Cultural Identity and the City – A Sociocultural-Spatial Approach Towards Inclusive Urbanization for Internally Displaced Indigenous People in Mindanao

Internal displacement is one of the most adversely impactful human mobility issues and urban phenomena worldwide while internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain underrepresented in all forms of narrative. Within this group, we argue that indigenous peoples (IPs) become the most vulnerable upon displacement and in host cities. We believe that both being an undermined indigenous people and an ignored IDP leads to synergy of vulnerabilities, exposure to risks, human rights violations, and weakened protections. Our objective is to examine and understand the integration of IDIPs in host cities including mechanisms of exclusion, protections instruments, cultural identity renegotiation, and perceptions of belonging. We will rely on insights from three research fields: forced displacement or migration; social work and protection, and; urbanization (sustainability and inclusivity) analyzed through a proposed lens – sociocultural-spatial. What are the mechanisms of exclusion of IDIPs in urban centers and how are these navigated to cope with the challenges to maintain cultural identity, build back their lives, and improve quality of life? We will utilize a qualitative mixed method research ranging from a literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, policy coherence, and participatory workshops. Understanding contextual nuances of IDIPs can lead to recommendations towards IDIP-inclusive, responsive, and adaptive urbanization.