Photography and text by Mike McCaffrey

Indigenous people in Bolivia only won the right to vote in the revolution of 1952. Since then they have continued to advocate for equality in a sharply divided society. Evo Morales, an indigenous farmer turned political organizer, emerged to lead the movement, and in late 2005 was elected president of Bolivia. Three years later, on January 25th, 2009, President Morales has passed a new constitution by popular vote. This constitution, while controversial in other respects, represents a clear victory for Indigenous rights. This exhibit honors the diversity and tenacity of Bolivian culture.

Biography

Mike McCaffrey is a master’s candidate at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Four years ago he volunteered for the most rural assignment in Peace Corps Bolivia, and lived in a small village at 10,000 feet in the Andes for two years. Mike then worked for another two years in microfinance with Innovations for Poverty Action and Pro Mujer in the cities of Cochabamba and La Paz. He has traveled extensively through the Andes and the Amazon, and speaks a little Quechua.