2
12
46
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/6f875b05b21021d2adc7a0022ed6b90d.pdf
a0c8771e6f5061c20a76a40e5931fe69
PDF Text
Text
Three Indian People Elected to
National Constitutional Assembly
(Colombia) Thnae delegates were chosen to represent Colombia's 600,000 Indians in the National
Constitutional Assembly (ANC), responsible for reforming
the Colombian Constitution. Alfonso Pcllas Chcpe,
Lorenzo Muelas Hurtado and Frandsoo Rojas Birry were
elected to the newly formed ANC This is a major step for a
nation which passed a law in 1890 which set a taJget date
of 50 years to "dvilize the savages." The slruggJe for Indian
rights has pined new impetus with the plans to celebrate
the SOOth anniversary of Columbus' arrival in Santo
Domingo. In his first speech before the assembly, Birry, an
Embcrd Indian elected as a delegate on Dcccmbcr9,
declared: "We, the Indians of Colombia, reject with all the
anger we have built up over hundreds of years, the 'celebration' that the West wants to make in 1992 of the great
cthnoddal saga."
Representing 80 Indian groups, from the Amazon
forest to the Andean highlands, the three Indian delegates
proposed that Colombia's new Constitution accord Indians
rights to bilingual education and to political and economic
control over recognized homelands. They also demanded
that Indians be judged by Indian courts and Indian judges
and that seats be set aside for Indian representation in
Colombia's Congress.
The rewriting of the Constitution was begun in
February and finished on July 5th. Among the propositions
approved by the Assembly was the political and administrative decentralization of the a>untry. The indigenous
representatives presented and passed a proposal for
"relative autonomy: which guarantees their survival as
peoples with characteristics which differ from the rest of
sodety. The recognition of territories which traditionally
have been inhabited by indigenous peoples and arc isolated
from the political and administrative arena of the country
was also obtained. A degree of autonomy in administrative
justice was also adopted, whereby indigenous peoples will
be implementing their own traditional fonns of justice.
policies, plans and programs of eoonomi<: and social •
deudopmenl within thdr lands, and in harmony with
the National Plan~ Deudoptnent ... The exploitation of
natuml resources located in indigenous territories will
lake p/Da without dividing the cultuml, social and
a:onomic identity ofindigeMUS eotnmunilils. In the
dtrisilm to exploit such resoun:es, the goveou11ent will
facilitate the participation of representatives~ the
•tSptJCti« communilils.
In addition to territorial rcfonns, education, health
care, and all projects, investments, and services affecting
indigenous peoples will be carried out with their partidpation, Input and subject to the approval of indigenous
authorities. The 64 indigenous languages of Colombia were
ofRdally recognized, requiring the state to train bilingual
teachers for community schools.
The multi-<!!hnic and cultural diversity of Colombia is also recognized and protected by the Constitution. As
a permanent guarantee of the political·institutional recognition of the indigenous peoples of Colombia, a special
electoral body was formed. Two posts of the 102 senatorial
seats, along with one of five posts in the Chamber of
Representatives will be permanently provided for indigenous delegates.
·
The changes taking place in Colombia today are
not only of great significance to Colombians, but to Native
peoples of the entire continent, especially when one considers that indigenous peoples were not even mentioned in the
last Constitution, written in 1886.
The new Constitution was In danger of not being
approved because of the additions by the indigenous
representatives. Due to increased ~ng and an outcry of
support from indigenous communities, the proposals were
approved.
Selections from the new Colombian Constitution
a.rc as follow:
Indigenous lands are collectively owned ...
Act:Qrding to the Constitution and law, indigenous
territories wiU be governd by councils formed and rultd
acamling to the use and customs~ their communifilS
and will aercise the fol/Qwing functions... Design the
Voi6Nos 1&2
9
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Three Indian People Elected by Nationa Constitutional Assembly
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
Three Indian People Elected by Nationa Constitutional Assembly
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
9
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
Three indians elected the the ANC help give a voice to the 600,000 Indians of Colombia.
Attachment Title
Three_Indian_People_Elected_To_National_Constitutional_Assembly.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Colombia
National Constitutional Assembly
reform
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/aa725b1f0134b2411cba906d9ee4de7a.pdf
86659d7631469a12e3958e7b07bba8fd
PDF Text
Text
·we Need to Survive!••
A Message from Davi Kopenawa Yanomami
(Bnuil) Daui Kopenauxl Ymwmami visilal Ntw Yo'* in
April and md with 11¥ Stadmy Gennrzl of the United Nations,
the Organizaoon ofAmerican States, and tM World Bank to
explain the effects geld-miners are lu:uing on his people, tM
Yanomami of the state of
Romima in the Brazilian
Amazon. He also md with
manygroups on the mst
QlQSt to help raise funds
for a Yanomami health
project.
The following
aree=rpts frrmt a
statement made by Daui
Koptnawa Yanomami to
the lnttr·Ameriam
Commission on Human
Rights last September in
Demini, Brazil.
My name is
Davi Kopenawa
Yanomami... I am a
Yanomami Indian. I
want to send my
message to those who
are friends and who are
helping us to defend
the forest. I want to talk
to the people who do
not know the problems
of the Indians in Brazil.
We Yanomami Indians
have lived in this forest
for a vel)' long time, for
much longer than any
White or non-Indian
person. We used to be
free and we did not
have any lcind of illness.
We were not sick a t all.
rolled into the forest. Tiley are now all over the territory.
We Yanomami Indians are vel)' worried because
we do not have the authority of the President... we have to
ask the government to change the situation and to take the
gold miners. .. out of
the area.
!have asked
FUNAI (the Brazilian
Bureau of Indian
Affairs) many times
and all the authorities,
including former
President Samey,
when he was
President...to take out
the gold miners. .. but
the only thing they d id
was to promise and to
keep promising things
and not do anything.
Instead, they
let many other gold·
miners come in... and
they did not take them
out. Sickness also came
with the gold miners.
Because of the mosqui·
toes that bite them and
then bite us, we are
now having all of this
sickness. Tile sickness
called malaria is very
Slrong, and I think at
least !<XX> Yanomami
have died already.
Even more than !<XX>.
111at is what I think.
Now our
rivers.. our streams. ..
During that
are dirty. The
time there were no nonDavi YOII()mami on his visit to North America.
Yanomamldo not
know about mercury...
