Historical evolution of indigenous peoples in the Americas

Abstract

1992 was a year of special significance for the world in general, and for the western world in particular. Europe advanced one step further in its process of economic integration. Parallel to this, Europe also celebrated the anniversary of an event inextricably linked to historical developments leading to its current economic consolidation as the first mega-block in the global economy. The event was the 500th anniversary of the Spanish invasion of the Americas. Vent The evolution of indigenous peoples in the Americas, and especially of those inhabiting the area known as 'Latin America', has been profoundly influenced by the aforementioned event. Thus, there are two principal space/moments in the said evolution. The first, (thousand years old) prior to the European arrival, and the second, (500 years old) from that time to the present. As we approach the third millennium, indigenous peoples in Latin America are once again at the centre of political, economic, and cultural transformations. They properly understand the nature of their vital presence in the unfolding of our future, and we must analyze their evolution from a perspective other than those produced as expressions of euro-centred assumptions and perspectives. In this presentation we attempt to articulate a non-ethnocentric view of indigenous peoples, highlighting their struggles to overcome inordinate obstacles to the advancement of their material and cultural survival. In this context we give special attention to contemporary re-definitions of the relationships between nation-state and indigenous peoples within the parameters of global economic and political developments.