Kayapo Tribe |
Kayapo Adaptations |
The Kayapo people people realize that in order for their culture to survive, they must embrace modern western culture. |
Kayapo adaptation to the Judaical System
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Indigenous people are often ill-represented in legal situations. The Kayapo have seen this issue and addressed it. According to a case study by Duke University, "[On] May, 2008 [the Kayapo opposed] the proposed construction of the Belo Monte Dam [pictured left]. Leading traditional dances and rituals, the Kayapo utilized both traditional and modern measures in that mass meeting to plead for their rights to land and life. By the end of those five days, the Kayapo and the other indigenous tribes had not only brought the issue of the Belo Monte Dam to the global platform, but also demonstrated to the world their continued resolve to fight for what they consider their only way of life." Without their dedication and adaption, it is doubtful the Kayapo would still have the strength they do now.
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Kayapo adaptation to modern economicsKayapo woman collecting profitable resources
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In order to survive in the current economic marketplace, the Kayapo people have had to adapt to the modern economy. An article by the Environmental Defense Fund stated that Kayapo women, "are... cultivators and collectors of seeds and tree resin, which they now sell to global buyers." They also sell Brazil nuts they harvest. According to National Geographic, they make thousands of dollars each year off this export. The increased cash-flow that these commodities account for cause decreased selling of their forest for logging.
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Modern technologyKayapo man surfing the Internet.
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One of the paramount adaptiations that the Kayapo people have lived with is the use of technology. One example of the technology being utilized are satilights in their villigaes. They use these satilites to watch a couple TV programs provided by the govenment. They also use their TVs to watch recordings of their ceremonies. In addition to TVs, the Kayapo have installed street lights in their villages. These lights are fairly new and have signifigantly changed Kayapo lives.
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Modern housingTypical Kayapo village.
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Recently, the Kayapo have begun to take advantage of modern housing. One example are government bulit nursing stations in their villages. These statitions have greatly impacted Kayapo quality of life, helping to ward off illness and treat injuries. Another example is running water and toilets. Their water comes form wells. Most towns only have one toilet.
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