artwork by: Dr. Isis Semaj-Hall
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Small islands are special. We hold some of the most spectacular history, dramatically diverse cultures, and unique landscapes in the world. However, we are also home to many endangered cultures, environments, languages, animals, and plants due to our small size, historical oppressions, brain-drain and increased urbanisation.
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With recent global instability and issues such as climate change, pandemics, and natural disasters, we are increasingly reminded how vital our unique perspectives are to the global conversations.
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Shaq Koyak is a contemporary artist from the indigenous Temuan tribe of Selangor. Temuan has a population of 29,000 in peninsula Malaysia. In his early life, land developers encroached on the jungle around his village and this experience is reflected in his many works. That trauma from his childhood has fueled his passion and led him to fight for his people's land rights. He loves to explore many art mediums from contemporary painting to installation art.
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ARTISTS’ STATEMENT
“In a rapidly modernising Malaysian state, I’m always trying to capture the tension and pressure faced by my people, whose lives interact with and respect the natural environment. My work emphasizes the inequalities that exist between modern consumerism and traditional sustainable ways of life. My paintings are a reflection of my people and the rain forest in which I grew up, and to show the importance of nature to the Orang Asal. The presentation of artwork also captures a contemporary view of the struggle faced by Malaysia’s indigenous people and the aim is to contribute to a deeper understanding of multiracial Malaysia.”
Ep. 1. Interview w Roberto Múkaro Borrero (part I) | Small Islands, Big Conversations
Join Institute director and founder Caroline Mair-Toby as she talks to Roberto Múkaro Borrero, Kasike (Cacique/Chief) of the Guainía Taíno tribal community in Borikén (Puerto Rico) , as they discuss the moment of contact when the Indigenous Taíno communities residing in the Caribbean first encountered the Spanish conquistadors who landed on their shores in 1492.
Ep. 2. Interview w Roberto Múkaro Borrero (part II) | Small Islands, Big Conversations
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Join Institute director and founder Caroline Mair-Toby for Part II of her conversation with Roberto Múkaro Borrero, Kasike (Cacique | Chief) of the Guainía Taíno tribal community.
In this second video, we get a bit deeper and look at traditional and modern leadership roles in the Taíno community. We discuss the traditional and modern role of the kasike, how the first kasike was chosen and the origin story of this role, and Mr. Borrero’s own journey in accepting this eminent position and his advocacy work in representing Indigenous peoples at the United Nations. We also discuss his personal experience confronting the erasure of his people and the Taíno community from the history books at school, the leadership role of elder women in the community in choosing the kasike, as well as the role of women in Taíno communities, and the concept of gender balance.