Karitiana people
| Total population |
|---|
| 320 (2005)[1] |
| Regions with significant populations |
 Brazil (Rondônia)[1] |
| Languages |
The Karitiana or Caritiana people are an indigenous people of Brazil, whose reservation is located in the western Amazon. They count 320 members, and the leader of their tribal association is Renato Caritiana. They subsist by farming, fishing and hunting, and have almost no contact with the outside world. Their tongue, the Karitiâna language, is an Arikém language of Brazil.
In 2007, it was discovered that Western scientists, unbeknownst to the Brazilian agency, FUNAI, that regulates contact between the Caritianas, other tribes, and the outside world, had drawn blood and collected DNA samples, which were later distributed by a non-profit for a fee (it is not clear if this fee amounts to profits for the non-profit, or not).[2] A response from Dr. Hilton Pereira da Silva who was accused of collecting DNA samples credibly suggests that the news story is faulty and irresponsible.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Karitiana: Introduction." Povos Indígenas no Brasil. Retrieved 15 Jan 2011.
- ^ Larry Rohter. "In the Amazon, giving blood but getting nothing". International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/20/america/20blood.php.
- ^ Hilton Pereira da Silva. "In the Amazon, giving blood but getting nothing - comments". International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/20/america/20blood.php?d=1.
