Our Strategy
CISD aims to bridge the gap between indigenous, nomadic and tribal populations and the rapidly changing societies in which they are enmeshed. Traditional lifestyles are increasingly in danger of extinction as the world continues to move in the direction of urbanization and globalization. CISD provides a variety of social development services to indigenous, nomadic and tribal peoples while working to maintain their unique cultural and linguistic identities so that individuals may live the lives they choose more easily.
CISD recognizes that the most important part of any development project is continuity and community buy-in. Rather than attempting to quickly overhaul a groups lifestyle and then disappearing, CISD approaches our projects with a commitment to understanding the needs of those we are trying to work for and focusing our efforts on providing services that clients want. Essential in this approach is a deeply held commitment to anthropological research and cultural understanding.
Our projects are organized around 12 pillars of development that we support depending on the specific requirements of the location. Education, Economic and Social Development, Women’s Issues, Agriculture, Democracy / Human Rights, Culture and Language, Health, Environment, Conflict Resolution/Prevention, Migration, Globalization and Urbanization, Self-determination. We believe that these twelve areas are the foundation for a successful society and need to be addressed comprehensively to bring about lasting change.
