12^th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference
Salle Dupréel, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Solbosch Campus
Avenue Jeanne 44, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium

May 29-June 1, 2025

REFLECTIONS by our ICBE PIONEERS

Written by Cristabel Olat Bounggick & Patrick Bounggick, Sr and

read by Natividad S. Shiu

Hi everyone,

Patrick and I wish we could be with you in person at this 12th ICBE gathering

--- but even from afar, our hearts are with you. We’re especially grateful to one of Kalinga’s daughters and pride, a true leader and mentor in promoting the Kalinga culture, our dear friend Naty, for standing in for us and conveying our words to you today.

When we think back to that very first ICBE gathering, it brings up so many memories. And now, here we are at the 12th, that truly says something about who we are; about what we’ve built. It’s been a journey of love, grit, and a whole lot of cultural pride.

When we first came to Austria, we were walking into the unknown --- unfamiliar language, different ways of living, and a deep homesickness for the mountains we left behind. But we carried what mattered most: our Igorot values --- dignity, hard work, community spirit, and deep reverence for our traditions.

One value that really shaped our lives here is “INAYAN” --- that quiet but powerful reminder to live in a way that doesn’t harm others, to stay grounded in integrity, and to think beyond ourselves. We brought that into our homes, our workplaces, and how we built community. And that’s what helped us find our place, even far from home.

It wasn’t always easy. There were times we felt alone. But we found strength in each other. We gathered, even in small numbers. We sang our chants, danced our dances, and told stories so that our children would know where they come from.

Now, when we see our young ones --- many born or raised here --- we feel a mix of joy and responsibility. Joy, because we see the spirit of the Cordillera alive in them. Responsibility, because it’s on us to guide them, mentor them, and keep our stories alive.

We also pause to remember those who’ve gone ahead --- the ones who helped pave the way for this community to grow. Their presence is still felt in every gathering, every song, every shared laugh. They may not be here in body, but they’re with us in spirit.

To the next generation, we say this:

Be proud of your Igorot heritage. Wear it with quiet strength and humble confidence. Let “INAYAN” guide your choices. Honour your elders. Hold on to your kin. And wherever life takes you, remember: you carry the Cordillera with you.

To our fellow pioneers --- some no longer with us --- we say thank you. Your sacrifices built this community. And it’s still standing strong.

We’re proud to walk this journey with all of you --- rooted in our past, steady in our present, and hopeful for what’s ahead.

With love and unity,

Patrick (Layugan) Bounggick and Cristabel (Dono) Olat Bounggick

12^TH ICBE WORKSHOP DISCUSSION GROUP

RE: “Anxious Green Lives and the Indigenous Double Bind”

as presented by MACARIO LACBAWAN, PH.D (Lund University, SE / University of Hamburg, DE) 

31 MAY 2025 (SATURDAY)

GROUP FACILITATOR: LORENA DOMANOG CLERC (BIBAAK Switzerland)

GROUP NOTETAKER: AIRAH CADIOGAN (BIBAAK Switzerland)

GROUP 1 MEMBERS & CONTRIBUTORS

• Cesar Taguba, Netherlands
• Delia Batalao, USA
• Marjorie Soaygan, Austria
• Adela Mayyong,  Netherlands
• Conchita Pooten, UK
• Marceline Montes, Germany
• Diana, Germany
• Agnes Camacho, Czech Republic
• Cecila Ann Seidl, Czech Republic
• Frances Sepulchre, UK

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS

1. Individual Introductions and Acknowledgment

The session began with each participant introducing themselves and sharing what resonated with them most about Dr. Macky’s presentation. 

2. On ‘diasporic toolkits’ and breaking the cycle of bain 

Most participants identified with the ‘anxiety’ and tension surfaced during the presentations and highlighted the importance of the ‘diasporic toolkits’ and other solutions to manage one’s uprootedness or life in the diaspora, which Dr. Macky’s summarized as ‘living beyond the bind.’

The usefulness of collective dances and stories that emphasize our pride in our heritage was discussed, particularly in relation to the shame that many Igorots, across all generations, may feel (whether imposed by others or self-imposed) about their indigeneity. This shame is often a result of outright bullying in schools, for example (often from fellow Filipinos in the diaspora) based on negative discriminatory stereotypes of Igorots, along with peer pressure or the pressure to conform to a dominant Filipino (non-indigenous) identity or the host country’s culture. 

Dr. Macky stressed the importance of actively breaking the cycle of shame, which can be passed down through generations. This can be aided by developing a strong sense of self and joining collective expressions of pride through cultural activities, for instance. However, we must ensure that these spaces are inclusive, that while we forcefully express our indigeneity, we keep the room open to non-indigenous allies or those who support indigenous causes.

3. ICBE as a bridge builder

Participants discussed how the delineation between first- and second-generation Igorots is not always straightforward. The example was given of children who were brought over from the Philippines from parents who were already settled abroad (note: in contexts like the US, this has been termed the 1.5 generation). Regardless of which generation one group of people belongs to, the key is to build bridges between and across generations through activities such as ICBE and local cultural celebrations, if available. 

Another value of ICBE as a bridge builder that emerged during the discussion was its role in connecting countries, allowing each to learn from the experiences of the others. For instance, Igorot UK, as a long-established organization, shared advice to delegates from the Czech Republic, whose own association is still in its infancy, sharing lessons learned and best practices. 

On this note, one topic sparked the group's interest: should Igorot organizations continue to engage with Philippine embassies, which are always keen to have us perform during festivities like the Philippine Independence Day celebration? Some expressed reluctance to being ‘used’ or ‘displayed’, especially when the relationship between the embassy and the organization has not been meaningful; others said such invitations are precisely an opportunity to start building relationships with ambassadors or consuls, and that we should leverage these occasions to not only ensure ‘genuine’ performances of our traditional dances but also to influence the institution to support our causes.  

4. Addressing the colonial roots of Igorot indigeneity in Europe

The final part of the discussions turned to acknowledging the colonial roots of the indigenous struggle, including the assertion of indigeneity in the diaspora. Referencing scholars like historian Henry Scott, participants noted that although Igorots are recognized as indigenous people based on the fact that we resisted Spanish colonization or ‘we were not colonized,’ we must not ignore the colonial roots of the contemporary issues faced by Igorot communities in the Philippines today, such as land grabbing, the entrance of extractive industries, and discrimination. 

Dr. Macky noted that as Igorot communities in Europe, we must be prepared to confront past colonial powers, such as Spain and the UK, when seeking acknowledgement or closure for historical wrongs, such as participation in human zoos like the Madrid or Ghent Expos in the early 1900s, where Igorots were displayed, or the return of stolen Igorot artifacts. He cited the initiative by BIBAAK Barcelona to demand that the Spanish government acknowledge the abuse of Igorots during the Madrid Expo. Participants agreed that such initiatives will not be easy, but they are worth pursuing. 

5. Closing Remarks

In closing, participants focused on the right to self-determination as an overarching concept to allow Igorots to “live beyond the bind,” and represent ourselves as we are and share our own lived experiences. 

Education for the next generation will remain key, as will solidarity with other Igorot organizations and other indigenous peoples. 

Notes and report prepared by Airah Cadiogan, 25 June 2025    

12^th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference
ULB Campus du Solbosch, Bâtiment S, Salle Dupréel, Avenue Jeanne 44,
1050 Bruxelles, Belgium

29 May – 1 June 2025