Entirely within the Himalayas lies Sikkim, the
least populated state in India. Deep within
Sikkim is Dzongu, home to the Lepcha, an
indigenous tribal people who have populated
Dzongu for millennia.
The Lepcha hunt, gather, and farm. They maintain peaceful relations with neighbors, and there is no record of warfare in the Lepcha oral history or mythology.
The Lepcha hunt, gather, and farm. They maintain peaceful relations with neighbors, and there is no record of warfare in the Lepcha oral history or mythology.
The development of a dam in Dzongu promises to
end the Lepcha way of life. The dam will flood
the Lepcha homeland and force them into cities,
with few skills for urban living. Unless the
development is halted within the year, the
physical and cultural identity of the 40,000
Lepcha will disappear.
Lepchas are on a hunger strike. They are staging public protests, partnering with NGOs
Lepchas are on a hunger strike. They are staging public protests, partnering with NGOs
across
India and internationally, to fight this
development. You, too, can help. Come to the
Exhibit opening on March 30. Donate to the
Lepcha cause.
Enjoy these photographs — a sample of the dozens that will be on display — and pass the word.
- Tamsin Orion:
Enjoy these photographs — a sample of the dozens that will be on display — and pass the word.
- Tamsin Orion: