The Yagua People: Indigenous Tribe of Peru

Authors

  • Teadora Stefanovska University American College, Skopje, North Macedonia
  • Iskra Andreeska University American College, Skopje, North Macedonia

Abstract

The overarching theme of the project is the indigenous Yagua people of Peru, who live along the Amazon River. Despite the fact that the project focuses on their lives as a whole, taking their culture and way of life into account, the study focuses on a more significant challenge that the Yagua people face. Their health problems, as well as topics affecting the arrival of modern medicine and the muchacha phenomenon, are investigated thoroughly. Deforestation, drug trafficking and illegal mining are also discussed as prominent current issues. We chose to investigate the Yagua people as we had some exposure to the variety of the Peruvian culture through the virtual meetings with students from the ESAN University (Lima) during the Global Understanding course and prepared a research project for the XVII International Competition of research, practice-oriented and creative projects in English among university students organized by the Ural State Pedagogical University. The conducted small-size case-study research is based on the qualitative research method. We analyzed primary and secondary sources. The primary sources arise from a qualitative research we conducted through the survey research technique. We used the structured interview as a tool and we interviewed students from University of ESAN with whom we attended the Global Understanding Course together and their course instructor. We also interviewed the photographer Goran Jovic who had visited the tribe and has raised the awareness of their culture through his photographs. The secondary sources arise from an extensive internet search for data and available information online. The findings showed that majority of the surveyed Peruvian fellow-students were unaware of the Yagua people's existence, let alone their health challenges. Thus, we believe intercultural and cross-cultural contacts, partnerships, and collaborations can contribute in the raising awareness of various problems and can help us learn about various challenges people face around the world.  

Keywords: indigenous Yagua people, intercultural, challenges

Author Biographies

Teadora Stefanovska, University American College, Skopje, North Macedonia

Teadora Stefanovska is a first-year student at the University of American College's School of Foreign Languages in Skopje, North Macedonia. Teadora is also a permanent resident of Skopje. She and her partner chose to research indigenous tribes as part of an international competition on the same subject. They came in second place thanks to their research project. Her interest in the differences between cultures began at a young age, prompting her to constantly research the living standards and traditions of people like the Yagua. She believes that such projects can raise awareness and, as a result, help those who are less fortunate than others.

Iskra Andreeska, University American College, Skopje, North Macedonia

Iskra Andreeska is a first year student at University American College Skopje, at the faculty of foreign languages. She was born and raised in Ohrid, however, she is now located in Skopje for college. Iskra believes indigenous groups play an important role in today's world due to the fact that they constantly make efforts to protect our land and biodiversity. By caring and raising awareness about indigenous groups and their problems, we also contribute to protecting their rights as well as our environment.

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Published

2022-12-13

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2022): Proceedings of the 7th Global Issues Conference

Section

Global Issues Conference Proceedings

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