The Federation of Indigenous Women of Nepal in America (FIWNA) successfully held its 8th Virtual Interaction Series on the topic:
“Realizing Self-Determination by Thangmi Indigenous Peoples through Customary Self-Governing Institutions.”
The key speaker for this session was Mr. Tahal Thami, a respected human rights defender, indigenous activist, and researcher. Mr. Thami, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. on the Thangmi Indigenous Peoples, shared an in-depth presentation highlighting the socio-political and cultural frameworks of the Thangmi community, rooted in their customary self-governance systems.
The Thangmi (Thami) Indigenous Peoples predominantly originate from Dolakha, Ramechhap, and Sindhupalchok districts in Nepal. According to available records, their population is approximately 32,743.
Mr. Thami explained that the Thangmi community historically practiced customary laws governing their socio-cultural, political, and economic lives. Each individual is assigned a caste identity based on both paternal and maternal lineage, which plays a role in marital arrangements and social structure.
A key political institution in the Thangmi community is the Godaicha, a customary leader responsible for making community decisions and maintaining order. Economically, they practiced mutual aid by storing rice in communal granaries called Bakhari, ensuring food security for all.
He emphasized that prior to the Gorkha conquest, the Thangmi had a fully functioning self-governing system, including collective land ownership, restorative justice mechanisms, and division of responsibilities through various customary institutions.
The erosion of these practices began during the Hinduization process under the Shah Regime, which imposed a centralized, monolithic state and religion. Over time, Godaicha institutions were absorbed into the state administrative structure, and the economic systems deteriorated. Today, while some socio-cultural practices remain, they are heavily influenced by mainstream Hindu traditions.
The session also featured contributions and reflections from notable Indigenous experts and leaders including:
Prof. Dr. Krishna Bhattachan
Dr. Chhitij Subba
Former DIG Parbati Thapa
Indigenous women’s rights advocate and FIWNA Advisor Yasso Bhattachan
Researcher and advocate Amrita Thebe
NIWF Vice President Kalpana Bhattachan
Young leaders from the Thami Indigenous community
Many participants found the dual caste system for males and females within the Thangmi culture particularly fascinating. The discussion revealed strong parallels between the Thangmi experience and those of other Indigenous communities across Nepal.
Prof. Bhattachan stressed the importance of revitalizing customary laws in line with Nepal’s Supreme Court directives and international frameworks such as ILO Convention 169 and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Thami urged the Thangmi youth to stand united and protect their ancestral customs, cautioning against internal divisions fueled by external political influences. He expressed concern that many community members, knowingly or unknowingly, are contributing to the erosion of their own cultural identity.
The session was moderated by FIWNA President Indira Chongbang, who warmly welcomed the participants, emphasized the importance of these ongoing dialogues, and extended heartfelt gratitude to the speaker and attendees. She also invited everyone to join future events and continue contributing to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous knowledge and rights.
