"A Tapestry Woven from the Vicissitudes of History, Place and Daily Life"
This book is the product of two years of analysis and reflection about the salient issues facing the indigenous peoples of Latin America, with a focus on the areas of territory, economy, politics, identity, and culture.
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Indigenous peoples in the Americas espouse some of the most visionary concepts of sustainable development. Since the early colonial period, they have been subjected to exploitation, land seizures, and racial prejudices, coupled with disproportionate concentrations of extreme poverty. The challenges they face in pursuing sustainable livelihoods and in making their voices heard on issues that affect them are complex. At the same time, many common themes exist among the diverse areas and peoples that constitute the Americas.
In order to help develop a framework that international organizations, funders and indigenous activists alike may use to better support indigenous organizations in Latin America, Oxfam America and The Ford Foundation present the following materials. A Tapestry Woven from the Vicissitudes of History, Place and Daily Life is a product of two years of analysis and reflection about the salient issues facing the indigenous peoples of the region, with a focus on the areas of territory, economy, politics, identity, and culture. The findings have been compiled in English, Spanish, and Portuguese in the following book.
A Tapestry Woven from the Vicissitudes of History, Place and Daily Life (1.9MB)
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This project was coordinated by Richard Chase Smith, director of Oxfam America's partner in Peru The Institute of the Commons. Thanks to his dedication and to the support and oversight of an advisory group of South American academics, activists, and indigenous peoples, we are happy to offer these materials to those interested in understanding and better supporting the movements for the rights of indigenous peoples in Latin America in the new millennium.
"A Tapestry Woven from the Vicissitudes of History, Place and Daily Life describes the heroic efforts of indigenous peoples of South America to retain their identities in the face of the overwhelming political, social and economic forces of 'modernization.' It is a compassionate, poignant presentation of the issues, heavily grounded in field experiences and supported by disciplined analytical rigor. It is a lesson of hope and dignity for us all."
—Constance Kane, Director of Regional Support, Oxfam America