Evo Morales, the first indigenous president of Bolivia, was sworn into office on January 22, leading what promises to be an era of major change for the region. Prior to his inauguration, Morales participated in several ancient indigenous ceremonies near Lake Titicaca, according to the Christian Science Monitor. Wearing the red robe of a sun priest, Morales received a gold, bronze, and silver baton, which are symbols of Indian leadership. The BBC reported that this ceremony took place at the request of the indigenous community. On January 23, his first full day in office, Morales dismissed the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, saying it was an insult to the country’s indigenous majority. He also swore in a cabinet composed of Indians, grassroots activists, women, and fellow socialists. According to CNN, Morales plans to convene a constitutional congress later this year in order to address indigenous demands for more power at all levels of government.
