The Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana have written to Leonardo DiCaprio asking for his help. They write: "Friends have told us that you are in a film, The Blood Diamond [out 2006], which shows how badly diamonds can hurt. We know this. When we were chased off our land, officials told us it was because of the diamond finds.
"Please help us, Sir. We know you are a famous and respected man, and that if you speak up for us many people will listen. We just want to go home, and hunt and gather and live in peace like we have always done."
A press release explains: "The Botswana government has brutally evicted the Gana and Gwi Bushmen from their land in the Central Kalahari, and De Beers diamond company is exploring for diamonds there. The Bushmen are calling for a boycott of De Beers and Botswana diamonds until they are allowed back on their land."
The Gana and Gwi Bushmen's organization First People of the Kalahari launched their own website earlier this month: http://www.iwant2gohome.org/
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