Indigenous Rights and Development: Self-Determination in an Amazonian Community: 3 (Arakmbut of Amazonian Peru, 3)

by Andrew Gray (Author)

• New

  Paperback
  2003

  $43.11

  Over the last two decades the indigenous movement has grown into an international force, forcing organizations such as the United Nations and the International Labour Organisation to take notice of its concerns. For the Arakmbut people, this increasing consciousness has enabled them to successfully resist the encroachment of Western civilisation, including the exploitation of their land for gold mining. Gray argues, however, that their struggle should not be viewed simply as a legal and political one. The Arakmbut derive their legitimacy from the spiritual world rather than the judicial system, and unless we recognize this, their unique culture will remain invisible. This book effectively enables us to achieve such an understanding, and as such is an invaluable sourcebook for all those concerned with indigenous rights.