Featured Articles - Indigenous Communities

The Wayúu, Yukpa, and Barí indigenous communities who would have been displaced by the coal mining projects in their lands cautiously interpret the Chavez government's suspension of these projects as a temporary sign of relief. But their struggle against coal mining has lasted a quarter of a century and will not conclude until mining concessions are repealed for good.

Venezuela used to regard its indigenous people contemptuously, but President Hugo Chávez set up a constitution that respects their wishes and their ownership of land. He promised, and has delivered, some improvements in their daily lives and prospects, but the changes are still slow and hesitant.

While Chávez's strategy of appealing to racial minorities in the U.S. is certainly bold, it is hardly surprising given his and Venezuela's history. Chávez support for Venezuela's indigenous and afro-Venezuelan population has inspired not only oppressed minorities within his own country but also blacks living outside Venezuela.

An interview with Jesus "Chucho" Garcia, Venezuela's leading activist against and researcher of racism in Venezuela. As a Venezuelan of African descent, he talks about the denial of racism in Venezuela and what needs to be done to overcome it.