The Maasai : building solidarity amongst clans to unify on land rights in northern Tanzania
Much of the poverty faced by the Maasai is underpinned by land access restrictions, arising from loss of land resulting from tourism initiatives, and the impact of conservation and commercial farming, both areas the national government has consistently supported. The … Read more
Strengthening pride in Khumbu, Nepal
The Sherpa indigenous people of the Mt. Everest region of Nepal—a customary territory called Khumbu — regard their high valleys as a sacred place they have the responsibility to conserve. Many Sherpa cultural leaders, however, are concerned that their territory … Read more
Solidarity and joint learning and action among indigenous communities resisting oil-palm monocultures in the islands of Palawan and Mindanao (The Philippines).
With this initiative the Foundation supports a search for mechanisms to give the stronger possible voice to indigenous communities affected (or potentially affected) by oil palm monocultures in Palawan and Mindanao—two main islands in the Philippines’ archipelago. The researcher/ activist … Read more
Other possible economies at the roots of other possible worlds, Colombia
The Process of the Black Communities (PCN) is a movement that articulates individuals and organizations— from the Caribbean coast, the Pacific and the valleys of the Cauca, Patia and Magdalena rivers— who work for the recognition and implementation of the … Read more
Strengthening Mapuche governance in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina
The Project “Strengthening Mapuche governance in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina” will take place in the Zonal Council of Lafkenche, part of the Mapuche Confederation of Neuquen. Its goal is to strengthen a group of community authorities (a “team of … Read more
Norman Jiwan: indigenous activist to control palm oil expansion in Indonesia
Norman Jiwan, a Kerambai Dayak from West Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) is an NGO activist who works for the Indonesian NGO, SawitWatch, a watchdog group that tracks the palm oil industry in the region.
He acts as director of the research … Read more
The Popular Committee of Bil’in : a peaceful exemplary struggle against “the wall” in Palestine
Bil’in is a Palestinian village that wants to continue to live… and because of that it has been fighting g hard to save its land, its olive trees, its resources and its freedom. By building its “separation wall”, the state … Read more
Dam Chanty: courageous organiser of indigenous peoples in Ratanakiri province (Cambodia)
Ms. Dam Chanty is an indigenous Tampuen/Lao with a long history of working to strengthen the rights of indigenous peoples in Ratanakiri Province and Cambodia. Chanty is 53 years old and has 6 children and 3 grandchildren and is fluent … Read more
Taita Jose Becerra and Dr. Germán Zuluaga Ramirez: culture-based healing in the Amazon region of Colombia
The Taita Jose Becerra, heir to an ancient Indian medical tradition of the Yage culture, has served his community for decades through quiet healing service and advice. He has also participated in meetings with other Indian doctors and accompanied the … Read more
Hernan Rosa Martinez: solidarity at the heart of all successful community development in Ecuador
After studying philosophy, theology, sociology and anthropology, Hernán Rodas engaged as a priest in the movement of liberation theology. Listening to the poor, he was one of the main members of the team that re-translated the Bible from the perspective … Read more
