Stories about Indigenous from May, 2011
Peru: Growing Debate Regarding Genetically Modified Farming
The official signing of Decree 003, which permits the import of genetically modified seeds into the country, continues to generate debate between those in favor of the widespread use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and those who fear it would be harmful to the country's biodiversity and the health of its people.
Peru: Protests Against Mining Projects in Puno
Juan Arellano, Global Voices author and Spanish Translation Manager, blogs [es] about an indefinite strike the Aymara community began 20 days ago against mining projects in Puno.
FSU: Deportations of Crimean Tatars and Soviet Colonialism
J. Otto Pohl of Otto's Random Thoughts writes about the Soviet colonialism (here and here), and about the 67th anniversary of the deportation of the Crimean Tatars (here and here), linking to his earlier posts and articles on the subject.
Mexico: Day 3: Thousands of Zapatistas Join National ‘March for Peace’
During its third day, thousands of Zapatistas joined the national march for peace, justice and dignity, denouncing the violence created by the War on Drugs. Protesters also met many of the families that are claiming justice for their killed or missing loved ones. Global Voices author Geraldine Juárez spoke to some of these participants.
Bolivia: Keeping Aymara Alive Through TV?
M. Luk’aña Champi [es] wonders why Bolivia doesn't have a TV channel in Aymara or Quechua, considering that the country is now ruled by an ‘indigenous government': “Modern media like radio and television are ways to keep a language alive and in full use. When a language is not used...
USA: Native Americans Take Offense at Osama Nickname
For the United States government, "Geronimo EKIA" (Enemy Killed In Action) is the code for Osama Bin Laden's death. For many Native Americans, however, comparing their folk hero Geronimo to the world's number one terrorist is offensive. Geronimo was the most famous Chiricahua Apache figure who fought against Mexican and US armies to defend Apache lands.
Japan: Sanka, Legendary Gypsies Living in the Wild
A documentary has recently revived interest in the existence of the 'Sanka', a group of people who are said to have lived in the remote mountains and plains of the Japanese archipelago until the 1970s. Some bloggers have speculated on the origins of these legendary nomads.
Guatemala: Rigoberta Menchú to Run for President
Nobel Peace Prize and indigenous activist Rigoberta Menchú will be nominated as the Frente Amplio de Izquierda presidential candidate, according to recent reports [es]. Mike in Central American Politics thinks that “even with the rejuvenated Guatemalan left, it's unlikely that Manchu (or any other left candidate) will impact the outcome of...
Argentina: Indigenous Protests in Downtown Buenos Aires
Since Monday April 25, activists from the Qom community, an indigenous group from the province of Formosa in Argentina, started a roadblock on the 9 de Julio Avenue, in the very center of Buenos Aires, along with a hunger strike lead by their spokesman Felix Díaz. Bloggers react to their protest and try to bring public attention to the conflict.
