About
Unfortunately agriculture and logging have reduced the available habitat to the point that there is not enough jungle left to support the MlaBri way of life. They are now forced to work part of the year as slaves in the fields of other hill tribes in exchange for daily food and old clothes. Some groups of MlaBri people are exploited by tourist companies that profit by taking tourists to see the MlaBri.
There are only about 300 MlaBri people remaining in the world. The Mlabri are dying from disease and improper pesticide use. Their cultural beliefs prevent the MlaBri from owning their own land. This young girl is destined for a life of slavery bound by a combination of her cultural beliefs and the changing world around her.
About 160 of the MlaBri people have found their way to the village of Ban Boonyuen. There, they are provided with the education, knowledge and guidance necessary for them to eventually succeed on their own in today's environment. Due to heavy deforestation they have found themselves without a home to live and hunt in. Consequently they have been at the mercy of many opportunists who not only destroy their life but also their language and culture.
Hammocks provide a generous income for the Mlabri people who produce them. Since their traditional nomadic life style is no longer an option it is imperative that these people have a livelihood that not only sustains their life but also their traditional culture and language.