Indigenous youth leaders from diverse communities in Sabah took part in a Training of Trainers (ToT) program aimed at preserving ancestral wisdom and strengthening community leadership rooted in Indigenous traditions.
The training was facilitated by PACOS Trust, a Sabah-based organization that works with Indigenous communities.
It focused on helping young leaders draw from ancestral knowledge while responding to contemporary challenges facing their communities.
Organizers said the program sought to affirm Indigenous communities as sources of knowledge and leadership, emphasizing that learning begins with the lived experiences, traditions, and collective memory of Indigenous peoples.
Participants explored community-centered learning, youth empowerment, and leadership approaches that bridge tradition and modern realities.
During one session, Indigenous leader Sesi Hari guided discussions and practical exercises linking ancestral knowledge with community organizing.
The workshops highlighted the role of Indigenous youth as custodians of culture, defenders of land, and advocates for identity.
The Sabah training formed part of a broader initiative supported by ROOTS, the Catholic Network of Indigenous Peoples of Asia, a regional community of individuals and organizations committed to the pastoral care and holistic empowerment of Indigenous peoples.
The network grew out of the Asian Indigenous Peoples Forum held in Nepal in November 2024 and was formally established in Thailand in April 2025. It connects Indigenous leaders and advocates from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and other countries across the region.
Organizers said the initiative aimed to prepare a new generation of Indigenous leaders rooted in ancestral traditions while responding to contemporary challenges.