Indians around here. Tiley were far away. We Indians did
not know that the non-Indians would give us so many
Mercury is used by gold miners to clean the gold ... It goes
problems... I am talking about the gold miners who come
back to the river and the fish that the Yanomami eat and the
here and take out our fish, the animal$. .. and devastate the
water that the Yanomami drink is mixed with mercury.
forest. 111at is what I am tallcing about. .. They have invaded When they cat and drink that they get sick.
our territory.Tiley first came in 1987.11lcy killed four
Those gold miners arc also poor people. Like us,
Yanomami at Paapiu. From there they spread out into the
they are not rich. I feel pity for them because they come
territory with small airplanes and helicopters... and they
here, because their boSSC$ send them here, and they just
20
SAIIC Newsle tter
�obey them. Around Sururucus, there arc a lot of goldminers. The federal polke have not taken them out. They
tried, but what they did was to get the nice gold-miners out,
not the bad and mean ones.
I am a Yanomami Indian who understands the
non-Indian world. I keep asking President Collor to expel
the gold miners from our territory. President Collor has
been to Surururus, but. .. on ly to a military base... That is the
only thing he saw. President Collor knows that the situation
is not good. So I am asking o ther people to con tin ue
pressuring the Brazilian government to help expel the goldminers.
I spoke to the United Nations, which gave me an
award. I told them that the prize did not help my people. So
I am asking the UN to help the Yanomami people to
pressure the Brazilian government to remove the goldminers from our area. Also, we want the Organization of
American States. .. to help us as friends.
I don't think it is just the Brazilian government.
You should pressure every government in the world
b«ause they arc all alike, and they should help us. .. Protect
the Indians, protect the rivers, the mountai.n s, the forest. We
need to survive.
It is very important for them too. It is not only the
Yanomami but also the non-Indians. We all depend on the
land. So if they do not protect the land, all of humanity will
die.
To you whom I am sending this message, what I
am asking is to do something to help the Brazilian Ind ians,
and also all the Ind ians of the world, because the Indians
want to live in peace. Not only the Indians who live in the
forest but also the Indians who live in the dty and the nonIndians who arc living in the dty arc suffering because the
government should pay attention to all of us and do
something to help us.
I am going to say something else... about the 19
islands of Yanomami land that former President Samey
demarcated. We Yanomami Indians do not want to live in
islands. We want to be safe. The gold miners arc going to
enter our islands... We need a con tin uous area and a big
area in order to be able to fiSh and hunt and live well. We
want all of our land united.
In regards to the government operation that is
supposed to take out the gold miners... they have not taken
out all of the gold miners. The operation has stopped
because the government says that they do not have
money... ! know the government authorities, the Brazilian
au thorities, and I know the politicians and I know the way
they work. My feeling is that they do not want to take the
gold miners out... What they really want is to be here and
exploit our resources. That is why they do not want to solve
our problems.
(Su Davi.p . 45)
Vol6 Nos 1&2
Some Ground is Made in
the Struggle for the
Construction of a
Yanomami Park
President Collor finally obeyed the Brazilian court
dedsion and revok ed former President Samcy's illegal
dccrccs dividing Yanomami territory into 19 'islands' and
create three illegal mining reserves. But optimism about a
decisio n on a Yanomami Pari< soon diminished when
Collor announecd he was setting up a group to study
Yanomami boundaries. On April19, National Day of the
Indian, he signed a decree calling for a proposal for the
demarcation of the Yanomami territory to be presented to
him wlthi.n six months.
During Presid ent Collor's visit to the Un ited States
in June, environmental and Indian support grou ps informed him that the evacuation of the gold-miners in the
Yanomami area had been paralyzed and the gold-miners
had again invaded an extensive part of the Yanomami
territory. Upon returning to Brazil, Collor fired FUNAI
prosldent Cantidio Guerrciro Guimaracs.
Meanwhile, the government pla.n ned to begin on
July 19, the third operation to expel the gold-miners from
the Yanomami territory using a sum of $1.8 million. The
government's plans for the gold-mi ncrs Is being questioned. It was reported that the intcnton is to incorporate
several thousand expelled gold-miners i.n to agricultural
projects. If the projects are set up near the Yanomami area,
it is certain that they will re-invade the territory.
Sydney Possuelo, the new prosidcnt of FUNAI
published a resolution on July 22, 1991, calling for the
demarcation of the Yanomami territory as a contiguous
area of9,419,108 hectares, located in thcstatesof Roraima
and Am.uonas. This was signed by President Collor. The
government is estimating that it will cost $6 millio n to
demarcate the territory.
Last Minute News Ill
On November 14, President Collar de
Mello granted "pennanent rights" over
36,358 squa re miles to the Yanomamilll
�Atendo (continued from p. 26)
n.cy a.r e a strong force in the economic survival of
our communities. This is because of their involvement in
the production of "molas," which is the art of the Kuna.
Because the "molas" are being sold at natio nal levels and
exported to the US and Europe, they are achieving economic success at international levels. In many tespects, the
women have a greater capacity to organize them.sclves in
cooperatives and to conbibute to the economic survival of
the Kuna family than the men do. This is why, when we
speak of the Kuna economy, we spea.k of men and women
as equals.
Davi (continued from p. 21)
1hcre are many people who are powerful. There
are powerful gold miners... and authorities too, like Romero
Juca, former president of FUNAI. He is responsible for
letting the gold miners invade our territory and ... for lots of
killings of Yanomami ... Something must be done to solve
our problem because Romero Juca will not solve it. He docs
not like us. ..
Do the international authorities and people from
the United States think it is true what they always say that
the demarcation of Yanomami land is a matter of money,
that they do not have money to do it?...
I am very worried about people abroad who.. : are
giving money to Brazil. .. but ll21 to help the Indians. This
money that comes from abroad is helping the Brazilian
government to oppress Indians. I am very worried about
that.
Non-Indians are like ants. I know that non-Indians
like our reso= n.cy say that we have gold, we have
lumber, and they say that they need that to help the people
who live in the city. Well, we do not want them, and we do
not want them here.
What we wa. t is tespect for our rights. We want
n
them to leave us alone. We need help with regard to the
health situation. In the beginning we did not need any help.
We did not need any doctors, any medical doctors, any
nurses or any medicine. But now we need doctors and
nurses to help the Yanomami who are sick. We also need
medicines because we used to cure ourselves only with
'shabori' [shamanism) ... But that is not enough anymore,
And we need medical doctors and medicines and help from
non-Indian people.
We are worried because the non-Indians are not
very much worried about us. They think that we are a
different race. 1hcrefore, they want to isolate us. They think
we are bothering their work. We are preventing them from
working here, so they would rather have us isolated. They
do not wony very much about what is going on with us.
