Ubuntu Around the World

A REDISCOVERY

Discover ubuntu in other cultures.

Ubuntu knows no borders. Many non-dominant cultures around the globe honor the principle that all living things are interdependent and inseparable parts of a larger whole. The search for a stronger connection in our lives and institutions requires a rediscovery, not a new invention. These paradigms of interdependence have always existed. By drawing upon both current and ancient wisdom we can build a bridge across the ages and culture, between us and them, and begin to relearn how to live from that special place. Join us on this journey around the world to taste the essence of being human - the possibility and gift of ubuntu.

Yuk
Alaska
For the Yup’ik or Yupiit people, Yuk means everything as a personhood; all of nature and human thought and deed are part of this shared personhood.
K’e
Navajo
In Navajo, K'e means the importance of relationship: solidarity, love or respect, deep responsibilities to others, a community view of life.
Aka
Hawaii
Hawaiian Kahunas believe that everything in the universe is infinitely interconnected, similar to a web, through a substance called Aka. Separation is an illusion. Ho’omoe wai kahi ke kao’o means “Let’s all travel like water flowing in one direction.”
Camay
Ecuador
The Quechan Tribe of Ecuador has the word, Camay, which loosely means “to breathe unity into” something when it’s out of balance.
Txai
Brazil
The Kaxiwana Tribe uses Txai (Chi) which means “half of what’s in you is also in me, and half of what’s in me is also in you.”
Roots
Mexico
From the Lacandon Tribe, Shaman Chan Kin Viejo says, “the roots of all living things are tied together.”