Journey's End: Regions, Groups, and Populations Advancing Towards the Dawn of a Prosperous Existence
In the heart of El Alto, department of La Paz, lies Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network, a cultural hub with a unique mission. Established in January 1995, the Network's work is rooted in decolonizing, decommodifying, anti-patriarchal, and de-anthropocentric perspectives.
The city of El Alto, primarily inhabited by migrant populations with a strong connection to the countryside, is home to a large Aymara population. Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network is no stranger to this cultural richness, as it was founded to serve the local community.
One of the Network's earliest initiatives was the creation of Yembatirenda, a community radio station, in Tarija in 2006. Over the years, the Network has grown and expanded, and today, it operates three radio stations - Wayna Tambo, Yembatirenda, and Sipas Tambo - each holding legal concessions as private radio stations.
In 2024, the Network received support from the Indigenous Community Media Fund (CMF). This funding allowed for training opportunities in journalism, broadcasting, audio editing, technical skills, and more for radio journalists from Indigenous communities. The supported communities spanned across 25 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, and many more.
The Indigenous Community Media Fund also helped international Indigenous radio stations strengthen their infrastructure and broadcast systems. However, specific details about Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network's grant or other individual project recipients for 2024 are not readily available. For more detailed information, consulting the official Indigenous Screen Office website or the Canadian Media Fund announcements directly would be necessary.
In 2018, the Network launched two new initiatives - the digital newspaper Los Muros and the Wayna Tambo YouTube channel. The Network also partners with Cultural Survival to bring topics of transition minerals and the energy transition in Bolivia to their audiences.
Throughout its journey, Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network has been committed to empowering Indigenous communities and promoting cultural diversity. As it continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of hope for those seeking to preserve and celebrate Indigenous cultures and voices.
All pictures courtesy of Wayna Tambo - Red de la Diversidad.
At Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network, they have incorporated sustainable living into their missions, striving to create a lifestyle that respects and preserves the environment, a reflection of their commitment to de-anthropocentric perspectives. Moreover, home-and-garden initiatives, such as organic farming and composting, are part of their broader efforts to promote sustainable living within the indigenous communities they serve.