44
We have strongly safeguarded our spirituality and
traditions. For example, we hold the Gc1U!ml Congress of
Kuna Culture, which unites the spiritual guides of all of our
communities. They are highly respected by all Kuna people.
n.cy promote teaching and learning amongst the youth so
that our rich traditions are not lost.
We, of Kuna Yala, are confronting serious problems along the Colombian border, where gold prospectors
are invading our lands. We are also indirect victims of the
confrontations which take place in Colombia between the
guerrillas and the army. Violating all laws, both sides
invade our region while the Panamanian authorities do
nothing to stop them. The same thing occurs with the
Yanqui {United States) army which often crosses our
territory to go to the Panamanian border with the excuse of
filling the vacuum created by the dissolution of the Pana·
man ian army in 1989, following the invasion.
Ampan (continued from p. 11)
domination. everybody is af'Taid that we will take a racist
stand and that this will lead to a racial confrontation. For
this reason. there has not been enough dialogue amongst
the poor dass. In meetings with laborer$, peasants and
intellectuals, it is important for us to talk so that we feel
equal. We must, if we are from the same cla.ss, talk so that
we can find a solution...
Plurinationality will only be possible with the total
transformation of society. This is possible if, as in Switzer·
land, there are well-defined and recognized sectors. We
understand that the problem is not exclusively Indigenous.
It is a problem which concerns aU of us. In order to form
such a state we must think carefully what it would be like.
How would it be governed at the political, economic, social
and cultural levels? U we find that the workers are on one
side, the indigenous on another and other sectors on other
sides, then it will not be possible... We must continually
reconsider our struggle and include long-term goals in our
strategy. We must work together and make compromises.
We must coordinate our endeavors in this way or we will
not succeed, even if we are united.
SAIIC Newsletter
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
"We Need to Survive!": A Message from Davi Kopenawa Yanomami
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Yanomami, David Kopenawa
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
"We Need to Survive!": A Message from Davi Kopenawa Yanomami
Item Type
Journal Article
Author
Yanomami, David Kopenawa
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
20-21, 44
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
An excerpt from a speech given by David Kopenawa Yanomami.
Attachment Title
We_Need_To_Survive.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Brazil
Collor de Mello Fernando
FUNAI
Yanomami David Kopenawa
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/33ac091a07bbe2ad39757031032a89a0.pdf
b60fa2d48c4203ed34e04a5f42a72dc6
PDF Text
Text
WHY WE
ABANDONED
OUR GUNS
Quintin Lame
Speaks
(Colombia) Last April 9th, Alfonso Pci\a CMpe,
Indian representative of the Armed Movement "Manuel
Quintin Lame;' took an oath before the plenary session of
the National Constitutional Asscmbly.ln this way, he
became the 74th member of this governmental body.
The Indian people of Quintin Lame in the Department of CaUOl are negotiating with the Colombian government in ordes- to come to a peacclul solution to the anned
conflict there.
Altes- seven years of armed struggle, they abandoned thcir arms on May JlsL The following ren reasons
were given as to why they decided to change their strategy:
I. The indigenous struggle of Colombia is a result
of the Injustices within Colombian society. We have
decided to compromise with the people of Colombia in
ordes- to search for a political solution to the social, judicial,
cultural and economic conflicts and in order to achieve
social justice.
2. We want to contnbute to democracy in a civil
society, by woridng towards the elimination of the roots of
violence.
3. The historic opening of the National Constitutional Assembly serves as a starting point in the reconstruction of a new country which recognizes the existence of
different cultures.
4. Altes- 500 years of cultural resistance, the pres-
ence of Francisco Rojas Birry, Lorenzo Muclas and Alfonso
Pci\as 01epe in the National Constitutional Assembly
dernonstrares that Indian people have strong support from
their communities as well as from other sectors of the
population.
S. The presence of indigenous representation in
national politics is one more srep in the defense of our
identity, due to the struggles of our ancestors such as
Caciqua Caitana, Quintin Lame, and Alvaro Ulcu~.
Design by l6inv: Tenjo
6. The Colombian guerrilla movement has decided
to follow the path of dialogue and political negotiation
rather than the anned struggle of the pa.st.
7. We want to encourage dialogue, political
negotiation and a peaceful solution instead of the conflictive
one which has kept us out of the political arena.
8.1n Colombia, we are building a democratic
system where it is our duty to contribure our solidarity to
an alternative to the system which consisted solely of
liberals and conservatives for many years.
9. After 500 years of being massacred and plundered, we Indian peoples of the Americas will continue our
struggle in a new way to prevent new forms of colonization.
10. Indigenous communities, peasants and other
popular sectors will establish a civil society, with great
socio-political strength, which will offer an alternative, and
seriously deal with the roots of violence.
Source Unidad lndfgCfllll99, Mtty, 1991
10
SAIIC Newsletter
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Why We Abandoned Our Guns: Quintin Lame Speaks
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Unidad Indigena
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
Why We Abandoned Our Guns: Quintin Lame Speaks
Item Type
Journal Article
Contributor
Unidad Indigena
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
10
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
10 reasons why the Armed Movement "Manuel Quintin Lame" abandoned its guns.
Attachment Title
Why_We_Abandoned_Our_Guns.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Colombia
Pena Chepe Alfonso
Quintin Lame Manuel
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/03e146e9ea51aefa29679e29a7c58cc3.pdf
160bc649253d505c3b7a4c1621b6550a
PDF Text
Text
Traditional Authorities
Proclaim Independence
(Bolivia) Oruro is a mining dty, known since
colonial times for its large silver and tin deposits. Second in
importance to the huge deposits of Omo Rico in PotOsi,
Oruro has been forgotten since the collapse of tin prices on
the international market.
Uru-Chipayas:
Organizing for Linguistic I
Cultural Survival
(BOUVIA) Although declared extinct by lingulscs,
the ancient language of Puquina is spoken by at least 10,@
people in the Dcsaguadero River vaUey. Thirty-two
families from Uru-Chipaya-Murato, one of the oldest and
smaUest Andean communities, are organizing for linguistlc
I cultural survival. In an interview with SAIIC, Lorenzo
lnta, a representative of Uru-Chipaya·Murato, described
several projxts being planned by the community. Among
these are a gathering to reunite aU the speakers of Puquina,
a Native school directed by community members and a
linguistic documentation project. He went on to say that
they are in need of technical, educational. and financial
support and collaboration for these projects.
