With 'Tribal Peoples', director of NGO Survival International, (group campaigning for indigenous, tribal, and uncontacted peoples' rights), Stephen Corry has provided an outstanding overview of the peoples his organization works for. Starting by creating a workable definition of 'indigenous', 'tribal', and 'peoples', the book goes on to focus on tribal peoples, or those communities whose lives can be self sustained with little to no outside help. He describes where these communities live, what daily life is like, and what pressures they have faced historically and currently deal with. A main point is made that it is wrong to view these communities as 'primitive', or 'backward', which clearly they are not. Indeed there is much we 'civilized' peoples can learn, (and have already whether known or acknowledged or not). The book is written as a sort of 'beginner's guide', and is the absolute best place to start on the subject. Clear, concise, and enlightening. Definitely a two copy purchase; one for your shelf, and one to pass on to others.
Some comments from others, (the last one being my favorite):
Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth says, `This book makes the case that we've far more to learn from tribal peoples than we have to teach them. It's compelling stuff.'
Artist Damien Hirst agrees: `This book is a refreshingly original approach to who tribal peoples really are and the startling contribution they make.'
Anthropologist Hugh Brody says, `Corry has devoted his lifetime of energy and intelligence to the cause of tribal peoples. He offers an astonishing wealth of knowledge and a multitude of insight in language that is clear and yet impassioned. Here is a book that is both fun and luminous',
`A book everyone must read - powerful stories of the harsh realities of both assimilation and rejection of our peoples and our struggles around the world'. Jolene Ashini, Innu.
`Corry is a liar, devil and loose cannon.' Botswana government ministers (evicting Bushmen from their lands).
