Meutia F. Swasono. Many countries have different population compositions. In some countries, newcomers go beyond indigenous people, both in numbers as well as in social-economic advantages. In others the composition is balanced, while in still other countries, the indigenous people represent the majority.
Indonesia with its five large islands, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), Irian Jaya (west of Papua Nugini) and thousands of medium-sized and small islands, is a country more...

'Thamel.com is a Nepal-based marketing and development company that has tapped the resources of the diaspora to create new opportunities for Nepalese workers, generate cultural value, and help move local businesses in a new direction.

The Thamel.com model combines a number of key practices that have allowed it to succeed, including localization, cultural marketing, innovative use of technology, and providing a high standard of customer service. The company’s unique combination of e-commerce more...

'This publication is the five-year-milestone of the Indigenous Knowledge for Development Program in the Africa Region of the World Bank. The main goal of the program is to learn from the knowledge embedded in the practices of local communities.'

Deep in the most remote jungles of South America, Amazon Indians (Amerindians) are using Google Earth, Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping, and other technologies to protect their fast-dwindling home. Tribes in Suriname, Brazil, and Colombia are combining their traditional knowledge of the rainforest with Western technology to conserve forests and maintain ties to their history and cultural traditions, which include profound knowledge of the forest ecosystem and medicinal plants.

A book review of the recently published Reinventing the Lacandon discusses how indigenous peoples representations have changed over time.

The report examines the extent to which post-Revolution reforms have impacted on human development opportunities. Specifically, the report looks at the way the reforms have affected the efficiency of the economy; the equity with which people are treated and resources are used; the sustainability of the political, economic and social environment; the physical and economic security of the population; and their level of empowerment to take control of their lives and make choices.

'Indigenous people are found throughout the world. The United Nations estimates that more than 300 million indigenous people live in more than 70 countries. Most indigenous groups share the demographic profile of developing countries where youth, defined as those aged 10 to 24 years, comprise the largest segment of the population. In addition, these groups tend to be poor, rural, and left out of the process of economic development. Although there are vast differences among indigenous peoples, al more...

By Jet Damazo. Asian Development Bank (ADB) project helping improve living conditions for resettled ethnic minorities in Viet Nam. When VANG Thi Bich and her family were relocated to the Huoi Long resettlement site in Lai Chau province in Viet Nam in 2005 to make way for the Son La hydropower project, much of their way of life changed. “We used to farm in wetlands in our previous village, and now at the resettlement site the soil type is different. We are not familiar with paddy cultivation in more...

'The year 2008 marks a remarkable moment in American politics. Following an exciting and unprecedented primary season, the nation is poised on the brink of history, with the expected nomination of the first African American (defeating the first viable female candidate) for President of the United States. Given this dramatic backdrop, LEAP’s fifth major publication, The State of Asian America: Trajectory of Civic and Political Engagement, published in conjunction with the University of Californ more...

The idea of replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day was not a new one. It was first proclaimed by representatives of Native nations and participants at the United Nations-sponsored International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, which took place in 1977 in Geneva, Switzerland. The declaration of this body was applauded and echoed by Native peoples around the globe.