Why are Tribes important?
In the West Mankind has painfully detached itself from the natural world but tribal communities live in a state of sustainability and interrelationship with the natural world. Their spiritual fulfillment is in balance with material well being and their science is in conversation with wisdom, a coherence abandoned in the West.
At this time of monumental and fundamental change it is of paramount importance to preserve what is left of the diverse cultural ecology of Tribal groups.
These fragile tribal communities share the perception that the universe is an organic, sacred and indivisible web tied to the feminine. Their environment is susceptible only to holistic, not dualistic, understanding. Tribal communities do not distinguish Nature from humankind.
Why are they disappearing?
Tribal forest dwellers have a rich and self-sustaining culture. Their threat is primarily 'development' - idealised images of western consumer culture, which undermines their local economy and erodes cultural self-esteem. Christian missionary groups are also a severe threat to the few remaining tribes - threatening a rich and diverse cultural identity.
The Spirit Foundation runs a program to help preserve tribal cultural identity and fight for human rights.