Urbanization of Traditional Groups

It is very interesting to me how various indigenous groups have changed because of urban culture. As I mentioned, I visited various indigenous communities while in Costa Rica, and was therefore able to see a variety of types of indigenous communities. Some were very urbanized, using their culture for their economy (through tourism) while others remain more secluded from urban communities and continue much of their traditional tasks.
One of the indigenous communities I visited is the Bribri. I would say that they are in the middle in terms of urbanization. It is obviously difficult in the world we live in to maintain ancient cultures when sometimes life can be made easier through using new technologies. It is also difficult when one needs to interact with other people. I feel that the Bribri do a fairly good job of maintaining their culture. They do partake in tourism, and I worry that they merely continue some of their cultural doings because they are able to receive an income from it. However, even though it may not be for a completely selfless reason, I am glad that the community is able to maintain its culture. I was able to see the traditional conical huts that they use, in which they can only speak their native language, Bribri. I was even able to partake in ritual dances with them, which was amazing. They continue to get medical advice from their shaman, who knows about many plants, and the shaman picks young children to be his students. I think this is really important even though, as I said, I feel that part of the reason the community maintains their ancient culture is for tourism.
Even though people in the world may think that the community should assimilate with urban culture, I have seen ways in which this traditional culture is helpful. For example, the women of the community have been able to take care of themselves through the traditional tasks. They have an association they have created that gives them power and a name for themselves. The association is called Acomuita (Asociación Comisión de Mujeres Indígenas de Talamanca, roughly translated as the Committee of Indigenous Women of Talamanca). They use the tradition of making cacao in order to earn an income as well as earn their independence. They are able to both benefit the community through income, as well as spread the traditional culture of the Bribri (many indigenous communities make their own cacao; I partook in the cacao ceremony at another community, where we roasted the cacao and drank it as they normally do; however, they make chocolates because that is what people will normally buy). This organic chocolate is now being sold internationally.
I think this shows the importance of traditional knowledge. The women need to know the land in order to obtain the cacao and sugar, and they use their knowledge of making cacao in order to help themselves. I thought this was really cool, especially because in many cultures, women are not able to empower themselves and create their own living. It shows that TEK can be used in various ways in order to both teach the world and help the traditional community.

The photos I have attached are of the building in which the women make the cacao and the poster that advertises the women's work. (Sorry the photos aren't very good, the humidity got to my camera)