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Argentina
The Siwok Foundation was setup to help preserve and promote cultural, artistic and social values of the indigenous peoples of Northern Argentina. One of its concerns is the health of these people who inhabit the great flat scrub forest area known as the Chaco.
The Largest group is the Wichi and ones innovative way of drawing their attention to health issues is the annual ten-mile long Wichi Marathon. First held in 2003, this is a major social event with a serious message. Every year the marathon has a special theme, focusing on one of the many health hazards. In 2006, the theme was HIV/AIDS (SIDA in Spanish) and participants wore T-shirt’s bearing the question in their native language: Ha lehanej ta SIDA? (Do you know that AIDS exists?). Adults and children alike take part and there are prizes for different age ranges. The 2006 marathon was a fun way of highlighting a new and very dangerous threat to the lives of these people.
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