If you con provide assistance or
would like more informorion, write lo:
Proyeclo Cultural Uru
Toller de Hislorio Oral Andino
Casillo 9628
Lo Po<, BOUVIA
In April1991, the 5th Council of Traditional
Authorities gathered five-hundred jilaqata and rm:Ujut
(native authorities of Andean indigenous communities) m
Oruro. These representatives met in order to proclaim their
intent to fight for the reconstruction of the Qucchua·
Ayrnara nation. Many of their communities have never
been enslaved by colonists. They maintain that the Bolivian
government answers to a centralized, oligarchic structure
which is artificially imposed over indigenous structures. In
this way, they proclaimed their indepcndcnoc ftom the
Bolivian Government
Native Radio Broadcasters
Face Many Obstacles
(Bolivia) The Independent Association of Ayrnara
Indian Radio Operators (AREAL) began the process to
broadcast in the Ayrnara and Quechua languages in the
Oruro and Potosi regions one year ago. lsrnacl Marnani and
Rogelio Pari, both active members of AREAL, informed
SAliC of the barriers they face to broadcast in Native
languages. The quest for a license to broadcast has been
futile, governmental obstruction is rampant, and competi·
lion with non-Indian NGOs for a frequency is very high.
AREAL is searching for technical and fina.ncial
support in order to continue broadcasting independently.
Especially needed is the exchange of related experiences,
cassdte ta. es and tape recorders. If you arc able to offer
p
resources, please contact AREAL at
Associoci6n de Radios Aymoros
Casillo 19628
Lo Po<, BOUVIA
Vol6 Nos 1&2
13
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Uru Chipayas: Organizing for Linguistic/Cultural Survival
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
Uru Chipayas: Organizing for Linguistic/Cultural Survival
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
13
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
Puquina language revival.
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p013.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Bolivia
Puquina
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/5ad132b99319e5cad83bdee60e0f25d8.pdf
160bc649253d505c3b7a4c1621b6550a
PDF Text
Text
Traditional Authorities
Proclaim Independence
(Bolivia) Oruro is a mining dty, known since
colonial times for its large silver and tin deposits. Second in
importance to the huge deposits of Omo Rico in PotOsi,
Oruro has been forgotten since the collapse of tin prices on
the international market.
Uru-Chipayas:
Organizing for Linguistic I
Cultural Survival
(BOUVIA) Although declared extinct by lingulscs,
the ancient language of Puquina is spoken by at least 10,@
people in the Dcsaguadero River vaUey. Thirty-two
families from Uru-Chipaya-Murato, one of the oldest and
smaUest Andean communities, are organizing for linguistlc
I cultural survival. In an interview with SAIIC, Lorenzo
lnta, a representative of Uru-Chipaya·Murato, described
several projxts being planned by the community. Among
these are a gathering to reunite aU the speakers of Puquina,
a Native school directed by community members and a
linguistic documentation project. He went on to say that
they are in need of technical, educational. and financial
support and collaboration for these projects.
If you con provide assistance or
would like more informorion, write lo:
Proyeclo Cultural Uru
Toller de Hislorio Oral Andino
Casillo 9628
Lo Po<, BOUVIA
In April1991, the 5th Council of Traditional
Authorities gathered five-hundred jilaqata and rm:Ujut
(native authorities of Andean indigenous communities) m
Oruro. These representatives met in order to proclaim their
intent to fight for the reconstruction of the Qucchua·
Ayrnara nation. Many of their communities have never
been enslaved by colonists. They maintain that the Bolivian
government answers to a centralized, oligarchic structure
which is artificially imposed over indigenous structures. In
this way, they proclaimed their indepcndcnoc ftom the
Bolivian Government
Native Radio Broadcasters
Face Many Obstacles
(Bolivia) The Independent Association of Ayrnara
Indian Radio Operators (AREAL) began the process to
broadcast in the Ayrnara and Quechua languages in the
Oruro and Potosi regions one year ago. lsrnacl Marnani and
Rogelio Pari, both active members of AREAL, informed
SAliC of the barriers they face to broadcast in Native
languages. The quest for a license to broadcast has been
futile, governmental obstruction is rampant, and competi·
lion with non-Indian NGOs for a frequency is very high.
AREAL is searching for technical and fina.ncial
support in order to continue broadcasting independently.
Especially needed is the exchange of related experiences,
cassdte ta. es and tape recorders. If you arc able to offer
p
resources, please contact AREAL at
Associoci6n de Radios Aymoros
Casillo 19628
Lo Po<, BOUVIA
Vol6 Nos 1&2
13
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Traditional Authorities Proclaim Independence
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
Traditional Authorities Proclaim Independence
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
13
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
forsaking bolivia:creating a quechua-aymara nation
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p013.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Aymara
Bolivia
Quechua
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/e4c9eacf411fe09850213586651232a4.pdf
160bc649253d505c3b7a4c1621b6550a
PDF Text
Text
Traditional Authorities
Proclaim Independence
(Bolivia) Oruro is a mining dty, known since
colonial times for its large silver and tin deposits. Second in
importance to the huge deposits of Omo Rico in PotOsi,
Oruro has been forgotten since the collapse of tin prices on
the international market.
Uru-Chipayas:
Organizing for Linguistic I
Cultural Survival
(BOUVIA) Although declared extinct by lingulscs,
the ancient language of Puquina is spoken by at least 10,@
people in the Dcsaguadero River vaUey. Thirty-two
families from Uru-Chipaya-Murato, one of the oldest and
smaUest Andean communities, are organizing for linguistlc
I cultural survival. In an interview with SAIIC, Lorenzo
lnta, a representative of Uru-Chipaya·Murato, described
several projxts being planned by the community. Among
these are a gathering to reunite aU the speakers of Puquina,
a Native school directed by community members and a
linguistic documentation project. He went on to say that
they are in need of technical, educational. and financial
support and collaboration for these projects.
If you con provide assistance or
would like more informorion, write lo:
Proyeclo Cultural Uru
Toller de Hislorio Oral Andino
Casillo 9628
Lo Po<, BOUVIA
In April1991, the 5th Council of Traditional
Authorities gathered five-hundred jilaqata and rm:Ujut
(native authorities of Andean indigenous communities) m
Oruro. These representatives met in order to proclaim their
intent to fight for the reconstruction of the Qucchua·
Ayrnara nation. Many of their communities have never
been enslaved by colonists. They maintain that the Bolivian
government answers to a centralized, oligarchic structure
which is artificially imposed over indigenous structures. In
this way, they proclaimed their indepcndcnoc ftom the
Bolivian Government
Native Radio Broadcasters
Face Many Obstacles
(Bolivia) The Independent Association of Ayrnara
Indian Radio Operators (AREAL) began the process to
broadcast in the Ayrnara and Quechua languages in the
Oruro and Potosi regions one year ago. lsrnacl Marnani and
Rogelio Pari, both active members of AREAL, informed
SAliC of the barriers they face to broadcast in Native
languages. The quest for a license to broadcast has been
futile, governmental obstruction is rampant, and competi·
lion with non-Indian NGOs for a frequency is very high.
