I. Introduction: Faith and Identity Under Pressure 
Bolivia, a nation renowned for its indigenous heritage, is home to diverse spiritual traditions that predate colonial rule. Yet, despite constitutional recognition of multiculturalism and religious freedom, indigenous religious practices often face discrimination, neglect, and suppression. Political turmoil, entrenched prejudices, and economic interests have placed these traditions under threat, pushing some communities toward displacement and migration in search of respect and protection. 

II. Historical Suppression of Indigenous Beliefs 
Since the Spanish conquest, indigenous religious traditions in Bolivia have been systematically marginalised. Catholicism was imposed as the dominant faith, while native practices were demonised as pagan or heretical. Although Bolivia’s modern constitution recognises cultural diversity, the historical legacy of suppression continues to shape attitudes and policies. 

III. Catholic Dominance and Structural Inequality 
The Catholic Church maintains a privileged position in Bolivia, influencing politics, education, and public life. Indigenous spiritual traditions, by contrast, lack institutional support or recognition. This structural inequality reinforces the marginalisation of indigenous faith communities. 

IV. Discrimination in Education and Public Institutions 
Indigenous spiritual practices are often excluded from school curricula, which prioritise Catholic and Western worldviews. Public institutions frequently dismiss or trivialise indigenous beliefs, denying them equal status. This exclusion not only marginalises indigenous communities but also erodes cultural transmission across generations. 

V. Stigmatisation and Social Prejudice 
Indigenous religious practitioners frequently face ridicule and stigmatisation, particularly in urban areas. Traditional healers, shamans, and spiritual leaders are often dismissed as superstitious or fraudulent, reinforcing social prejudice and limiting their acceptance. 

VI. Threats from Extractive Industries 
Resource extraction projects, often backed by government and corporate interests, threaten sacred sites and territories central to indigenous spirituality. Mining and deforestation not only damage ecosystems but also disrupt spiritual practices tied to the land. Communities resisting these violations face harassment, violence, and displacement. 

VII. Political Exploitation of Indigenous Identity 
While Bolivian leaders often invoke indigenous identity for political legitimacy, genuine protection of indigenous religious traditions is lacking. Rhetoric celebrating multiculturalism rarely translates into concrete protections, leaving communities vulnerable to discrimination and neglect. 
Indigenous women spiritual leaders face compounded discrimination, experiencing both gender-based prejudice and religious exclusion. Their voices are often silenced in political spaces, despite their crucial roles in cultural preservation and community leadership. 

IX. Repression of Religious Mobilisation 
When indigenous communities mobilise to defend their religious rights or sacred sites, they often face repression. Security forces and authorities criminalise their protests, framing them as threats to national stability rather than legitimate demands for cultural survival. 

X. Internal Displacement and Migration 
Discrimination against indigenous religious traditions contributes to internal displacement and international migration. Communities forced from their territories or denied recognition often leave in search of societies that respect their beliefs and identities. 

XI. Diaspora Advocacy and Global Solidarity 
Bolivians in exile advocate for the recognition of indigenous religious traditions, building solidarity networks with international organisations. These efforts help amplify their struggles and pressure Bolivia to honour its constitutional commitments to religious and cultural diversity. 

XII. Conclusion: Preserving Sacred Traditions 
Indigenous religious traditions in Bolivia remain under threat from discrimination, economic exploitation, and political neglect. Until the state ensures equal protections and genuinely values indigenous spirituality, these communities will continue to face marginalisation and displacement. Migration thus becomes not only a means of survival but also an act of preserving sacred traditions and cultural identity.