The Value of Indigenous Communities

Tribal healers, once scoffed by western cultures are now being taken seriously by the modern scientist. Their knowledge of rainforest plants is unsurpassed. Generational knowledge has been passed down for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. With the vanishing rainforests, the indigenous peoples also vanish.

Tribal healers have a vast knowledge of the plants and how they can be used. A single Amazonian tribe may use up to 200 plants for medicinal purposes alone. Healers have astounding knowledge of how to use each plant to reap its benefits. They mix tonics, infusions, prepare compresses, and macerations. Each of these preparations allows the plant to be used for specific ailments.

Indigenous people have experienced dramatic decline since the time of early explorers. Before Columbus landed in the Americas, there were nearly 6 to 9 million indigenous people in Brazil. Today there are approximately 250,000 and they constitute less than 0.1% of Brazil’s population. Not only has this population had to overcome past genocide and introduced disease, they will have to overcome new threats including conflicts over land and the increasing demands of western culture.

The pressure to become assimilated has taken a toll on indigenous tribes. Western views and ideals are being implanted into native societies, replacing traditional values. As western culture begins to take a closer look at traditional belief systems, the young of indigenous tribes are becoming less interested in native ways. Western influence provides them with a negative view of their culture. If this pattern continues, the generational passing of information will be lost (www.nmnh.si.edu).

Traditionally, indigenous people practice shift farming, hunting and gathering, and fishing. They used their knowledge of species, soils, and climate in the area to practice a sustainable relationship with their environment. This indigenous knowledge may be the key to protecting and saving the dwindling rainforests.

Continue to 'Economics of Rainforest Harvesting'

The Yanomamo Indians

The Yanomamo are deep jungle Indians living in the Amazon Basin. They have a population around 26,000 and are comprised of at least four sub-groups. They are believed to be the most primitive, culturally intact people in existence today.

Their culture dates back thousands of years, but the first contact with non-indigenous society was not until the early twentieth century. They have never discovered the wheel and their numbering system consists of one, two, and more than two.

Unfortunately, the intrusion of gold prospectors and other 'outsiders' who have come into the Yanomamo society to exploit the rainforest has meant the introduction of previously unknown disease. Malaria, AIDS, and even the common cold have caused death and devastation among the simple Yanomamo.

Despite their simplicity, it is said they are most polite group you will encounter. No hunter ever eats the meat that he has killed, rather sharing it out among friends and family; in return for his kindness he will be given meat by another hunter. They have been very successful living in balance and harmony with the natural environment.