Territories, communities, and villages progressing towards the sustainable living vision of Vivir Bien's horizon
In the heart of Bolivia, nestled among the Andean peaks, the Indigenous Community Media Fund has made a significant impact. In 2024, the fund supported various peoples with 57 grants totaling $480,000 in 25 countries, one of which was the Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network.
Based in El Alto, a city in the department of La Paz, the network owns and makes decisions about three radio stations: Wayna Tambo, Yembatirenda, and Sipas Tambo. The team consists of companions who identify with the Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani peoples, working tirelessly to nurture and defend life, water, land, forests, and build a harmonious existence with Indigenous-origin peoples and nations, along with Mother Earth.
The Diversity Network has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues facing Indigenous communities. They have held meetings with indigenous peoples, farmers, and agriculturalists to address issues such as water and food crisis, soil and water source contamination, land grabbing, forced displacement, institutional neglect, and non-compliance of laws protecting their territories.
The network has also supported meetings with communities affected by mining activity in Bolivia, amplifying their messages through digital platforms. Aurelia, one of the companions interviewed, emphasized the need for a major dialogue about the mining sector, its composition, and its impact on the country.
However, when it comes to other community radio stations supported by the Indigenous Community Media Fund in 2024, specific details are scarce. While the Fund supported initiatives like the REFBC's Indigenous Community Leaders Circle, the Indigenous Journalists Association, and the Peter Gilgan Foundation, none of these were reported to include community radio stations.
Despite this, the Diversity Network continues to be a beacon of hope. Mary Luz, from the Totoral Chico community, expressed determination to continue fighting for freedom and a peaceful, dignified life. Her voice, along with many others, is amplified through the Diversity Network's radio stations, reaching far beyond the borders of Bolivia.
In the context of Bolivia, which along with Chile and Argentina, forms part of the Lithium Triangle, the work of the Diversity Network is more crucial than ever. Dona Marina, a 69-year-old woman, expressed concern about the difficulty of translating energy transition and transition minerals concepts in Aymara and Quechua languages. Yet, the Diversity Network continues to bridge this gap, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard in the conversation about the future of their lands.
The Diversity Network was founded in 1995 as a cultural center in El Alto and expanded to include radio stations and a digital newspaper. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of community media in empowering Indigenous voices and advocating for their rights.
As Mary Luz so poignantly puts it, "I hope my voice will be heard in Bolivia and throughout the world." The Indigenous Community Media Fund, through its support of the Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network, is helping to make that hope a reality.
[1] REFBC's Indigenous Community Leaders Circle: https://refbc.ca/en/our-work/indigenous-community-leaders-circle/ [2] Indigenous Journalists Association: https://www.ijas.ca/ [3] Peter Gilgan Foundation: https://www.petergilganfoundation.ca/
- The Indigenous Community Media Fund, beyond Bolivia, has supported various initiatives in the realms of lifestyle, such as the REFBC's Indigenous Community Leaders Circle, fostering the growth of Indigenous leaders.
- In the fashion-and-beauty sector, the network has yet to be linked with any specific projects, but it continues to amplify Indigenous voices, allowing them to express their unique cultural identity.
- Food-and-drink is an essential part of every community, and the Diversity Network has addressed food crises and contamination issues within Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable and healthful practices.
- The home-and-garden sector finds a presence in the Diversity Network's work, as they have addressed concerns related to land grabbing and the protection of territories, ensuring a harmonious life for Indigenous peoples.
- In terms of relationships, the network has engaged with indigenous peoples, farmers, agriculturalists, and communities affected by mining activities, promoting dialogues and building strong connections.
- Pets often reflect the values and lifestyle of their owners, and the Diversity Network, by emphasizing the importance of the well-being of Indigenous peoples and Mother Earth, indirectly champions the humane treatment of pets.
- Travel, education-and-self-development, casino-and-gambling, sports, and the impact of weather on these sectors have not been explicitly mentioned in the context of the Diversity Network's work, but the network's mission remains focused on uplifting Indigenous voices and advocating for their rights.
