One of our most interesting and challenging projects is Etnias, focused on Yaqui tribe human development.
The Deer Dance is an ancient tradition among the Yaquis, that live on their lands on both sides of the Mexico/US border, as a nation.
Being Mexico what antropologist Darcy Ribeiro called a "testimonial country" -where native, Spanish and contemporary culture are almost seamlessly intertwined, Yaquis face the challenges -and opportunities- of embracing development while preserving and refining their own culture.
The use of original language is in jeopardy, and with it, ancient traditions and cultural identity. Below, a story in Yaqui with Spanish subtitles:
Post your comment on one (or all) of the following discussion questions:
- Is it possible for the Yaquis tp improve Mega indicators without losing their rich traditions? How?
- How can e-performance technology be used to help the Yaquis do the 1st? What kind of applications?
- How can the Yaquis develop their Intellectual Capital?
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References
- Ribeiro, D. (1971) The Americas and Civilization.Google books
- Bernardez, M. (2008) Capital Intelectual: Creacion de valor en la sociedad del Conocimiento. Chicago, IL: ITSON Global Business Press
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Posts
4 comments:
I believe that the keep alive a culture with their traditions, language, knowledge, tools, etc from our ethnic groups as the Yaquis, should be regarded as a Mega objective for any organization or individual of Mexican society and in the same way in other countries for their ethnic groups.
However, it is a mission increasingly difficult because the systems works naturally and are transformed according to the factors that are affecting to them. Yaqui tribe is a very small system who fights for survival among many other embedded systems that are far from encouraging him along only to disappear.
The most common form of aid is to provide resources for their survival as someone maintains a pet and is the main factor for through the years, meaning that they become increasingly less productive and dependents. That was the greatest mistake that society and governments have committed in trying to save our ethnicities.
The Yaquis as all human beings have the same capabilities as any other individual. Trying to improve programs is probably the adult population is a difficult segment to influence it because maybe no present attitudes and conditions appropriate to implement conservation and growth of their culture initiatives but exist the opportunity to work with the new generation in the implementation of programs this kind of programs.
In my view the three questions have an answer or alternative solution in common, it is necessary to develop a vision and develop leadership from among their own people, emanating from within, that drive to be promoters and developers of their own initiatives and these initiatives should be characterized by containing both ingredients: the ingredient for evolution to coexist and survive in modern society as an ingredient for the preservation of their roots.
The question is how we can do that?..How develop leadership since Yaquis people who promote the strategies?.. How many time does it take?.. do they wait?.
The rest of the system: society, government, education, etc. must be sponsors of their initiatives. Technology, language and knowledge needed should not be a barrier if one wishes. Governments should stop using the preservation of these cultures as a political argument and instead should sponsor it with real commitment and social awareness.
Good analysis, Alberto: how about looking at the Yaquis as members of a special ecosystem that is not adequately connected to the value chain of their region?
Perhaps if our South of Sonora ecosystem includes actively Yaqui communities, that could improve.
And by the way... how could your PII project help the Yaquis?
1.- In order to improve Mega indicators in the Yaqui tribe, maybe, as an ethnic group, they must give away a small amount of their culture and traditions. Though it sounds a bit harsh, the fact that globalization and consumerism have surrounded almost every corner of the world isn´t new. That being said, one example concerning this matter is that Yaquis had always prohibit the use of photograph cameras until the Yaqui museum open it´s doors at Cocorit, Sonora. In order to receive more funds, they accepted to give up one of their strongest beliefs, allowing visitors to take photographs in exchange of money. Although, with a reputation of being one of the bravest and toughest tribes known in history, it isn´t strange that they cling for so long to their believes.
2.- Recalling the Yaqui museum, some people from the Yaqui tribe are learning how to use certain software applications in order that the visitors can have a more interactive and entertaining experience. Outside the museums, they´ll also be able to use their newly acquired technology skills in navigating the world wide web. This way they could learn from other cultures and ethnicities and how are they confronting the irreversible global changes, and why not? Maybe in a couple of years they can plan an international ethnic group meeting, where they would present all their concerns.
3.- The creation of more spaces like that, will definitely be a great way to connect them to the rest of society, as Yaquis transfer their knowledge and beliefs to outer people.
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