asked in 2005

1. Is it difficult to work with all these different tribal peoples under one international organisation?

The difficulties are those to be expected – mainly language and different appreciations of time-keeping! We are used to them.


2. On the whole, have the pressures faced by indigenous people increased or eased in recent years?

They have eased in some places where their rights are becoming more accepted (e.g. in parts of South America), but increased in others where there are renewed assaults on their land or way of life (e.g. Botswana).


3. How can you minimise harmful influences and dependencies when you interact with indigenous cultures?

By approaching them with understanding. They are generally only “fragile” when approached with force.


4. You do a lot of educational work. Who is your main target group?

The “West”, where many people still believe tribal peoples are “primitive”. Also, tribal people themselves to tell them that they are not alone and that others face exactly the same problems.


5. Aren’t tribal peoples inevitably doomed?

No, if their land is secure, they can often meet the outside world without losing everything else. There are many success stories.


6. What effect has the RLA had on your work?

It confers status and makes it harder for governments and companies to rubbish our concerns.