As with uncontacted peoples the world over, forced contact has been disastrous for the Hongana Manyawa. Between the 1970s and 1990s, many Hongana Manyawa were forcibly contacted, evicted from the rainforest and taken to new villages by the government and missionaries. This immediately exposed them to terrible outbreaks of diseases to which the Hongana Manyawa had no immunity and which they still refer to as “the plague”. In a two-month period, in one village alone, it is estimated that between 50 and 60 people died, almost one person every day.
The uncontacted Hongana Manyawa have made it clear – time and time again – that they do not want to be contacted, to settle or have outsiders come into their rainforest. They are very much aware of the dangers which forced contact brings. As with the uncontacted Sentinelese people of India, it is little wonder that they have been known to defend their lands by shooting arrows at those who force their way in.
I did read it. Having lived in Malaysia, it looked like every interaction with orang asli tribes. How does “forcibly contacted” not contradict “uncontacted”? Are we doing “contacted status identity” now?
I’d love to understand the definition of “uncontacted” that includes them posing for photos and protesting in front of bulldozers
Well here you go, you could have clicked the link in the first paragraph of the article if you were so curious, but nonetheless
https://www.survivalinternational.org/tribes/honganamanyawa
I did read it. Having lived in Malaysia, it looked like every interaction with orang asli tribes. How does “forcibly contacted” not contradict “uncontacted”? Are we doing “contacted status identity” now?