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Indigenous Groups of Honduras
Indigenous groups are one of the top 5 reasons
to visit Honduras. Groups that you can visit include the Miskito Indians,
the Pech Indians, the Garifunas, the Lencas, and the Chorti Indians. Other
Honduran ethnic groups which can be visited include the Tawahka Indians and the
Bay Islanders. The Tolupan (Jicaque) Indians are not very easy to visit and are
not very open to visitors.
sidewalkmystic.com is fortunate to have Wendy Griffin offer this section
of the website, Indigenous Groups of Honduras.
Wendy,
a historian and writer,
is widely known throughout Honduras for her understanding and interest in the ethnic groups of
Honduras
 and for
her writings on the peoples of Honduras. Wendy graciously offers her time and expertise
in writing this section (except for the Lenca page which I wrote). This
section immeasurably adds to presenting a fuller picture of Honduras.
Thank you Wendy.
Common sense and an appreciation for other cultures are all that is necessary to
visit the ethnic communities of Honduras. In my Central American travels, I (Dave) have found it helpful to keep
these things in mind:
• Some individuals choose not to have
pictures taken. Don't take pictures without permission -- no different
than at home.
• Be sensitive to ceremonies and rituals. Don't barge in or assume
that you have the right to intrude.
• Show a true interest in other people. People the world over
understand when you are genuinely interested in them.
• Kids will be naturally curious. Go with the flow and find some
youthful behavior inside yourself when interacting with kids.
• Demonstrate respect with actions and words.
|
Group |
Population (update pending) |
|
Lenca |
100,000 |
|
Garifuna |
98,000 |
|
Miskito |
29,000 |
|
Chortí Maya |
4,200 |
|
Pech |
2,500 |
|
Tolupan |
2,000 |
|
Tawahka |
1,000 |
      
Wendy Griffin has worked
with Honduran ethnic groups since 1986. In Honduras she has worked with
bilingual education (Spanish/native languages) and taught English and
anthropology at Honduran universities. From 1992 to 2002 she was a reporter
covering Honduran ethnic groups for Honduras This Week. Her in-depth articles
can be seen online at marrder.com
and click on previous edition.
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