What We Can All Learn From Indigenous Cultures

Centuries after European colonization, discrimination faced by indigenous peoples remains the norm in many nations around the world. These peoples are seen by many as primitive but ‘developed cultures’ could learn a lot from them about sustainability. Indigenous cultures have lived, sometimes for thousands of years, in harmony with their environment, while modern societies are bringing irreversible cultural, social and environmental damage.

Arhuaco's Village

The circumstances that Latin American aborigines are confronting should concern us all. For instance how can the Peruvian government allow oil and gas exploration in indigenous land? Up to 70% of the Peruvian Amazon is being explored for oil which is not only destroying the rainforest but also could wipe out some of the world’s most vulnerable citizens. This Amazonian region is occupied by some of the most uncountable tribal people in the world stresses Prof. James Anaya, the UN’s special reporter on indigenous peoples assert.

In Colombia, at least 64 out of 102 indigenous groups are facing extinction says a report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The government has introduced laws supposed to protect those communities but their land is still used by illegal armies for the growing and trafficking of drugs. An estimated 74,000 indigenous people have been forcibly evicted from their homes, says the country’s national indigenous peoples’ organization (ONIC).

Kogui Children

In Guatemala, the situation is also grave. Mayan descendants appeared to be removed from the political system, have little access to education and there is clear evidence of discrimination. “Much as black Africans were the majority in South Africa under apartheid, the Indigenous peoples of Guatemala constitute the disempowered (and persecuted) numerical majority,” says Prof. Valerie Alia internationally recognized for her work in media ethics and indigenous communications.

The critical situation that indigenous peoples have to face nowadays around the globe is unacceptable. Their traditions and sacred lands all deserve respect. But what can we do to help the situation of indigenous peoples’ human rights?  It is important to change the way indigenous peoples are perceived; we should educate people about different societies and the way that they survive. Pressure governments to implement policies which promote respect for indigenous peoples’ values.  We cannot help but be vigilant with regard to indigenous peoples’ human rights.

Aztec descendant

An Arsario child

Zulu Children