AREAL is searching for technical and fina.ncial
support in order to continue broadcasting independently.
Especially needed is the exchange of related experiences,
cassdte ta. es and tape recorders. If you arc able to offer
p
resources, please contact AREAL at
Associoci6n de Radios Aymoros
Casillo 19628
Lo Po<, BOUVIA
Vol6 Nos 1&2
13
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Native Radio Broadcasters Face Many Obstacles
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
Native Radio Broadcasters Face Many Obstacles
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
13
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
AREAL, the Independent Association of Aymara Indian Radio Operators, attempts to have a radio show, but faces many obstacles.
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p013.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
AREAL
Bolivia
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/da339a4a16357da7208d2df9b5df63dd.pdf
fbcf5bb54385425345cc3980023360d2
PDF Text
Text
A VICTORY FORTH E PEOPLE OF THE
PERUVIAN AMAZON
(Peru) On September 19th, the Peruvian Minister of
Energy and Mines publicly announced that Texas Crude
had decided not to sign a contract to explore for oil in Lot
61, home to some 180 Amaz.onian indigenous and nonindigenous river communities for whom the park and its
resources constitute their sole means of survival.
One year ago, newly~lected President Alberto
Fujimori signed a landmark environmental code prohibiting the exploitation of non-renewable natural resources and
banning oil drilling in the nation's parks and reserves. In
April of 1991, under pressure from powerful economic
interests, Fujirnori reversed his position and granted the
Houston-based Texas Crude Incorporated a vast tract of
rainforest, known as Lot 61. Opposition to the
Corporation's plans to begin oil exploration developed
immediately as national environmental and indigenous
groups discovered that over three-quarters of Lot 61 lay
within the Pacaya Sarniria reserve in Peru's northern
Amazon jungle. It is the oldest and largest protected area in
Peru's national park system.
The ptospect that Pacaya Sarniria- already contaminated by the activities of petroleum companies allowed
to operate in the reserve prior to the passing of the environmental code- could be further jeopardized galvanized
local, national and international opposition. l.n june, a local
priest, along with AIDESEP {Association of Indigenous
Peoples of the Peruvian Amazon) organized a general strike
in the jungle town of Jquitos, and succeeded in brieOy
paralyzing the community. Two months later, AIOESEP
issued a declaration denouncing the Peruvian government's
manipulation of environmental codes and its willingness to
grant transnational corporations a dcgrcc of security never
16
acoorded to Peru's own citizens. A document prepared at
AIDESEI"s 15th General Assembly stated that "neither the
people nor the environment bear the responsibility for the
extreme poverty our country faces. White this poverty may
indeed require urgent remedies, actions which threaten to
irreversibly destroy food and natural resources cannot be
justified, particularly since the presumed wealth which will
be generated will never be seen by the people." Internationally, San Francisco's Rainforest Action Network
launched a joint campaign with Global Response to bornbard Texas Crude headquarters with !etten protesting the
proposed project.
The President of Texas Crude cited numerous
reasons for the corporation's decision, including: the threat
of legal action by the Peruvian Environmental Law Society
(SPOA); the "substantial number of letters endeavoring to
discourage exploration for environmental reasons" (over
1000 !etten were sent!); and the recent letter sent to President Fujimori by 54 Peruvian house representatives and
senators showing their disapproval of the contract.
In early October the Peruvian Ministry of Enetgy
and Mines began negotiations with the U$-based Santa Fe
Energy Rcsourccs Company for two other oil exploration
tots, both outside of Pacaya Samiria. Although the contract
has yet to be signed, and must be approved by the full
Peruvian cabinet, it is considered likely that the project will
be given the go-ahead given the extreme economic situation
Peru is confronting. It is important to note, however, that
Santa Fe Energy and Resources specifically opposed any
contract involving areas within national reserves or parks,
stating that the environmental concerns were too great.
SAIIC Newsletter
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
A Victory for the People of the Peruvian Amazon
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
A Victory for the People of the Peruvian Amazon
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
16
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
President Fujimori denies oil tycoon request for land.
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p016.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Fujimori Alberto
Peru
Peruvian Amazon
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/f48c70285bc4bba85907f2e978cc214b.pdf
07f84433b6d59cd94dff1c4f294e909a
PDF Text
Text
A MESSAGE FROM
THE HUAORANI
¥
(Ecuador) Under increasing pressure from indigenous peoples uf the Ecuadorian Amazon and tnVironmenllll organizations
within and outside Ecuador, C = Oil Comparty announad on October 11 that it tooS withdrawing from all oil develqpment in the
regicn of the Amazon that comprises the traditional territory of the Huaorn11i lndums. Conoco's decision came thrre w«ks after the
Inter·Amerialn Commission on Hurnan Rights hmrd arguments by SAIIC coordinAtor, Nilo Cayuquro and IAuri Adams of the Sieml
Club Legal Defense Fund. They argued that actions by the government uf Ecuador apprwing Conoco's massive oil deve/qpmenl project
in the hMrl uf the HIIQOnmi's traditionallllnds violates the Indians' a.sic human rights to life, hMith, hame, family, and cullurt.
The following Idler wzs sent to Canoco by the Huaomni organiz.aticn in the Ecuadorian Amazon (ONHAE). See issues Vo/5
Nos 3&4 of the SAIIC NttDSldter far more information on theUmoc:o • Huaomni case.
General Manager
DuPont - Conoeo Company
Un ited State8 of America
Dear Sir:
The Orqaniution o! the Huaorani Nation.>lity of the Ec\l.odorian 1\mozon
Region (ONHAE) , in a.n extraordinary meeting held on the lOth and 11th of January,
1991, adopted the following re301utions:
1. 'n\at oil exploitation in the ftuaora.ni territory rrust be provontod,
because the pollution hao killed """Y anift.lo, tiohos and plants, and haa produoed many diaeasea. 'n\at is what we have a.oen, and it is th.reat6t\i.ng the life of
th4l Hua.oranie.
2 . 'll\o.t tho oil OOCTpa.nies enter ovr territory without t akinq ue into
acoount. '11\at thoy como in a.nd do thoir work doepito tho fe.ct that thoy know wo
have the proporty ri9hte over this land., disrupting our orga.niz.ational process;
tho Co.nooo ~y wants to work by itself, uei.nc), in an iaolat«:l fashion,
Hua.ora.nis from Cononaoo and Yasuni .
