Tag archives for indigenous cultures
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It rises in Ethiopia’s Shewa Highlands, and flows for 760 kms through terraced hillsides, volcanic outcrops and fertile grasslands as far as the world’s greatest desert lake, Lake Turkana, in Kenya. The lower valley of the Omo River is believed by some historians to have been a cultural crossroads for thousands of years, where a…
Ancient Traditions and Modern Tech at Work in Russian Mission, Alaska
Posted by Jon Waterhouse of National Geographic Fellows Program in Explorers Journal on April 13, 2013 
Side-splitting laughter with the Elders and enthusiastic sessions with the school kids make the team’s trip to Russian Mission, Alaska unforgettable.
His name means “Hawk” in his language. Yet even with the acuity of vision the moniker suggests, Karapiru could not have foreseen thetragedy that befell his people, the Awá tribe of northeastern Brazil. He could never have imagined the day that he would flee for his life far into the rainforest, a shotgun pellet burning…
Healing Journey 2013: Tribes and Schools Cleaning Up Alaska
Posted by Jon Waterhouse of National Geographic Fellows Program in Explorers Journal on March 29, 2013 
On each “Healing Journey” Expedition, Jon Waterhouse uses travel along rivers, recording traditional knowledge from local people, and detailed scientific readings of water conditions and quality using cutting-edge technology. In March and April Jon and team are traveling from St. Mary’s, Alaska along the Yukon River by aircraft and snowmachine. Meanwhile his long-time collaborator John…
Japan is home to a dozen ancient languages at risk of disappearing forever. A new translation of K. David Harrison’s “The Last Speakers” could help tip the scales in their favor.
Photography and Nature: Camille Seaman at TED 2013
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on February 28, 2013 
Camille Seaman interrupts the stream of high-tech wizardry of the conference with a rich vision of nature, born from her Shinnecock heritage.
Ethiopian Dam Threatens to Destroy Indigenous Livelihoods and the World’s Largest Desert Lake
Posted by Sandra Postel of National Geographic's Freshwater Initiative in Water Currents on January 11, 2013 
Over the last century, the construction of big dams to generate power, supply water and control floods has unleashed a damaging cascade of social and environmental consequences – including the destruction of fisheries, subsistence farmlands, homes and communities. More than 470 million people around the world are estimated to be suffering from these and other…
Ancient Knowledge, Modern Journey in Wild Canada
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on September 24, 2012 A new video reveals the stark and beautiful landscape of Canada’s Thelon River Game Sanctuary, and traces the interwoven stories of the land, its animals, and the First Nations people who have been there for millennia.
Traveling for a month around the South Pacific can really open your eyes to the wonders and normalcy of the accomplishments of the ancient Polynesian navigators.
Pitcairn Islands Expedition: Remnants of a Lost Civilization
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on March 30, 2012 
Long before the arrival of the “Bounty” mutineers, this remote island was home to generations of Polynesian navigators and traders. Discover what hints still remain of this fascinating culture.
Native American Exhibit Opens in Italy
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on December 13, 2011 
Indicating just how richly layered the history of human culture is, a new exhibit of Native American culture has opened up, not in some midwestern U.S. metropolis, but in the small medieval Italian city of Pinerolo, near the border with France. The creators reveal their vision for the exhibit.
New Generation Returns to an Ancient Place
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on September 23, 2011 
The Nature Conservancy’s M. Sanjayan spearheads an expedition to one of the most remote places on Earth, paddling with a group of young members of the Dene First Nation as they travel for the first time to the Dene’s traditional caribou hunting grounds.
Drumbeats Echo Along the Yukon as The Healing Journey Arrives in Ruby, Alaska
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on September 23, 2011 
Children, adults, and Elders of more than 70 tribes and First Nations along the Yukon River have gathered to celebrate their culture, educate the new generation, and tackle difficult issues around nuclear power, dwindling salmon, and water rights. NG Fellow Jon Waterhouse reports as part of his 2011 Healing Journey.
The Beauty and Meaning of an Ancient Art Form
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on September 15, 2011 
As indigenous filmmakers and artists from around the world gather for the 2011 All Roads Film Festival, a Native American potter invites you to discover the ancient techniques, rich symbolism, and deep spirituality of her art form.
Posted by The 2011 All Roads Film Festival arrives at National Geographic headquarters today and continues through the weekend, celebrating indigenous cultures with film screenings, directors’ discussions and photo exhibits. Here’s a glimpse of what’s around the bend, courtesy of NGM staffers and interns who got a sneak peek: 1. NAME OF FILM: Benda Bilili! WHEN TO…
Trading Rush Hour for the River
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on August 10, 2011 Two visitors join NG Fellow Jon Waterhouse’s “Healing Journey” and experience the life of people along the Yukon River as few outsiders do. See how they were inspired and refreshed by the sights, smells, and human relationships in the region.
Healing Journey 2011: Back to Alaska
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on July 26, 2011 
Jon Waterhouse was told by native elders and tribal leaders around the Yukon watershed to “go out, take the pulse of the river.” Four years later, he returns to do more hard science and cultural renewal.
2011 Buffett Award Winners
Posted by Andrew Howley of NG Staff on June 21, 2011 
This year’s winners of the National Geographic Society/Buffett Award for Leadership in Conservation are a community leader of the Huaorani people from the Ecuadorian Amazon, and a Kenyan wildlife conservationist who uses blogs to connect conservationists with supporters around the world.
