The Akha People (also referred to as Hani/Akha People), are an estimated
2.5 million persons living in Yunnan province in Southwest China,
the northern parts of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand, and eastern Burma.
They live in a central part of what is currently called the 'Mekong
Quadrangle', an area of about 500 by 600 km or 30,000 sq. km, somewhat
the size of the European Alps. The Akhas are concentrated in an area
that is crossed by several major rivers: the Mekong, the Red and Black
Rivers, and the Salween, and their many tributaries which cut steep
valleys. Of crucial contemporary significance, this border area covers
part of the territory of five modern nation-states. The total population
of this region,
including quickly growing industrial centres, is about 15-20 million.
The Akha live mostly in
the mountains interspersed with other ethnic groups, but are concentrated
in certain areas.
"Akha," according to some, means "In Between (high
upland and lowland) People".
The official number of Akha in the mountains of Thailand is now 58,000
persons (Tribal
Research Institute, 1995). Given the high number of non-registered
Akha and large scale
urbanisation, the total number of Akha in Thailand is probably closer
to 75,000 persons.
A People in Danger… A Reason for Hope
Tragically, many Akha children die from lack of medical care and from
malnutrition.
The medium life expectancy of Akha is still only 43 years. Akha women
remain remarkably
resilient in the face of a harsh life and unsure future. It is primarily
the women who work
the fields and provide sustenance for the family. Additionally, the
women maintain a treasure
of Akha culture: traditional herbal medicine and healing massage techniques.
Among the
younger Akha women, these traditions are being lost. Winnie Cain has
embraced a mission
to help the Akha women maintain their culture, traditions, and important
knowledge of
healing herbs and massage. She founded the Akha Women’s Foundation
to provide
opportunities for the Akha women and a way for visitors to study and
learn from them.
Winnie has personally trained Akha girls and women in the art of Thai
massage so they
can get work in the lowlands. She provided funds for a hostel (dubbed
“the Winnie House”)
where Akha girls can stay while they attend school. If not for the
hostel, these girls would
not have the opportunity to receive an education.
Click here to learn how you can be part of this worthwhile cause,
and enjoy the treasure
of the Akha people.
For more information about the history of the Akha people, visit http://www.hani-akha.org.
