Sama of Igacos, Mindanao
The Garden Island of Samal used to be known by indigenous groups as Pu, and has been inhabited by the Sama since time immemorial. The Sama indigenous group is mistakenly thought to have originated from Mandaya, Mansaka, and Muslim groups. Indigenous groups in the Sulu archipelago are also called Sama Bajau or Sama Tawi-Tawi. They have in common that they live peacefully on small islands or close to the sea. The Samas of Igacos, meaning from Samal Island, insist though that they are a separate entity with distinct forms of music, art expression, and tribal rituals. The Sama’s rich cultural heritage is gradually fading into extinction as a result of the in-migration of settlers (mostly from the Visayas), an emerging bias against the Lumad, and the trauma or discrimination they suffer for being indigenous.
Tuburan, Waldorf School, Davao City
Tuburan Institute is a sustainable Steiner/Waldorf school in the outskirts of Davao City. It is surrounded by nature and encourages a healthy and conscious community life.
Lumad Refugees, Davao City, Philippines
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran in Davao City has been serving as temporary shelter for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from various provinces since early 2015. It is a “Sanctuary of Peace” for Lumad (IPs from Mindanao) who were forcibly displaced by violence and attacks by paramilitary and military groups. The so-called "Bakwit School" currently houses some 125 families or about 400 IPs from Talaingod and Kapalong in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Arakan town, North Cotabato. The ongoing clash between communist rebels, the New People’s Army, and the government has resulted in the displacement of IPs in the hinterlands and their migration to the city.
Daily Life
