Isneg

The Isneg, also spelled Isnag or Isneg, are an indigenous ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines. They are primarily located in Apayao province in the Cordillera Administrative Region, with smaller communities in neighboring areas. The Isneg are part of the broader Cordillera cultural zone and share linguistic and cultural ties with other highland groups in northern Luzon.

Language is a central aspect of Isneg identity. The Isneg language (Isnag) belongs to the Northern Luzon branch of the Austronesian language family. Most Isneg speak Isnag at home, and many are bilingual in Filipino and/or Ilocano or other local languages.

Society and culture have traditionally been organized around small, kin-based communities. Leadership is often provided by elders and local figures within an adat system that governs land use, marriage, and ritual. Agriculture is central to the economy, with swidden farming and rice cultivation being common. Weaving, beadwork, and other crafts are notable cultural expressions. Religious life historically included animist beliefs and ancestor veneration; since the colonial era, many Isneg have joined Christian denominations, often preserving syncretic practices.

Contemporary status: The Isneg are recognized as Indigenous Peoples under the Philippine Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, with ancestral domain claims pursued through CADTs in some areas. Today they participate in regional development programs and face issues common to indigenous communities, including land rights, resource management, language preservation, and maintaining cultural continuity amid modernization.