Finding an affordable place to stay in the big city is not easy, even in the slums. This young Lahu woman is happy because she owns her own small house and doesn't have to pay rent. (Bo Sang slum, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai) (© Phacharaaphon Thanarootrungruean)

In show of solidarity to commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People’s celebrations today, here’s a highlight of a project where 30 indigenous youths from 6 cities in 5 countries were given digital cameras to photograph themselves or other indigenous peoples.

In the city they (indigenous youths) may feel a split between the world of their indigenous families and communities, and that represented by the urban environment. They may however also find new ways of expressing and recreating their indigenous identity, thereby widening the concept.
-indigenousyouthphoto.net-

The participants from Malaysia, India, Thailand, Bolivia and Brazil display their work online on this site called Indigenous Youth in the City. Here are some lovely photos by the female youths.

These young Lahu men have little education and have to rely on low-paid physical work to make a living. (Muang Mai market, Chiang Mai) (© Phenphisut Bianlae)

The profile of each photographer available on this page here, detailing their unique experience in the city.

A man comes back from his garden in the forest, where he likes to spend time alone. The road that he is walking on was once forest. (© Yusmalaily Atan @Elly)

© Diana Davila da Silva, Dourados, BRAZIL

“It (photography) is sharing with other people what one is feeling or simply saying what is going on in the world and what will happen.”
Diana Davila da Silva, Dourados, BRAZIL

Check out the many urban sights unknown even to city-dwellers, through the eyes of indigenous youths here.