About Indigenous People

tribal peoples in independent countries, whose social and economic conditions distinguish them from other sections of the national community, and whose status is regulated wholly or partially by their own customs and traditions or by special laws or regulations;
peoples in independent countries who are regarded as indigenous on account of their descent from the populations which inhabited the country, or a geographical region to which the country belongs, at the time of conquest or colonization or the establishment of present state boundaries and who, irrespective of their legal status, retain some or all of their social, economic, cultural and political institutions.

According to the 2001 Census, indigenous peoples comprise 36.31% of the total population of Nepal (22.7 million) and are in the majority in 27 of the 75 districts. The Government of Nepal (GoN) has identified and recognized 59 nationalities of Nepal through the enactment of the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities Act, 2002. 57.9% of the total populations in Ramechhap belong to indigenous communities. Out of the total 55 VDCs in Ramechhap, indigenous populations are in majority in 34 VDCs. In all, there are 21 indigenous groups in Ramechhap. As the Ramechhap district falls within the territory what is historically known as homeland of indigenous Tamang nation, they form the largest size.

Tamang

By their location on the ancient trading routes, the history of Tamangs has been influenced by Buddhist Tibet and the Hindu Malla kingdom of Kathmandu. Traditional customs are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and at other important times in a person`s life. The "Tamang Selo" dance is performed to the rhythmic sound of the "Damphoo" musical instrument which the dancers carry. The dance full of fun and vigor and the brisk movement and rhythmic beat of the Dampoo depicts a style peculiar to the Tamangs. It is performed on occasions like marriage ceremony, Lho-Chhar, childbirth and village fairs. For more information visit the http://www.tamangsamaj.com/

Majhi

: The Majhis are indigenous to Nepal and are known throughout the country for their fishing expertise. From the early dawn the Majhi have had a special and intimate relationship with the rivers of Nepal and hence mostly inhabit the banks of Nepal’s rivers. Possessing their own language, dress, and culture, the Majhi people are very proud of their heritage and communicate this through their own traditional songs, dances and many ritual functions. The ancestral occupation of the Majhi people is to help other people in crossing the many rivers of Nepal in their Majhi made boats. However modern bridges and government interference in their traditional working areas is destroying the traditional Majhi way of life. For more information visit the http://www.pantribalconfederacy.com/majhi/introduction.php

Yolmo

Yolmo are the Indigenous people of the Helambu region, which comprises the Northwest part of Sindhupalchok, Northeast part of Nuwakot and Southeast part of Rasuwa districts. The name, Yolmo, has been derived by two words Yol (high area surrounded by mountains) and Mo (goddess). Like the other inhabitants of the northern region, the culture and identity of Yolmo indigenous people are derived from Tibetan language and culture. Mahayana Buddhists has been practiced in Yolmo lands since at the 8th century, when Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Mahayana Buddhist, traveled there and chose it as one of the places to leave behind his secret treasures of wisdom.

Thami

: With a total worldwide population of only 30,000, the Thami Indigenous Peoples of Nepal have a unique but endangered culture. According to their mythology, based on their oral tradition and religious texts, Paloke, they are the successors of Yapati Chukku and Sonari Aaji who reached the head of Tamakoshi, while travelling in ancient times, from Simangadh. Thamis call themselves Thangmi, meaning ‘people of pastureland' or ‘people living in borderlands'. Followers of neither Hinduism nor Buddhism in complete sense, Thami’s are worshippers of nature. Today Thami people are well known throughout Nepal for their traditional expertise in producing quality bamboo products and their strong sense of cultural pride. For more information visit the Nepal Thami Society http://www.geocities.com/thamisociety/

Sherpa

Sherpa’s, literally translated as easterner, referring to their origins in Eastern Tibet, are well known throughout the world for their reputation as mountaineers and trades people. While their reputation as climbers is nothing short of historic, local Buddhist, animist and cultural traditions equally shape their unique, Tibetan influenced culture and traditions. Also closely connected with Lamaism, Sherpa rites and rituals are based on and determined by their religion. Subsequently, the lamas of the monasteries wearing red robes direct the religious life of the region and are considered the religious social heads of the community. Throughout the year Sherpas show their cultural pride and religious respect through numerous colorful festivals, most notably, Lhosar, Mani Rimdu, and Dumje.

