Who We Are
' We are The Lmartin People '
|
Who We Are;
For generations, the Lmartin People have lived in harmony with nature, relying on indigenous knowledge systems to manage natural resources, support livelihoods, and maintain social cohesion. Our traditions, customs, language, and cultural practices have been passed down from one generation to the next, forming the foundation of our community identity. Like many indigenous communities around the world, the Lmartin People have faced challenges including environmental changes, socio-economic pressures, limited access to opportunities, and the gradual erosion of cultural practices. These challenges have highlighted the need for collective action to preserve our heritage while advancing community development.
The formation of the Lmartin People Association marked an important step toward addressing these challenges by bringing together community members, leaders, youth, women, and partners to work toward a common vision for a stronger and more sustainable future.
- Insight into the history
An insight into the history of the Lmartin people; the term Lmartin is used to represent various small groups of communities (clans) whose roots can be traced back to the Illakipiak Maasai. History indicates that during the great Masaai Wars/Feuds the Laikipia Maasai were so badly defeated and decimated the remnants scattered everywhere. Some scampered for food and safety, many were received and accepted by the communities they ended up in. Some were assimilated by the communities they ran to and lost their traditions and identity. There is clear undocumented (Orally passed from one generation to the other) history of each family from the time of the exodus.
The dominant community branded them Iltorobo /Dorobo taken from the Maa word iltorobo (“those without cattle”), is used to describe small hunter-gatherer communities of Kenya, This being a derogatory and demeaning term .The Maasai and Samburu use it to mean someone poor who is without cows.
The small clans mentioned above are:
1) Lmarmar
2) Lorukoti
3) Remoto
4) Supukia
5) Lkaitakine(Lmaasai)
Read More Here
There is need for restoration and preservation of the rapidly weakening and disappearing culture/way of life of the Lmartin people (Ltorobo) due to assimilation by the dominant communities living around them. The community through its own ways, means and support of Partners has developed strategies to explore to try and mitigate the rapid loss and dilution of the Lmartin peoples way of live i.e
– Oral sharing of the way of life are supposed to be done/carried out.
– Engagement in preservation of their distinct livelihood sources like forests and other natural ecosystems.
– Seeking capture the original/ cultural activities by trying as much as possible to pass it down from the successive generations by seeking out the few old persons who understand culture as it supposed to be.
– Attempts have also been done made to electronically capture and preserve some of the aspects of culture/way of life.
– Forums for the young people especially town dwellers and those in
Educational institutions have been organized to try and share the cultural aspects of the Lmartin people way of life and also give the youth opportunity to know one another and get encouraged to be proud of their unique cultural heritage.
– The Lmartin Community has also been exploring and implementing albeit in a small way the collection, documentation, storage, preservation and propagation of the original Lmartin people way biodiversity with the overall intention of mitigating
further distortion and erosion/disappearance of the culture. The aim is for the restoration of culture in the various segments of the Lmartin community. By so doing result in the acceptance/recognition of a proud culturally distinct and resilient community that can thrive in harmony with the dominant community.
Some of the problems facing the Lmartin Community are
– The rapidly disappearing cultural biodiversity of the Lmartin people.
– Distortion/disappearance of the Lmartin peoples culture/way of life through assimilation by the dominant community.
– The non-documentation/preservation of the Lmartin peoples way of live.
– The non-recognition of their distinct way of doing things / way of life. The elimination/toning down in the use of derogatory (Ltorobo) terms by dominant communities that suggest inferior social status/standing.
Meet the People Behind Our Impact
Behind every success story is a passionate team committed to transforming lives. Together, we work with integrity, purpose, and dedication to empower communities, foster sustainable development, and create opportunities that inspire lasting change.
Ronald Lelekoitien
Director
Justinah Lengees
Project Coordinator
Jacob Lekikunit
Community Mobilizers
Kolian Ledonyo
Community Mobilizers
Milicent Lenguris
Accountant
Our Core Values
1. Cultural Integrity
We honor, preserve, and promote the traditions, customs, language, and indigenous knowledge that define our identity.
3. Community Empowerment
We believe that sustainable development begins with empowering communities to lead and participate in decisions affecting their future.
5. Respect for Nature
We recognize the importance of protecting the environment and promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources.
2. Inclusivity
We value the participation and contributions of all members of our community, including youth, women, elders, and persons with disabilities.
4. Transparency and Accountability
We are committed to openness, responsible leadership, and the ethical management of resources and partnerships.
6. Collaboration
We work with communities, partners, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals, foster innovation, and create lasting, meaningful positive impact.
What We Do
Cultural Preservation
We work to document, preserve, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Lmartin People, ensuring that traditional knowledge and customs continue to be passed on to future generations.
Education and Capacity Building
We support educational initiatives, leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and skills training that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Community Development
We promote projects that improve livelihoods, enhance economic opportunities, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of community members.
Environmental Conservation
We advocate for sustainable natural resource management and support conservation initiatives that protect ecosystems vital to our community's way of life.
Advocacy and Indigenous Rights
We work to ensure that the voices, rights, and interests of the Lmartin People are represented and respected at local, national, and international levels.
Youth and Women Empowerment
We invest in programs that create opportunities for youth and women to become active leaders and contributors to community development.
Our Goals
> Preserve and promote the cultural identity of the Lmartin People.
> Strengthen community resilience and self-reliance.
> Improve access to education and economic opportunities.
> Advocate for the recognition and protection of indigenous rights.
> Promote environmental sustainability and conservation.
> Foster partnerships that support long-term community development.
> Empower future generations to become leaders and custodians of their heritage.
Our Goals
> Preserve and promote the cultural identity of the Lmartin People.
> Strengthen community resilience and self-reliance.
> Improve access to education and economic opportunities.
> Advocate for the recognition and protection of indigenous rights.Promote environmental sustainability and conservation.
> Foster partnerships that support long-term community development.
> Empower future generations to become leaders and custodians of their heritage.