Indian management of the Global World: the case of Yahuarcaca tikuna

Abstract

Tikuna Indians from Yahuarcaca (Leticia, Amazonas) face the social, economic and cultural transformations that are characteristic of globalization, although under their own logic of appropriation and differentiation. Despite the discourses and practices of sustainable development and multicultural recognition, the forms of articulation of the indigenous communities to the state and the market are subject to permanent negotiation through the many projects implemented in these communities. These projects may bring the desired development for these communities, but also they bring about associated problems, such as economic inequalities, institutional dependency, and generally, the loss of autonomy and identity. On the other hand, the discourse of ethnicity becomes a political tool to come to terms with or to negotiate their autonomy and dependency. These negotiations, rather than being discussed in a political way, as understood in Western cultures, are managed as specific practices “to keep our own”. The struggle for autonomy thus swings between the managing of their own practices and the appropriation of foreign ones. The challenge is thus twofold: not only is it necessary that indigenous peoples adapt creatively to the current national and international situation, but also that members of national and international organizations adapt to the needs and characteristics of the indigenous cultural logic.

Keywords

• Amazonia
• indígenas tikuna
• cambio global