1. Introduction

A brief overview of actual situation of Indigenous Peoples in Latin America providing basic data on Indigenous Population, their groups and languages (by country). What does it mean to be “indigenous” or “Indian”?

2. Situation before the Conquest

Short insight into preconquest situation, Indigenous empires, their organization and culture.

3. Conquest and Different Approaches to the Colonization

It will explore the ways of Conquest, colonial violence as well as indigenous resistance to the colonialism emphasizing Indigenous sources.

4. Colonization and Melting-Pot (Mestizaje)

It will examine the impact of Christianity, mestizaje, and colonial organization and politics.

5. Independence, Indigenism

It will study the period after gaining the independence, the impact on Indigenous Peoples and their role in the process of nation-building. The session will discuss the Indigenism as ethnic politics in different Latin-American states.

6. Oral Tradition

Examples of different indigenous oral traditions. We will discuss the oral tradition as a historical source with its pros and cons.

7. Indigenous Cosmovision and Philosophy

The session explores Indigenous Cosmovision and Philosophy in order to better understand their socio-cultural diversity.

8. Indigenous Rituals

Ceremonial world of today’s Indigenous Peoples, its importance and impact on their daily life.

9. Anthropological Research - In Theory and Practice

The session will show theoretical approaches to anthropological research, as well as how it may or may not work in practice.

10. Indigenous Revitalization Movements

It will provide a framework for understanding the emergence of Indigenous Revitalization Movements in Latin America, its goals and repercussion on cultural, social, spiritual and political levels.

11. Current Situation

It will discuss current situation of Indigenous Peoples focusing on major problems they are struggling with (poverty, health problems, education, discrimination, etc.).

12. Indigenous Peoples and Globalization

It will study how the process of globalization has changed the way of life, traditions of Indigenous Peoples. The session will delve into discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.

13. Indigenous Peoples and Environment

Indigenous Peoples as ‘Earth Guardians’ and sustainable development. Environmental problems they are facing and struggling with.

14. Indigenous Peoples and Cooperation, Indigenous Rights Issues

Local, national and international projects on Indigenous cooperation and partnership. UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; achievements and continuing challenges; human rights violations.