3. That the Ccnooo ~ is discussing the fate of the Huaora.nia in
fn60ting-s in whidl tho Hua.ora.nis are not preet~nt and that we a.re t~t.cl as it we
are gue.st~. We mJet not be treated as questa when the dia.cussion is about our
lives . We rrust eorr.ct this situation, because our liv<ts au on the liM.
4 . 'Ibat we, tho ONHAE, ratify our opposition to the construction ot any
roads in Hua.ora.ni tor-rito.ry.
S. Thot th• drillin9 of oil wolls pollut•a tho rivers.
6. That the Huaorani culture sunrive and prosper. We do not want
nie.s to oocro a.nd civiliu us.
OOftt)O.-
7. 'Ihet vo do not want to be doc::eivod by the oil <XX'fl)41\iea.
8. !bot vo aro aware of the problems of the world. Despite thea.o, wo will
oontinue to defend our land.
Awaiting your respo.nse to caja Postal 17-21-166, Quito, Ecuador, we
rotn11in sincerely,
Ro.m' n Hua.noni COb&,
Moi Enoman9a Na.ntohua,
President, antA&
Vioe
Vol6 Nos 1&2
President,~
Eugenio Qu-ri C.
Secretary, ONKAE
17
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
A Message From the Huaorani
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
A Message From the Huaorani
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
17
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
Conoco Oil withdraws from Huarorani territory, in part from a letter explaining why oil exploitation must be prevented.
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p017.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Ecuador
Huaorani
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/702e80f4fdf97a36a4cc23b6c8867801.pdf
19d74c01fd6343d75021caa2c76f7700
PDF Text
Text
Flu Threatens to Annihilate the Nukak
(Colombia) One of Colombia's last nomadic
peoples, the Nukak, are being decimated by outside
diseases. 1lleir numbers have already been brought danger·
ously low by continual attacks from colonists and coca
grower$. Over 100 Nukak have died from flu over the last
three years. Now their children are threatened by cerebral
malaria • which is usually fatal.
As one of Colombia's last nomadic tnbal peoples,
the Nukalc's future depends on their land being legally
recogJiizcd and colonization halted. But the Colombian
Government has not recognized 90% of their land, and
taltcn no steps to protect the Nukak from hostile invasions.
1lle Nukak have had little non-Indian contact.
What contact they have had has proved devastating. With a
population of around 1100, the tribe cannot afford more
losses.
In 1987 approximately20Nukak were attacked
and killed by colonists in the north of their territory. 1lle
survivors of the massacre fled to the south. deep into the
heart of their rainforest lands. At the same time, another
group had been attacked by coca growers. 1lle survivors of
these two groups joined up and emerged out of the forest
on the outskirts of the town of Calamar. However any
Nukak who had lived in the area were killed off by colonists during the 1940's rubber boom. It seems that other
Nukak had been shot at by the Colombian army from the
air; they were mistaken for coca growers or left-wing
guerillas. Meanwhile 20 Nukak children had been stolen by
colorusts to work as unpa;d laborers.
1lle disoriented survivors of the 1987 massacre·
mostly women and children • only spoke Nukak. so could
not speak with the townspeople about the attacks. 1lley
were unused to life outside the rainforest and became
depressed and sick. A missionary from the extremist USbased organization, New Tribes Mission (NTM), arrived,
claiming to speak Nukak.lt then emerged that N1M
(whose activities amongst tribal people worldwide have
done untold damage) had had a base in the north of the
Nukak lands for at least 12 years.
18
1lle Colombian goverruncnt's response to the
Nukak's plight has been totally unacceptable. Despite
protests, the government new some of the Nukak back to
the New Tribes Mission base.1lley were already infected
with the flu virus after living in Calamar. 1lle Nukak have
no resistance to this new disease and no way of treating it.
At least 109Nukak have died as it has spread through their
territory. 1lley were returned from the NTM base to their
forest homes with no medical care and no protection from
further attacks. As well as the fust cases of CErebral malaria
in children living near the NTM base, cholera has also
appeared in the region.
1lle Nukak traditionally live In the headwaters of
the lnfrlda and Papunaua rivers and the southern basin of
the River Cuaviare.
1lle Nukak will only survive If their rights to all
their lands are fuUy recognized and properly enforced. 1lle
Colombian government must also initiate a health project
for the Nukak.
Please write courteous letters urging the Colombian government to tiUe aU of the Nukak's lands to them. an
area of approximately 1 million hectares in Cuaviare
province. The government must ensure that there is no
further colonization ofNukak lands. A properly funded
health project must be initiated, to allow small medical
teams to treat the Nukak before more of them die. Every
effort must be made to recover those Nukak children who
have been captured by colonists.
Source: Survit>U lnJ.tmal'iDiriZI
Pleose send your leHers lo:
Seilor Dr Cesar Govirio, Presidenle de lo Republica
Coso de Noriiio, Carrera 8 No 7·26, Bogot6,
COLOMBIA
and lo:
Dr Femondo Cotroles Cruz
Centro Administrotivo Nocional , EcSficio INCORA
Gerencia General, Bogot6, COlOMBIA
SAIIC Newsletter
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Flu Threatens to Annihilate the Nukak
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Survival International
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
Flu Threatens to Annihilate the Nukak
Item Type
Journal Article
Contributor
Survival International
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
18
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
The Nukak fight for survival against outside diseases such as the flu.
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p018.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Colombia
Disease
Nukak
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/09d9e14e5bfca58697c46e710e407521.pdf
d6a25b1d5d27cf060042a5433b5aa6a0
PDF Text
Text
1000 INDIANS MARCH TO PROTEST
ARMY'S KILLING OF COMMUNITY LEADERS
(Colombia) last November the principal Indian
leader of the Arhuaoo lndlans, Luis Napolc6n Torres, his
brother, Angel Maria Torres, and another Arhuaoo, Hugues
Chaparro were travelling by bus from the local city ol
Valleclupar, the Colombian capital of Bogotll. They were
going to protest to government authorities about anny and
police harassment of their communities.
At a stop along the way, ncar the town of
Curumani, soldiers forced the three off the bus and took
them away. The bus driver reported this to the local police
but they appear to have done little o r nothing. Two weeks
later the Indians' bodies were discovered in three different
places- all had been severely tortured.
About a thousand Indians later marched to
Valleclupar in protest and to take the bodies bad< to the
mountains for traditional funeral rites. Two of the dead
were traditionalmmno (shamans) and all were highly
respected Indian leaders.
