Stories about Indigenous from June, 2009
Ukraine: “Lady Ethnographer”
Maria Sonevytsky of My Simferopol Home writes on being a “lady ethnographer” in Ukraine and on xenophobia in Crimea: “Ukraine today is caught between two warring accounts of history, as it is caught between two different attitudes towards otherness, be it gendered, ethnic or raced otherness.”
Fiji: A roadmap towards elections?
Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama told an audience his government will soon begin work on the country’s new constitution and a “road map” to elections set to take place in 2014. He didn’t provide a timetable, or framework, but it is the first signs of the country gaining a new political and social code since April, when the President annulled the country’s 1997 Constitution.
Palestine: Ten Reasons Settlers Should Go
Joy in Palestine continues her list of why the illegal settlers of the Havot Ma’on outpost and Ma’on settlement in the West Bank south of Hebron must leave; in this post she gives reason number three.
Caribbean: Following the path of the Caribs
Since the beginning of 2009, French West Indians have questioned their identity, their national heritage and their present-day situation in different ways. Kintamingo Ema, a Martinican blog, presents an initiative which mixes a social insertion, historical and archeological project with an identity quest. Dubbed "Kintamingo Ema, sur le chemin de nos ancêtres" (Kintamingo Ema, following the path of our ancestors), the project was launched by Association Karisko , an association focusing on social integration.
Cambodia: Controversial Angkor Wat lighting project
To promote "night lighting" tours and to reverse the 20 per cent drop in visitors, the Cambodian government has installed artificial lighting in the 11th century-old Angkor Wat Temple. This project is opposed by some heritage conservationists and concerned Cambodian citizens. Angkor Wat is the most popular tourist site in Cambodia and is recognized as a World Heritage site.
Indonesia: Wayang Kulit
The traditional wayang kulit is a famous shadow puppet play in Indonesia. lekhikaa blogs about a project to make the wayang accessible to foreigners.
Ukraine: Crimean Tatar Protest
Window on Eurasia writes about the continuing protest and growing discontent of a group of Crimean Tatar activists in Kyiv.
Peru: Video Interview with Hilaria Supa
Carlos Quiroz interviews Peruvian indigenous Congresswoman Hilaria Supa on video during her recent visit to New York City for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Peru: Responsibility for the Casualties in Amazon Conflict
Many bloggers are criticizing Peruvian President Alan García and his government for their failure to enforce treaties and agreements that require the consultation with local communities before any action take place on their lands. As a result, the roadblock protests to protect their rights and the subsequent attempt to clear these blockades, led to clashes in the Amazon city of Bagua. This conflict claimed the lives of indigenous residents, as well as police. The coverage in many media outlets has also attracted criticism for their handling of the information.
Peru: Clashes Break Out in the Amazon Region
The continuing tense situation in the Amazon Region of Peru has taken a turn for the worst with reports of clashes between indigenous protestors and the police. These protests have continued for quite some time, as residents are concerned that the government wants more control of their land for mining and oil exploration. Unofficial reports have deaths occurring on both sides, and bloggers have been following the developments closely with frequent updates on their sites.
Peru: Death Toll Rises From Clashes in Jungle Region
Isabel from Las Burbujas Recargadas [es] is concerned and angry about the recent developments in Peru's northern jungle where the death toll increases from clashes between indigenous communities and the police.
India: Do Not Evict The Chakmas
Paritosh Chakma at Musings of a Chakma draws attention to the fact that in Mizoram state of India the land of many Chakma indigenous population have been acquired by the government to make way to border fencing along the Mizoram-Bangladesh border. “There is no plan to rehabilitate the displaced Chakmas...
Bolivia: Farewell to Aymara Hip Hop Artist Abraham Bojorquez
The sudden death of Bolivian hip-hop artist Abraham Bojorquez was especially hard on residents of El Alto, the city from which he hailed. A victim of a traffic accident, Bojorquez left behind many fans around the world, but also left behind a legacy of lyrics that reflected on the struggles and the hopes of a young city that has been through so much. Many Bolivian bloggers shared their condolences.
Guatemala: The Murder of Father Rosebaugh in the Ixcán
One week after the murder of Rodrigo Rosemberg and the infamous video, another violent murder took place in the Ixcán region of Guatemala. Armed men intercepted the car carrying 5 missionaries. Shots rang out and a Roman Catholic priest from the United States, the Rev. Lawrence Rosebaugh was killed. The incident brought an end to the life of a man best remembered as a champion of non-violence and peace during his years serving in Latin America, and brought focus on the historical and present state of the region where he last served.
Fiji: ‘A Christian state'?
Fiji’s government has canceled this year’s conference of the Methodist church, claiming the week-long meeting would foster instability. The move was announced from a statement from government police and military forces, arguing that “inciteful issues are going to be discussed at the conference.” Fiji’s Methodists gather each August at a...
Jamaica: Calabash & the Maroons
Litblogger Geoffrey Philp recounts his experience at Jamaica's recently-concluded Calabash Literary Festival, while Trinidadian Sharon Millar offers some insight into the Maroons of Jamaica.
Dubai: At a wedding reception
Dubai Jazz, a Syrian blogger who lives and works in Dubai, attends a local wedding reception and shares his ‘delicious’ experience in this post.
