Students comments 6

About the course EAS 3102: Sustainable Communities, a Vision of Andean Indigenous Peoples

"My perception of the world was altered, by this course in many ways. It has provided me with facts I was not even aware of, I did not know what globalization was but more importantly, how globalization destroys natural ecosystems that sustain life and how globalization forces the world’s Indigenous people to abandon their lifestyles and assimilate to a global monoculture.

I now understand what the elders have been trying to tell young people in the past. That the only way to survive was to be Cree and the importance of remaining true to one’s identity was often stressed. I found many similarities in the beliefs of my people and the Andean cultures. I only wish the Cree politicians would take this course. Many people have been led to believe that the only way to advance and gain control of out territory was through adopting the Western economic definition of ‘development.’

I have frequent conversations with my parents about what I learned in this course. Both my mother and father told me that there will come a time when I will use the knowledge I have gained. They are very grateful I had a chance to study the topics that were discussed in class.

Another thing that I gained is I now think twice about the products I purchase. I am a student and it is hard to purchase products knowing Indigenous people were most likely suffering because I continue buying products that are cheap. I feel guilty because I cannot afford to buy more expensive products that are made locally. At the same time, I am aware that it was the intention of transnational corporations to create a system of dependency in developed countries.

But, now I know the reality and I can start making small, affordable changes in my lifestyle."

G.