On the same day as the three leaders disappeared,
another Arhuaoo, Vicente Villafafle, and his brother had
their house searched for anns- none were found. They
were taken to the army base in Valledupar where they were
beaten and tortured. Two days later, November 30th, one of
Gran Chaco Indigenous
Peoples Call for
Land Commission
(Bolivia) Indigenous peoples of the Gran Chaco
region of the Bolivian Amazon have requested the Bolivian
government to establish a commission to deman:ate their
territory. In an open letter to President Jaime Paz Zamora,
the Mataoo and Tapiet~ peoples, who live on the banks of
the Plloornayu River, Informed the President that they
conducted a general assembly last November (1990) in
Villamontes. At the end of the gathering. they issued a
resolution calling on the President to take immediate
measures to halt the injustices and abuses they are suffering
at the hands of colonists.
The resolution denounces the " ... total paralysis of
our attempts to acquine property rights and land tiUes, a
process that has been dctained by the National Agrarian
Reform. We demand to be treated the same way as our
Sirion6 brothels and sisters at lbiato. The Sirion6 have been
able to press for the approval ol Supreme Decree# 22609
which declares as 'indigenous territory' the lands they
inhabit." Indigenous peoples of the Gran Chaco explain
Vol6 Nos 1&2
them was taken by army helicopter to the Indian community of Vlndivameina (Santo Domingo) where soldjers
searched houses, shot their rilles into the air, and stole food
from the school and equipment from the health post.
The Colombian army views all peasant and Indian
communities as potential guerrilla collaborators. In other
areas of Colo mbia, guerrillas themselves have killed Indian
leaders who refuse to affiliate with their particular antigovernment group of which there are several. In many
areas the Indians suffer at the hands of both the rebel and
government forces.
A Colombian court has begun an investigation into
the killings but this is unlikely to bring any results without
a show of support for the Indians and protests at the
violations of their rights.
Please write to the President of Colombia, protesting the army's killing and torture of lndlan people.
Senor Presidente
Dr Cesar Goviria, Presidente de lo Republica
Coso de Noriiio, Carrero 8 No 7-26
Bogot6, COlOMBIA
\,~·-:........
-'
.
that the agrarian reform paper work has been suspended.
They arc accusing the government of stalling the approval
of previous documents. The Mataco and Tapiet~ said that in
July of 1980, agrarian reform officers instructed them to
proceed with the land tiUe paper work and that native
authorities visited the Indian commu.nities to explain the
objectives. With economic aid from the Swedish Mission in
Bolivia, along with the approval ol the agrarian reform
officers, they Initiated the paper work along legal path$.
They paid the required fees to the local judge Hilda
Palavlsino, a SECretary, and a land surveyor. The local judge
is now advising cattle ra.nchers and pits them against the
Indians. She has been responsible for the legal curtailment
of paper worlc that was to benefit the Mataco.
In the meantime, the Mataco and Tapiet~ say that
the governmental commission must be formed by the
Ministry of Peasant Affairs, the Indigenist Institute, CIOOB
(Indigenous Confederation of Eastern Bolivia) and representatives of the Mataco and Tapict~. They warn against
colonizers encroaching on their lands. They also denounce
Judge Hilda Palavlsino for bias towards catUe ranchers
because of her friendship and familial ties. "'four petition
falls through, and is not resolved favorably and immediately, the Indigenous Peoples of the Gran Chaco will adopt
other de facto measures," they warn.
19
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
1000 Indians March To Protest Army's Killing of Community Leaders
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
1000 Indians March To Protest Army's Killing of Community Leaders
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
19
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
The Colombian Army discriminates against indians and calls them possible guerilla collaborators.
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p019.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Arhuaca
Colombia
paramilitary attacks
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/dc1ed82ddcbe1ca07bb9332d9aaddfd7.pdf
d6a25b1d5d27cf060042a5433b5aa6a0
PDF Text
Text
1000 INDIANS MARCH TO PROTEST
ARMY'S KILLING OF COMMUNITY LEADERS
(Colombia) last November the principal Indian
leader of the Arhuaoo lndlans, Luis Napolc6n Torres, his
brother, Angel Maria Torres, and another Arhuaoo, Hugues
Chaparro were travelling by bus from the local city ol
Valleclupar, the Colombian capital of Bogotll. They were
going to protest to government authorities about anny and
police harassment of their communities.
At a stop along the way, ncar the town of
Curumani, soldiers forced the three off the bus and took
them away. The bus driver reported this to the local police
but they appear to have done little o r nothing. Two weeks
later the Indians' bodies were discovered in three different
places- all had been severely tortured.
About a thousand Indians later marched to
Valleclupar in protest and to take the bodies bad< to the
mountains for traditional funeral rites. Two of the dead
were traditionalmmno (shamans) and all were highly
respected Indian leaders.
On the same day as the three leaders disappeared,
another Arhuaoo, Vicente Villafafle, and his brother had
their house searched for anns- none were found. They
were taken to the army base in Valledupar where they were
beaten and tortured. Two days later, November 30th, one of
Gran Chaco Indigenous
Peoples Call for
Land Commission
(Bolivia) Indigenous peoples of the Gran Chaco
region of the Bolivian Amazon have requested the Bolivian
government to establish a commission to deman:ate their
territory. In an open letter to President Jaime Paz Zamora,
the Mataoo and Tapiet~ peoples, who live on the banks of
the Plloornayu River, Informed the President that they
conducted a general assembly last November (1990) in
Villamontes. At the end of the gathering. they issued a
resolution calling on the President to take immediate
measures to halt the injustices and abuses they are suffering
at the hands of colonists.
The resolution denounces the " ... total paralysis of
our attempts to acquine property rights and land tiUes, a
process that has been dctained by the National Agrarian
Reform. We demand to be treated the same way as our
Sirion6 brothels and sisters at lbiato. The Sirion6 have been
able to press for the approval ol Supreme Decree# 22609
which declares as 'indigenous territory' the lands they
inhabit." Indigenous peoples of the Gran Chaco explain
Vol6 Nos 1&2
them was taken by army helicopter to the Indian community of Vlndivameina (Santo Domingo) where soldjers
searched houses, shot their rilles into the air, and stole food
from the school and equipment from the health post.
The Colombian army views all peasant and Indian
communities as potential guerrilla collaborators. In other
areas of Colo mbia, guerrillas themselves have killed Indian
leaders who refuse to affiliate with their particular antigovernment group of which there are several. In many
areas the Indians suffer at the hands of both the rebel and
government forces.
A Colombian court has begun an investigation into
the killings but this is unlikely to bring any results without
a show of support for the Indians and protests at the
violations of their rights.
