Stories about Indigenous from November, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago: El Tucuche
“The only known Amerindian glyphs in Trinidad occur on a rock outcrop here”: wordtryst blogs about her favourite mountain.
Bolivia: 229 Years Since the Sacrifice of Tupac Katari
The story of the uprising of the indigenous freedom fighters has been passed down from generation to generation in the indigenous communities of Bolivia. This rebellious movement was led some 229 years ago by Tupac Katari and remembrance events will take place during the month of November.
Paraguay: “The Unwanted” of Ciudad del Este
Journalist and blogger Andrés Colmán Gutiérrez wrote on his blog Ñangapiry News [es] about a group of about 170 indigenous people that live on the streets of Ciudad del Este, “fleeing poverty and oblivion in their old scorched lands.” Andrés reports that last Thursday more than 500 people protested to...
Colombia: Two More Colombian Traditions Named Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO
Albeiro Rodas from Colombia Passport reports: “The Marimba music of the Colombian Pacific and the regulatory system of the Wayuu [indigenous] people of Guajira, were included in the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. ” Albeiro goes on to explain each one.
Morocco/Western Sahara: Gadaym Izik Riots Become a Volatile Political Crisis
There has been ongoing unrest in Western Sahara, the former Spanish colony that was annexed by Morocco after “The Green March Demonstration“ in November, 1975. Last week, the territory witnessed one of the worst violent events in years. Bloggers react to the development in this post.
USA Now Alone, as Canada Votes to Adopt Indigenous Declaration
Canada has endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, leaving the US as the only country to vote against the document.
Bolivia: When ancestors return, celebrating the ñatitas
Each year on November 8, Bolivians celebrate the festivity of the ñatitas. The ñatitas are little skulls that are taken from homes to the main cemetery of the Bolivian capital, La Paz, where an ancient ritual takes place.
Brazil: Eradicating the Indigenous Guarani Kaiowa
Guarani still represent one of the most numerous indigenous people in Brazil, though they are profoundly affected by the loss of almost all their land in the last century. In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Guarani Kaiowa, one of three groups descended from the original, are the target of constant attacks and victims of an alarming rash of suicides.
S.Korea:A Boy Band's Innovative Word Describing His Roots Made To Trending List
South Korea's boy band, U-Kiss's member, Alexander has placed #Korean American and #Xandernese at Twitter's top trending list. The word ‘Xandernese’, which Alexander invented while describing his origin, is getting Twitterer's approval who had a hard time describing their multiple roots. read more on GoKPop.
Nigeria: Remembering an Activist, Fifteen Years After his Execution
In 1995 Ken Saro-Wiwa, a prominent activist and outspoken critic of the oil industry in Nigeria, was executed along with eight of his associates. Saro-Wiwa was a hero for many Nigerians, and his execution inflamed the international community against the notoriously authoritarian regime of Sani Abacha and the practices of Royal Dutch Shell. Fifteen years after his death, bloggers reflect on his legacy.
Bangladesh: Fire Destroys Chakma King's Palace
Wasfia Nazreen at Unheard Voices reports that the Royal Palace of Chakma Circle Chief, Raja Devasish Roy, was burnt to the ground last Wednesday. The Chakmas are an indigenous community that inhabits the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and the North-East region of India.
Taiwan: Reporting on Autumn Struggle 2010
The Annual Autumn Struggle(秋鬥) was held on 11/7 this year, more than 1000 people from various minority groups and social activists organizations-migrant workers, indigenous tribes, HIV+ patients, sex workers, environmentalists, and farmers deprived of their lands-joined the march together. CivilMedia's video report summarized demands from different groups[zht] while Coolloud's photo report captured...
Honduras: Indigenous Heroes
Nacer en Honduras [es] lists 6 indigenous heroes from Honduras, giving a brief biography of each one.
Peru: Campaign to Prevent Closing of Amazon Library
Juan Arellano from Globalizado [es] reports on a campaign to prevent the closing of a library in Iquitos, Peru that focuses on materials about the Amazon. This library is the second most important on the subject in Latin America.
Ecuador: Keeping Traditions Alive on Day of the Dead
Ecuadorians recently finished celebrating the Day of the Dead with liters of colada morada and many, many guaguas de pan, the traditional drink and food for the holiday. The special drink and bread are prepared and consumed on November 2nd, celebrating an ancestral tradition. The tradition was also celebrated through the blogosphere, where a campaign has appeared to keep Halloween from the traditional celebration.
Haiti: The Beauty of Haitian Art
“Sometimes I feel like I focus too much on the negative in my posts, giving the false impression that nothing good is happening in the world of Haitian culture…”: Tande trains the spotlight on the positive.
Mexico: Celebrating Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is a special and mystical season that Mexicans celebrate every year. But what exactly happens on this date? Why is this holiday so important for Mexican families?
