Electronic Bulletin, June 2009, No. 14

Electronic Bulletin
Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Hong Kong
June 2009, No. 14

(The Electronic Bulletin is an information service published by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General and provided to subscribers by e-mail and fax. Except for the U.S. Government sites, the opinions expressed on the Internet sites listed here do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Government.)

Indigenous People
Bureau of International Information Programs
U.S. Department of State
eJournalUSA
Volume 14, Number 6
June 2009

The eJournal is available online.

The June 2009 edition of eJournal USA provides insight into Native Americans and other indigenous peoples. Articles provide historical background and look at issues surrounding their languages and culture, their legal status, and how they are networking around the world.

Essays in this journal are written mostly by experts descended from indigenous tribes, who speak from the Native point of view. Former Chief of the Cherokee Nation Wilma Mankiller writes of using the past to achieve a strong future for indigenous peoples, where "one of the greatest challenges will be to … pass on traditional knowledge systems." Yupiaq elder Angayuqaq Oscar Kawagley says, "I grew up as an inseparable part of Nature." His tribe has harnessed its traditional knowledge to modern science in an effort to adjust to the impact of climate change on their fragile Arctic homeland.

Bruce E. Johansen recounts the story of American Indian nations whose governance practices influenced the founders of the United States, practices that are reflected in the U.S. Constitution. Jace Weaver details the evolving legal relationship of American Indian nations with U.S. state and federal government systems.

Indigenous languages, rich in practical knowledge and spiritual symbolism, embody key elements of diverse cultures, but they are rapidly disappearing. Akira Y. Yamamoto explains why "each and every language is precious" and how they can be preserved. Vine Deloria Jr. and Joseph Bruchac depict the essential reverence of Native cultures for the environment.

Globalization has enabled networking among indigenous groups, helping them establish dialogues outside their local communities. An interview with José Barreiro, National Museum of American Indian (NMAI) director for Latin America; the International Indigenous and American Indian Initiative program at the University of North Texas described by Jonathan Hook; and Shubhranshu Choudhary's article about citizen journalism by Adivasis in India show aspects of this exchange.

Also, a photo gallery offers a glimpse of indigenous people in arts and society. As NMAI historian and curator Gabrielle Tayac writes, "The brilliance of Native cultures is manifold."

Subject: Art & Culture