Some of the world’s most respected tribal elders from the Americas, Aotearoa, the Pacific and the Arctic recently gathered in Cape Town for the World Tribal Alliance ORIGINS Gathering.
Cape Town, South Africa (11 November 2025) – The World Tribal Alliance exists to bring together indigenous tribes around the globe in the mission to protect the planet. Their philosophy is rooted in old truths that indigenous communities have always held the knowledge needed to live in balance with the land.
Bringing elders together at sacred sites across the globe is part of their larger effort to remind the world that cultural wisdom and environmental healing can’t be separated, and that love is a universal human experience.
Last week, Cape Town hosted the World Tribal Alliance for their ORIGINS Gathering.
The elders came here to perform ceremonies at important indigenous landmarks, and to honour and celebrate the world’s indigenous cultures. For six days, the global circle prayed, healed, taught and shared on South African soil.
SAs’ Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) joined in.
“Deputy Minister Narend Singh joined the circle, highlighting that Indigenous knowledge is essential to climate solutions and confirming South Africa’s support for the new global Cali Fund to protect and fairly compensate traditional knowledge holders,” shares the DFFE.
At Cape Point, elders were led in ceremony by the original guardians of our land – the San.
“All the Elders stepped into the ocean, offering prayers for healing and surrendering their intentions to the great waters,” the alliance shared.
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Their visit also included an Arhuaco healing ceremony on Robben Island, a Māori healing ceremony at the Castle of Good Hope, and a Hawaiian Sunrise ceremony on Table Mountain.
Masters, shamans and wisdom keepers from opposite ends of the world stood together in prayer on Saturday morning, as the sun rose over the Mother City. They were all calling for the same things. Compassion. Respect. Harmony between people and the natural world.
Megan Taplin, Park Manager of Table Mountain National Park, said:
“We are grateful to have witnessed this spiritual gathering on one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks.”
Monday will be the last day of the alliance’s visit. They’re closing with a gala celebration of world indigenous culture.
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