'Lost' Amazonian tribe returns to the rainforest despite the threat of violence and disease
'Lost' Amazonian tribe returns to the rainforest despite the threat of violence and disease
Jonathan Brown
Sunday 20 July 2014
When they emerged from the forest on the outskirts of an Ashaninka indigenous community on the upper reaches of Brazil's Envira river, it was the first time in recent history that members of an uncontacted tribe of Amazonian Indians had chosen to leave their home and visit a settled population. But 80 tribe members have now returned to the forest on the Peru-Brazil border, despite the threat of violence and disease.
Before they went back, some who were showing flu-like symptoms were immunised by government doctors. That some of the tribe were already ill could explain why they took the unprecedented step of entering a settled village last month.
It has also emerged, however, that they were fleeing heavily armed drug traffickers who had attacked them upstream in Peru – showing that outside incursions are being made deep into the heart of their traditional protected territories.
Previously, it had been thought that they had been disturbed by the presence of heavily armed loggers, a growing industry in Peru. The mahogany and teak harvested by the gangs is believed to be destined to be made into garden furniture in Europe or the US. Under international law, the Indians have the right to their own traditional territories.
More:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/lost-amazonian-tribe-returns-to-the-rainforest-despite-the-threat-of-violence-and-disease-9616935.html