Workshop Group 2 Report on “Anxious Negotiations of a Second Generation Igorot in the Diaspora: An Autoethnography”
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12th 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
Workshop Group 2 Report on “Anxious Negotiations of a Second Generation Igorot in the Diaspora: An Autoethnography”
Moderator: Gamaliel Sepulchre (Vice President, Cordillera UK)
Note-taker: Betsy Galuga (President, Cordillera UK)
Main Speaker: Abigail Mier – Key speaker (MABIKAs Foundation-The Netherlands)
Participants
A diverse group including ICBE pioneers, first- and second- generation Igorot Cordillerans and Cordillerans by affinity.
For the first-generation participants, they represented the following organizations: BIBAK Switzerland, BIMAK Los Angeles, Cordillera UK, MABIKAs Foundation-The Netherlands and Solibao NRW Germany. The other participants came from Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.
For the second-generation and younger participants, they represented Cordi-Bel (Belgium). Other participants came from Germany.
Discussion Highlights
1. Defining generations
The discussion opened with clarifying generational terms:
- First-generation immigrants are those who migrated and established their lives abroad.
- Second-generation refers to individuals born abroad or who migrated as children of migrant parent/s – often shaped by dual culture.
2. Autoethnography and indigenous research
Abigail Mier introduced her autoethnographic research as an Igorot anthropologist, emphasizing the use of personal experience to explore broader cultural themes.
She addressed the following:
- Ethical considerations in self-representation;
- The transition from being the “object of study” to becoming the “author of one’s own story;”
- The empowering role of lived experience in shaping cultural understanding.
3. “Anxious Negotiations” Explored
Participants explored the tensions of second-generation Igorots experiences. These included:
- Sense of belonging: Navigating multiple identities, cultures, and expectations.
- Language and culture: Struggles and triumphs in learning and maintaining indigenous languages and traditions.
- Family and cultural values: Understanding “family-first” versus “individual-first” dynamics.
- Mixed heritage families: Embracing “two roots” and raising culturally-aware children.
- Gift-giving, etc. as cultural practices: The transformation of attitudes toward traditional customs like sending gifts to family in the Philippines.
- Cultural education: Using events, community spaces, and online platforms to expose the younger generation to their heritage.
4. Indigeneity and identity politics
- Who is a ‘pure’ Igorot? – Deconstructed in favour of inclusive community-based identity.
- Cordillerans by affinity – Recognised as essential cultural allies and advocates.
- “Igorot” vs. “Cordilleran” – Participants shared differing views on which term is more politically and culturally appropriate.
- Indigeneity as Practice – A shared belief emerged that being indigenous means living the culture daily—through food, language, dress, values, and relationships.
5. Key reflections and outcomes
- Shared stories offer healing and strength for second-generation individuals.
- Cultural transmission requires both community effort and individual commitment.
- Intergenerational dialogue is crucial for preserving and evolving Igorot identity abroad.
- It is never too late to teach cultural identity and language to children.
- The diaspora community must continue fostering safe spaces for these conversations e.g. ICBE.
6. Conclusion
The discussion was deeply personal, intellectually rich, and community-affirming. It highlighted the value of storytelling, intergenerationalsupport, and cultural continuity in diaspora life. Participants left inspired to reflect more deeply on their own roles in sustaining Igorot identity, whether as migrants, descendants, or advocates.