In the rainforests of Siberut off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, the Mentawai exist within a society and a world that is determined to assimilate
and exploit them. Native Planet offers support by helping to build umas so the traditional shamans and their clans can return to their ancestral lands ensuring their culture’s survival. In this continuing struggle, much more remains to be done:
- Curricula taught in schools need to be secularized and made non-political.
- Ecotourism income needs to replace logging revenues.
- Jobs need to be created.
After extensive assessment, Native Planet has developed a strategy to empower the Mentawai and protect their land, society, rights and culture. This
cultural tourism project utilizes
the knowledge and experience from various NGOs, including Native Planet and the Mentawai-run Yayasan Citra Mandiri, as well as the participation of Mentawai guides and families. We invite everyone, from concerned individuals to corporations, to
support the Mentawai.
The Mentawai people, their culture, and their lands all hang in the balance.
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