June 30, 2025
This research report (Karen language) documents the historic narrative and importance of Salween Peace Park in Mutraw District from Indigenous Karen perspective that centers our intimate and spiritual relations with our sacred land, forest, water and wildlife. Therefore, this report will be instrumental to move forward in achieving the Salween Peace Park’s goals of peace and self-determination, environmental integrity, and cultural survival.
Located in Mutraw District, there are many sacred lands and historical sites in Salween Peace Park. They include vast network of beautiful rivers, mountains, valleys, waterfalls, cliffs, spiritual gravesites, caves, and others. These sacred lands and historical sites nourish us every day not just in terms of supporting our livelihoods but also spiritually. From September 2024 to March 2025, a team of researchers from the Salween Peace Park undertook community-based participatory research as a way to bring attention to these important sacred and historical sites in Salween Peace Park. Crucially, it is to defend and reclaim our territorial rights, strengthen autonomous governance systems, preserve cultural heritage, and actualize our collective self-determination rights.
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