Page 41 - Demo

41TO STAY & FIGHT In the daily face of danger, the Carijona could choose to follow other indigenous people deeper in the jungle and protect their way of life in peace... but then again, this is a temporary solution to a much bigger problem, with the whole world at stake.Over the past 5+ years, the Carijona has formed a powerful unity which in additional to their own culture, includes the work of several others. Ultimately, they wish to have complete autonomy over their own ancestral lands, as well as help and support to protect it. Becoming increasingly involved with global education and aid, the Carijona area are a force to be reckoned with.They have engaged in legal and political advocacy to protect indigenous lands from encroachment and exploitation. This includes participating in legal battles to defend land rights, lobbying for stronger environmental protections, and influencing policy decisions at both national and international levels. Mini GovernmentRather than wait for the threats to arrive, Chiribiquete%u2019s indigenous communities are forging ties in a proactive bid for power.With help from organizations and governments desperate to find ways to stem surging Amazonian losses, they aim to incorporate what will effectively be state-recognized local governments, giving them stepped-up power over their land and state funds.Becoming the land%u2019s official legal governors - and formally part of Colombia%u2019s political and administrative map - would make it harder for arriving miners, loggers or ranchers to cut land and development deals without their prior knowledge or approval. %u2018It would mean power with autonomy,%u201d says Alfredo Yucuna, who heads the Indigenous Council of the Miriti-Parana Amazonas Territory (CITMA), which represents about 1,150 indigenous forest residents from nine ethnic groups, including his own.Their involvement in these activities aims to secure legal recognition and protection for indigenous territories. Rather than wait for the threats to arrive, Chiribiquete%u2019s indigenous communities are forging ties in a proactive bid for power.With help from organizations and governments desperate to find ways to stem surging Amazonian losses, they aim to incorporate what will effectively be state-recognized local governments, giving them stepped-up power over their land and state funds.Becoming the land%u2019s official legal governors - and formally part of Colombia%u2019s political and administrative map - would make it harder for arriving miners, loggers or ranchers to cut land and development deals without their prior knowledge and approval. Alfredo Yucuna, who heads the Indigenous Council of the Miriti-Parana Amazonas Territory