RE: PAPUA NEW GUINEA

peter.derrico@legal.umass.edu
Sat, 10 Aug 1991 16:23:29 -0400


!fry Trujillo recently wrote:

>The issue of rainforest logging is, or should be, of direct concern to
>people interested in the rights of aboriginal people, since rainforests
>represent a major habitat for many aboriginal groups. Much discussion
>of the subject neglects to make the link explicit, but I think it is
>important to keep in mind that working to preserve rainforests is also
>working to preserve in a state that permits ongoing use as a habitat the
>home territory of many groups of aboriginal people.

I agree with his analysis of the situation. And I appreciate the informa-
tion he posted from Papua New Guinea.

For those interested in that site, and for those interested in an unusual
film, see "First Contact" -- this is a documentary of the first anglo-
european contact with the inhabitants of central New Guinea. Much of the
footage was taken by three gold-seeking Australians on their expeditions.
The film includes interviews with members of the expedition and villagers
who recall the events they experienced. A very intriguing and revealing
film!

Peter d'Errico
Legal Studies Department
University of Massachusetts/Amherst 01003
phone: 413-545-2003
fax: 413-545-1640
email: derrico@legal.umass.edu