Global News on the topic of Indigenous rights. In this edition, news from the U.S, South Africa, Kenya, Thailand, Nepal, Philippines, Indonesia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Costa Rica.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar).

Bonded labor, also known as debt bondage, remains a widespread form of modern slavery in parts of Asia, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh. It typically occurs when individuals are forced to work to repay a debt under exploitative conditions, often with little or no wages and no clear end to their obligation. Entire families, including children, can be trapped in cycles of debt for generations, working in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and mining. Despite legal bans in many countries, weak enforcement and poverty continue to fuel this human rights violation.

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, observed annually on August 23rd, honors the millions of men, women, and children who were subjected to the brutalities of transoceanic slavery, and commemorates the uprisings and resistance that led to its eventual abolition. This day not only acknowledges the resilience and courage of the enslaved but also recognizes the often-overlooked roles played by Indigenous peoples.

Krotoa, also known as Eva, was a young Khoi woman who played a significant and complex role in early South African history during the Dutch colonial period. Taken in as a servant in the household of Jan van Riebeeck, the first Dutch commander at the Cape, Krotoa served as a translator and cultural mediator between the Dutch settlers and her indigenous Khoi people. Fluent in both Dutch and Khoikhoi languages, she became a vital link in early negotiations and trade.

Global News on the topic of Indigenous Rights. In this issue, news from USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Namibia, Thailand, India, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Panama.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
'Burn your village to the ground', by The Haluci Nation, used with permission.

Cultural Survival recently attended the Global Symposium on Cultural Sustainability at the University of Leeds, where we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Sona Wangmo. Dr. Wangmo is a respected scholar whose research interests include the transformation and urbanization of rural areas in China, as well as pastoral resettlement and tourism development in Eastern Tibet. Our conversation focused on the growing intersection between tradition and modernity, particularly the increasing technological engagement among Tibetan monks. Dr.

Dr. Kikee Doma Bhutia, a distinguished scholar holding a Ph.D. in Folklore, recently participated in the Global Symposium on Cultural Sustainability hosted by the University of Leeds. During the event, we had the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful conversation with her about the young people of Sikkim, her home state in northeastern India. Drawing on her extensive academic background and deep cultural insight, Dr. Bhutia offered valuable perspectives and words of encouragement for the youth of Sikkim.

The Cultural Survival Bazaars are a series of cultural festivals, organized by Indigenous Peoples’ rights organization Cultural Survival, that provide Indigenous artists and artisans, cooperatives, and their representatives from around the world the chance to sell their work directly to the public. Come and Shop Indigenous at our Bazaar in Newburyport Massachusetts, on the 19th and 20th of July 2025, and then again at Tiverton Four Corners, on July 25th, 26th and 27th, 2025. In this podcast we hear from Annawon Weeden, who will be attending the Bazaar this year.

Global News on the topic of Indigenous rights. In this edition, news from the U.S, Canada, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Chile.

Indigenous communities face compounded challenges due to climate-induced displacement. Forced relocations not only disrupt their physical environment but also erode traditional governance structures, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs, leading to significant mental health issues. The loss of ancestral lands and the erosion of cultural identity pose profound threats to the well-being and resilience of Indigenous peoples.On June 20th, 2025 let us stand in solidarity with all those who had to flee from their homes to seek safety and shelter.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)