3 Nation reporters travelled to 6 countries in South America during the summer of 2003 to learn more about the eco-tourism ventures undertaken by the Indigenous peoples there. The goal was to present Nation readers with the realities and struggles, the similarities and differences, of other Indigenous people.
The term "eco-tourism" has become a sort of catchphrase that is applied to anything that has to do with outdoor travel and recreation. However, its true meaning bears a lofty weight and responsibility for both tourists and service providers. Eco-tourism is meant to accommodate and entertain visitors in a way that is minimally disturbing or destructive to the environment, while at the same time sustaining and supporting the native cultures in the location it is operating in. Which is why it is so important for the indigenous peoples around the world, especially in developing countries like many found in South America.

Guatemala: Primal Beauty

The Indigenous struggle for recognition is very similar in Guatemala as it is to native peoples struggles in Canada. In some endeavours, like eco-tourism and sustainable development, Guatemala’s native people are further ahead than our own, with an art gallery, a training centre for handicrafts in 27 communities, a soon to be recycling plant and soon to be fog water collections as some of the ventures. In other endeavours like casinos, online, gaming and money raising projects, they are light years behind.
Guatemala_part1.pdf (152 k)

Guatemala_part2.pdf (276 k)

Honduras: the Undiscovered Country

The Mosquito Coast, which got its name from the Miskito Indians, is relatively inaccessible and can only be reached by plane and boat. In many places, there is no electricity or running water. The boats are similar to North American dugout canoes, powered by a 20 horsepower motor. The current population of the Miskto Indians is guessed to be around 1,500. Some become guides or lobster divers, while others prefer to fish the conventional way.
Honduras_part1.pdf (172 k)

Honduras_part2.pdf (204 k)

Suriname: Beyond Appearances

The Surinamese government owns all the land, so it can only be leased to people or companies. There is no acknowledgement on the part of the government that the Native people were, or are, the original inhabitants; as a result they have no more right or title to their land than anyone else. The Indigenous Carib, from two villages on the east coast of Suriname are 3 years from managing the local turtle nature reserve and eco-tourist venture they helped establish with STINASU in 1969.
Suriname_part1.pdf (168 k)

Suriname_part2.pdf (272 k)