customary justice, a fundamental part of the Indigenous worldview in Colombia, was one of the central themes of the seminar. According to Mercedes Tunubalá, governor of the MISAK Indigenous reserve in Silvia (Cauca), “The goal is to discuss customary justice, the contributions of Indigenous peoples based on ancestral knowledge in addressing conflicts and disharmonies that arise as individuals, families, and communities across various territories. It’s about sharing our experiences in resolving these conflicts within our territories.”
The event highlighted how the principles of Suma Kausai, or “living well,” serve as a guiding axis for Indigenous communities, promoting a dignified life in harmony with Mother Earth. This philosophy underpins the internal justice systems that Indigenous communities apply, reflecting their autonomy and constitutional right to self-determination. However, leaders like Juan Gabriel Jerez Tegría, legal advisor and leader of the U’wa community, emphasized the need to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure full respect for legal pluralism.
The seminar not only aimed to bring visibility to these ancestral systems but also to foster constructive dialogue between Indigenous and Colombian judicial systems. According to Jerez Tegría, while Article 246 of the Constitution provides a framework for inter-jurisdictional coordination, “it is crucial to advance specific laws that respect our cultural identity and strengthen the recognition of our ancestral wisdom.”
UIS reaffirms its commitment to cultural diversity and the promotion of academic spaces that foster understanding and respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples. This seminar stands as a milestone in strengthening the recognition of customary justice as a vital component of the cultural heritage and autonomy of Indigenous communities in Colombia.
