Indigenous Peoples

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For all their immense diversity, the estimated 45 million indigenous descendants of the hemisphere's first inhabitants struggle everywhere with discrimination and desperate poverty. The IAF came into operation just as indigenous peoples were rallying around their identity to address inequities. Over the past four decades, their movement has given rise to many innovative approaches to development, often with a cultural dimension, to which the IAF has responded. In 2011, some 32 percent of IAF investments supported indigenous groups to take full advantage of economic opportunities while preserving their heritage.

Recent Projects:

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the indigenous people of El Salvador intensely cultivated indigo, which they called xiquilite, extracting its colorant to decorate ceramics and textiles. In Cuisnahuat, Sonsonate, farmers are working with Asociación El Bálsamo (EL BÁLSAMO) to revitalize the organic cultivation of indigo to meet the demand for natural dyes. Farmers also produce organic fertilizer and pesticide for their own use and for sale and develop their management and marketing skills as a cooperative.

Centro de Investigación Diseño Artesanal y Comercialización Comunitaria (CIDAC) began working in the 1980s with indigenous and mestizo artisans to salvage the declining crafts of Santa Cruz, Bo­livia and make them a valued feature of the country’s vibrant multicultural heritage. Through a couple of IAF grants, the organization has trained Guarani, Weenhawek, Ayoreo and other indigenous arti­sans from 50 communities to refine their pottery, woodcarvings and other handicrafts. By develop­ing their talent, technique and marketing skills, these craftspeople from the tropical lowlands have invigorated their art, increased their income and improved their standing in the community. In 2010, the work of these artisans was exhibited at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Ecosta Yutu Cuii, Sociedad de Solidaridad Social (Ecosta) is giving emphasis to the economic development and conservation in 12 communities in the municipality of San Pedro Tututepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. The main objectives of this project are: to improve food production through environmentally responsible practices, expansion of ecotourism initiatives, launch small businesses, further wildlife protection and increase Ecosta's loan fund for the communities. More than 400 Mexican families of indigenous, African and mestizo descendents are recipients of this initiative.

The Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC) trains Quechua weavers from the Peruvian high­lands in traditional Andean designs and techniques. CTTC’s sales, via its catalog, Web site and museum store on Cusco’s main plaza, provide the weavers income for basic household purchases and their children’s education through primary school and beyond. Since receiving its first IAF grant in 2003, CTTC’s membership has risen from 500 to 775 women, men and youth. CTTC is now experiment­ing with farming indigo for use as dye. It has made great strides in preserving traditional designs and techniques and increasing appreciation for indig­enous cultures both in Peru and abroad.

Additional Reading:

Titling in Tuzulután

The Spanish who invaded the fertile valleys of Alta Verapaz, known as tezulután, or land of war, in the 15th century could not conquer the indigenous Q’eqchi’ residents by force. But in 1535, Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican priest, used his faith to win over the Q’eqchi’ and within a decade many had ceded control of their land and their lives to his order. The exploitation that followed, along with foreign possession of extensive areas, did not end when Guatemala won its independence from Spain, in 1821. By the 1930s, the oppression was so severe that many Q’eqchi’s fled north to escape it. More...