For the sector of society that has it all and no one has taken it from them, the real problem is that a “zambo” [a person of mixed African and native American origin] governs them.
By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com, Oct 12th 2011
In celebration of the Day of Indigenous Resistance on October 12th, the Venezuelan government announced numerous initiatives aimed at assisting and empowering indigenous communities. While such initiatives as well as rights guaranteed in the constitution have successfully come to fruition in many indigenous communities, they have faced obstacles in others.
By Frank Jack Daniels - TheStarOnline, Jun 21st 2011
Every morning, groups of tribespeople cross a jungle creek from their adobe student homes and wander barefoot through the thick undergrowth inhabited by boa constrictors to reach class at Venezuela’s first indigenous university in Cano Tauca.
By Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United States, Apr 29th 2011
In this Fact Sheet released by the Venezuelan Embassy in the United States, readers are provided details as to the unprecedented progress being made in combating the historical legacy of racism and recognizing the national importance of Venezuela's African heritage.
Reinaldo Jose Bolivar, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs for Africa, discuses concrete ways in which Venezuela is deepening its links to its African “motherland”, links which have gone from almost nothing to something quite significant over the last five years.
The Spanish-language edition of Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power by Jack Barnes was the subject of a panel discussion here at the sixth annual Venezuela International Book Fair on November 20, the busiest night of the fair.
By Rick Kearns - Indian Country Today, Aug 4th 2010
For the first time in Venezuelan history, an indigenous newspaper won a National Journalism Award in 2010. On July 4, the Venezuelan Ministry of Communications awarded Wayuunaiki with a National Journalism Award for layout of its 10th anniversary issue dedicated to “alternative communication with an indigenous essence.”
The Venezuelan government handed land titles to 41,600 hectares to three communities of around 500 Yukpa Indians on the western border with Colombia. However, the question of the demarcation of the broader ancestral territory of the entire ethnic group, made up of around 10,000 people, is still pending.
By Julie Webb-Pullman - Green Left Weekly, Mar 6th 2009
Most media commentary, for and against the
process of change and deep-going transformation that the government of
President Hugo Chavez is leading, focuses on Venezuela's cities.
However, a fuller picture of the Venezuelan reality goes someway to explaining the depth of Chavez's support.
By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com, May 29th 2008
The Wayúu, Yukpa, and Barí indigenous communities who would have been displaced by the coal mining projects in their lands cautiously interpret the Chavez government's suspension of these projects as a temporary sign of relief. But their struggle against coal mining has lasted a quarter of a century and will not conclude until mining concessions are repealed for good.
By Daniel Denvir and Thea Riofrancos - UpsideDownWorld.org, Apr 3rd 2008
Almost all recent major social conflicts in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia have
revolved around access, control, and ownership of natural resources:
oil, natural gas, water, and minerals. These conflicts are centered on
two separate, and at times conflicting, popular demands.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez
has never lacked a sense of theatricality -- that is for sure.
In the midst of
the proceedings Chávez turned to his ally, Bolivian President
Evo Morales, and remarked "You brought me coca, I want the
coca that Evo produces there."
By Maurice Lemoine - Le Monde Diplomatique, Jul 3rd 2007
Venezuela used to regard its indigenous people contemptuously, but President Hugo Chávez set up a constitution that respects their wishes and their ownership of land. He promised, and has delivered, some improvements in their daily lives and prospects, but the changes are still slow and hesitant.
By Tal Abbady - South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Apr 9th 2007
The Bush administration depicts Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as a leftist troublemaker who wants to follow in Fidel Castro's footsteps. But some black Americans support the Venezuelan leader, first elected in 1998, for his populist efforts to help his nation's minorities.
By Gregory Kane - BlackAmericaWeb.com, Feb 15th 2007
Afro-Venezuelan history and culture are now not only honored in Venezuela, thanks to Chavez, but Afro-Americans now have an opportunity to learn about that history and culture. Members of Eleggua are eager to learn ours.
