Origin of the Kuna people

The Kuna Indians have lived in Panama and the San Blas islands for the last two hundred years. Their actual origins are disputed though. According to oral tradition the tribe emigrated from Colombia at the end of the 16th century, after their tribe was repeatedly attacked by Amerindians. 

They fled and settled in the Darien Mountains. Under pressure from other tribes, or possibly the Spanish conquistadors. The majority of the Kunas moved to the coast and later to the offshore islands which are the San Blas Islands. 

Kuna flag : Swastika represent the four winds

The Kuna Indians have governed their region since the 1920's. The Kuna rebelled in 1925 killing Panamanian policemen and many children of mixed blood living on the Islands. The US intervened and in 1938 the region was officially recognized by the government of Panama and autonomous rule was granted. Today the Kuna have 2 representatives in the Panamanian legislature and can also vote in general elections.