Tamang

By their location on the ancient trading routes, the history of Tamangs has been influenced by Tamang By their location on the ancient trading routes, the history of Tamangs has been influenced by Buddhist Tibet and the Hindu Malla kingdom of Kathmandu. Traditional customs are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and at other important times in a person`s life. The "Tamang Selo" dance is performed to the rhythmic sound of the "Damphoo" musical instrument which the dancers carry in their hands. The dance full of fun and vigor and the brisk movement and rhythmic beat of the Dampoo depicts a style peculiar to the Tamangs. It is performed on occasions like marriage ceremony, Lho-Chhar, childbirth and village fairs. For more information visit the http://www.tamangsamaj.com/

Majhi

The Majhi peoples are indigenous to Nepal and are known throughout the country and world for their fishing Majhi The Majhi peoples are indigenous to Nepal and are known throughout the country and world for their fishing expertise. From the dawn of time the Majhi have had a special and intimate relationship with the rivers of Nepal and hence inhabit the banks of Nepal�s rivers. Possessing their own language, dress, and culture, the Majhi people are very proud of their heritage and communicate this through their own traditional songs, dances and many ritual functions. The ancestral occupation of the Majhi people is to help other people in crossing the many rivers of Nepal in their Majhi made boats. However modern bridges and government interference in their traditional working areas is destroying the traditional Majhi way of life. For more information visit the http://www.pantribalconfederacy.com/majhi/introduction.php

Yolmo

Sindhupalchok, Northeast part of Nuwakot and Southeast part of Rasuwa districts. The name, Yolmo Yolmo Yolmo are the Indigenous people of the Helambu region, which comprises the Northwest part of Sindhupalchok, Northeast part of Nuwakot and Southeast part of Rasuwa districts. The name, Yolmo, has been derived by two words Yol (high area surrounded by mountains) and Mo (goddess). Like the other inhabitants of the northern region, the culture and identity of Yolmo indigenous people are derived from Tibetan language and culture. Mahayana Buddhists have revered Yolmo lands since at the 8th century, when Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Mahayana Buddhist, traveled there and chose it as one of the places to leave behind his secret treasures of wisdom. Also the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa pursued his rigorous meditative retreat there. Having strong links to this history and to Mahayana Buddhist in general, the lives of Yolmo people are centered on the Buddhist faith and its practice. As describe in the religious text, Yolmo is considered as an sacred and 'hiding places for sacred treasures' where the great master left his sacred treasures of wisdom (doctrine) concealed to be revealed by powerful masters in future in the time of need. For more information visit the Nepal Yolmo Social Service Association http://www.yolmo.org.np/

Thami

With a total worldwide population of only 30,000, the Thami Indigenous Peoples of Nepal have a unique but Thami With a total worldwide population of only 30,000, the Thami Indigenous Peoples of Nepal have a unique but endangered culture. According to their mythology, based on their oral tradition and religious texts, Paloke, they are the successors of Yapati Chukku and Sonari Aaji who reached the head of Tamakoshi, while travelling in ancient times, from Simangadh. Thamis call themselves Thangmi, meaning �people of pastureland' or �people living in borderlands'. Followers of neither Hinduism nor Buddhism in complete sense, Thami�s are worshippers of nature. Today Thami people are well known throughout Nepal for their traditional expertise in producing quality bamboo products and their strong sense of cultural pride. For more information visit the Nepal Thami Society http://www.geocities.com/thamisociety/

Sherpa

Sherpa�s, literally translated as easterner, referring to their origins in Eastern Tibet, are well known Sherpa Sherpa�s, literally translated as easterner, referring to their origins in Eastern Tibet, are well known throughout the world for their reputation as high altitude climbers. While their reputation as climbers is nothing short of historic, local Buddhist, animist and cultural traditions equally shape their unique, Tibetan influenced culture and traditions. Also closely connected with Lamaism, Sherpa rites and rituals are based on and determined by their religion. Subsequently, the lamas of the monasteries wearing red robes direct the religious life of the region and are considered the religious social heads of the community. Throughout the year Sherpas show their cultural pride and religious respect through numerous colourful festivals, most noteably, Lhosar, Mani Rimdu, and Dumje.