Please write to the President of Colombia, protesting the army's killing and torture of lndlan people.
Senor Presidente
Dr Cesar Goviria, Presidente de lo Republica
Coso de Noriiio, Carrero 8 No 7-26
Bogot6, COlOMBIA
\,~·-:........
-'
.
that the agrarian reform paper work has been suspended.
They arc accusing the government of stalling the approval
of previous documents. The Mataco and Tapiet~ said that in
July of 1980, agrarian reform officers instructed them to
proceed with the land tiUe paper work and that native
authorities visited the Indian commu.nities to explain the
objectives. With economic aid from the Swedish Mission in
Bolivia, along with the approval ol the agrarian reform
officers, they Initiated the paper work along legal path$.
They paid the required fees to the local judge Hilda
Palavlsino, a SECretary, and a land surveyor. The local judge
is now advising cattle ra.nchers and pits them against the
Indians. She has been responsible for the legal curtailment
of paper worlc that was to benefit the Mataco.
In the meantime, the Mataco and Tapiet~ say that
the governmental commission must be formed by the
Ministry of Peasant Affairs, the Indigenist Institute, CIOOB
(Indigenous Confederation of Eastern Bolivia) and representatives of the Mataco and Tapict~. They warn against
colonizers encroaching on their lands. They also denounce
Judge Hilda Palavlsino for bias towards catUe ranchers
because of her friendship and familial ties. "'four petition
falls through, and is not resolved favorably and immediately, the Indigenous Peoples of the Gran Chaco will adopt
other de facto measures," they warn.
19
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gran Chaco Indigenous People Call For Land Commission
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
Gran Chaco Indigenous People Call For Land Commission
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
19
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
Amazon peoples in Bolivia want a land commission.
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p019.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
Bolivia
Bolivian Amazon
Gran Chaco
-
https://www.abyayalanews.org/files/original/8dbc1fcc612000a0e67f64653e3bd800.pdf
30938a135c2e406ada6f3588b27ab512
PDF Text
Text
obey them. Around Sururucus, there arc a lot of goldminers. The federal polke have not taken them out. They
tried, but what they did was to get the nice gold-miners out,
not the bad and mean ones.
I am a Yanomami Indian who understands the
non-Indian world. I keep asking President Collor to expel
the gold miners from our territory. President Collor has
been to Surururus, but. .. on ly to a military base... That is the
only thing he saw. President Collor knows that the situation
is not good. So I am asking o ther people to con tin ue
pressuring the Brazilian government to help expel the goldminers.
I spoke to the United Nations, which gave me an
award. I told them that the prize did not help my people. So
I am asking the UN to help the Yanomami people to
pressure the Brazilian government to remove the goldminers from our area. Also, we want the Organization of
American States. .. to help us as friends.
I don't think it is just the Brazilian government.
You should pressure every government in the world
b«ause they arc all alike, and they should help us. .. Protect
the Indians, protect the rivers, the mountai.n s, the forest. We
need to survive.
It is very important for them too. It is not only the
Yanomami but also the non-Indians. We all depend on the
land. So if they do not protect the land, all of humanity will
die.
To you whom I am sending this message, what I
am asking is to do something to help the Brazilian Ind ians,
and also all the Ind ians of the world, because the Indians
want to live in peace. Not only the Indians who live in the
forest but also the Indians who live in the dty and the nonIndians who arc living in the dty arc suffering because the
government should pay attention to all of us and do
something to help us.
I am going to say something else... about the 19
islands of Yanomami land that former President Samey
demarcated. We Yanomami Indians do not want to live in
islands. We want to be safe. The gold miners arc going to
enter our islands... We need a con tin uous area and a big
area in order to be able to fiSh and hunt and live well. We
want all of our land united.
In regards to the government operation that is
supposed to take out the gold miners... they have not taken
out all of the gold miners. The operation has stopped
because the government says that they do not have
money... ! know the government authorities, the Brazilian
au thorities, and I know the politicians and I know the way
they work. My feeling is that they do not want to take the
gold miners out... What they really want is to be here and
exploit our resources. That is why they do not want to solve
our problems.
(Su Davi.p . 45)
Vol6 Nos 1&2
Some Ground is Made in
the Struggle for the
Construction of a
Yanomami Park
President Collor finally obeyed the Brazilian court
dedsion and revok ed former President Samcy's illegal
dccrccs dividing Yanomami territory into 19 'islands' and
create three illegal mining reserves. But optimism about a
decisio n on a Yanomami Pari< soon diminished when
Collor announecd he was setting up a group to study
Yanomami boundaries. On April19, National Day of the
Indian, he signed a decree calling for a proposal for the
demarcation of the Yanomami territory to be presented to
him wlthi.n six months.
During Presid ent Collor's visit to the Un ited States
in June, environmental and Indian support grou ps informed him that the evacuation of the gold-miners in the
Yanomami area had been paralyzed and the gold-miners
had again invaded an extensive part of the Yanomami
territory. Upon returning to Brazil, Collor fired FUNAI
prosldent Cantidio Guerrciro Guimaracs.
Meanwhile, the government pla.n ned to begin on
July 19, the third operation to expel the gold-miners from
the Yanomami territory using a sum of $1.8 million. The
government's plans for the gold-mi ncrs Is being questioned. It was reported that the intcnton is to incorporate
several thousand expelled gold-miners i.n to agricultural
projects. If the projects are set up near the Yanomami area,
it is certain that they will re-invade the territory.
Sydney Possuelo, the new prosidcnt of FUNAI
published a resolution on July 22, 1991, calling for the
demarcation of the Yanomami territory as a contiguous
area of9,419,108 hectares, located in thcstatesof Roraima
and Am.uonas. This was signed by President Collor. The
government is estimating that it will cost $6 millio n to
demarcate the territory.
Last Minute News Ill
On November 14, President Collar de
Mello granted "pennanent rights" over
36,358 squa re miles to the Yanomamilll
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vol. 6, nos. 1&2 (spring/summer 1991)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Some Ground is Made in the Struggle for the Construction of Yanomami Park
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Journal Article
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Summer 1991
Language
A language of the resource
English
English
Zotero
Title
Some Ground is Made in the Struggle for the Construction of Yanomami Park
Item Type
Journal Article
Volume
6
Issue
1,2
Pages
21
Publication Title
Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC)
ISSN
1071-3182
Date
Summer 1991
Language
English
Abstract Note
Brazil attempts to create Yanomami National Park.
Attachment Title
abyayala_v06n01_02_p021.pdf
Attachment URL
[No URL]
FUNAI
Yanomami