World Communities
A
look at the things that bring people together and sustain
relationships and traditions
Click
on one of the countries we have visited to learn about its communities.
|
| Canada |
The original inhabitants,
or First Nations people, came to North America presumably via
the Alaskan land bridge. European settlement and further immigration
has resulted in the cultural mosaic that exists today.
|
| Australia |
The Aboriginal people are deeply
spiritual and believe that the landscape was created by the
singing of their Ancestors during Dreamtime. European settlement,
missionary activities and even a 'White Only' immigration policy
for a short time has affected Aboriginal culture greatly.
|
| Japan |
The Ainu people are the
sole remaining indigenous people of Japan, and were driven north
to Hokkaido, where they live now. Present-day Japanese live
their lives with a combination of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs.
|
| Thailand |
The indigenous people of Thailand
are the hilltribes of the north. Present-day Thai people are
a mixture of Chinese, Burmese and Laotian, and are mainly Buddhist.
|
| Malaysia |
The Iban people are one of many indigenous
groups of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. Although many have
converted to Christianity, elements of their headhunting roots
exist in their traditions today.
|
| India |
India has a large and
mixed community of people with varying beliefs. India is also
home to many Tibetan people in exile.
|
| Ethiopia |
The Gurage people, one
of more than eighty tribal groups, have sustained themselves
and others during drought periods with the help of their staple
food, ensete
|
| Bolivia |
The Aymará people hold the coca
leaf to be sacred. The Incas, who entered the Andean region
after them, believe that the union of the original Inca (Sinchi
Roca) and Mamacoca gave way to the birth of their civilization.
|
| Belize |
Mayans consider themselves to be creations
of the ceiba tree, which stands in the core of life and holds
up the heavens. Their communities are brought together through
rich traditions in remembrance of ancestors. |
Look
for this symbol on our Marriage pages for a short, 3-D, live experience!
