Anybody Know Much About The Khmer Loeu?
A bit of background: The Khmer Loeu, literally meaning Upland Khmer, are the Indigenous Hill Tribes of Cambodia. They are mostly found in the mountainous regions. In Cambodia, they are considered “Indigenous Ethnic Minorities” and apparently hold special rights to the Lands they occupy and use for Ceremony/survival. The Government of Cambodia says they aim to uphold the livelihood of these Tribes, but unfortunately encroach on their Land, and take resources. :/
Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Ratinakiri and Mondulkiri (two of the most prominent Northeastern provinces occupied by Khmer Loeu Lands). It was, by far, one of my greatest trips. There is just so much within the Khmer Loeu Culture that overlaps with Native American Culture! First, I saw Long Houses just like the ones on the West Coast! I also saw Tipi Poles, which was very fascinating! I also saw Tobacco used as a Medicine in Ceremony. I saw a man Feeding The Fire with Tobacco, as well (similar to the Dene). These villages are often Matriarchal and one of the main practices is Storytelling through song. They also dance in a Circle and have special Graveyards with monuments. There was also a Federally funded program to send the Khmer Loeu to schools to assimilate them. There are just so many parallels and similarities!
I guess I just wanted to see if there were any other Khmer Loeu out there? Do you know much about the Culture or the ‘Indigenous Ethnic Minorities’ of Cambodia? Thanks!