Indigenous rights and development
Subtitle: self-determination in an Amazonian community
By: Andrew Gray.
Series: The Arakmbut of Amazonian Peru ;; v. 3
Publisher: Berghahn Books
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Providence
Language: eng
Number of pages: 354
Subjects: Mashco Indians -- Ethnic identity.; Mashco mythology.; Mashco Indians -- Land tenure.; Rural development -- Peru -- San José del Karene.; Self-determination, National -- Peru -- San Jośe del Karene.; Autonomy (Psychology) -- Peru -- San José del Karene.; San José del Karene (Peru) -- Social conditions.; San José del Karene (Peru) -- Ethnic relations.
Description: Over a period of about two decades the indigenous movement has grown into an international force, making a marked impact on the United Nations and the International Labor Organization. In this volume, the author looks at the growing consciousness among the Arakmbut who are increasingly demanding that their rights to their territories and resources should be respected in tandem with the growing development of indigenous rights internationally. However, the author points to a significant difference of perception: whereas non-indigenous human-rights legislation receives its legitimacy by judicial means, the Arakmbut find their legal system legitimised through the spirit world. The invisibility of this world makes it appear non-existent to non-indigenous observers. However, to overlook its importance prevents outsiders from understanding and appreciating its significance in the Arakmbut struggle for survival.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 328-342) and index.