19 September, the Ambassador of Bolivia Ms. Luis Maria Ramos visited the office of Raipon. First vice-president of the Association Rodion Sulyandziga presented the staff and the priorities of the activity and structure to the Ambassador. He thanked the Ambassador of Bolivia for attention. Also he said that Raipon works with the embassies of different countries and it is very important that the people in other countries know about the Russian indigenous peoples as much as possible.

The Raipon president adviser Pavel Sulyandziga said that Bolivia has a special role in the history of the world’s indigenous movement. The president of Bolivia Evo Morales is the first indigenous head of the Sate. Not long ago Bolivia made a political significant act and incorporated the UN Declaration on indigenous rights into the national constitution. He also said  Batani foundation which is the structure of Raipon is preparing now the three volumes of indigenous tales in Spanish and Russian. The presentation of the books will be held in December.

Maria Luis Ramos said that heard much about the activities of the Association and wanted to meet with organization for a long time. In July, she visited Buryatia with Pavel Sulyandziga and still inspired by the visit. There they met with indigenous leaders, with the republic authorities and parliament. They also were on the Baikal Lake, and in the heath where met with nomadic Mongols.

She said: "Now I can say with a confidence that I know a little bit of Russia. I think that our countries are very similar, although they are very far from each other." Also the ambassador suggested to sharing the information about the indigenous peoples of Russia and Bolivia. Embassy prepares a radiobroadcast for Bolivia, and she asked Raipon to help to prepare information about indigenous peoples of Russia.

Now the ambassador is preparing to visit Kamchatka. At the end of this week will attend the Championships on indigenous dances in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Info Center RAIPON