Tribal Link Foundation Inc.

International Expert Group Meeting on Indigenous Youth 1/28-1/31/13

erinhinkle — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:00:21 +0000

UN Headquarters, New York
29-31 January 2013
Venue: Conference Room 5–North Lawn Building
The Expert Group Meeting on indigenous youth is organized following a decision by the Economic and Social Council, authorizing a three day international expert group meeting. The results of the meeting will be reported to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its twelfth session in May 2013.

Representatives from indigenous peoples’ organizations and from non-governmental organizations who are interested in attending the meeting are advised to contact Mr. Broddi Sigurdarson (sigurdarson@un.org).

Note that this meeting is a closed meeting, open only to invited experts and a small number of observers. Those observers who do not have UN grounds passes must enter the United Nations Headquarters through the visitor’s entrance on 1st. Avenue facing 45th Street. Registration will take place in the visitor’s lobby from 9:00-11:00 AM on Tuesday 29 January. Additional registration times will take place from 2:30-3:00PM on Tuesday 29 January and 9:00-10:00AM on Wednesday 30 January. Please look for a table for the Expert Group Meeting on Indigenous Youth. Registration is only open to those who have received confirmation of their pre-registration from the Secretariat.

Highlights from the 12th session of the UNPFII

erinhinkle — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 21:21:09 +0000

Last Friday May 31, the 12th Session of the UNPFII closed. Below are highlights from another extraordinary session.

Click here for statements on the opening of the session, featuring statements from Project Access Alumnus, Andrea Landry.

Click here for a video overview of highlights from the session.

From the Office of the UNPFII Secretariat, some highlights include:

Culture, education and health were at the forefront of discussions throughout the twelfth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, a panel of experts said today, stressing that those basic human rights must be woven into the post-2015 development agenda to ensure that indigenous peoples’ voices were respected around the world.

Speaking at a Headquarters press conference, Myrna Cunningham Kain, Forum member from Nicaragua, underscored: “This has been a very important year,” as the Forum had placed particular emphasis on the implementation of recommendations in those areas. While there had been “isolated” good practices of Governments respecting indigenous rights, a big gap remained between the well-being of indigenous peoples and the rest of society.

Accompanying Ms. Kain on the panel was Raja Devasish Roy, Forum member from Bangladesh, and Susann Funderud Skogvang, Associate Professor at University of Tronsø, Sami, Norway.

Giving an overview of the twelfth session, which concludes tomorrow, Ms. Kain said that, in the area of health, concerns had been raised over the sexual and reproductive rights of indigenous women, the increasing incidence of both HIV/AIDS in indigenous communities and mental health problems among indigenous youth. Further, changing food patterns meant that diabetes was on the rise in many communities.

In the area of education, she said the loss of indigenous languages was also of great concern, especially as indigenous universities lacked State support for new initiatives. The area of culture, as well, was linked with the lack of recognition for indigenous land rights and the “extractive” model of development.

In the broader area of human rights, she cited increasing violence against indigenous human rights defenders and indigenous journalists, especially those who managed small radio programmes in isolated communities. The World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, to be held in September 2014, would offer an avenue for advocating an end to such discrimination. Indigenous representatives would soon participate in the Global Indigenous Preparatory Conference in Alta, Norway, in June of this year.

“We are counting on States to use information coming out of Alta as the basis for an outcome document,” she said, urging Governments to create space for indigenous peoples’ participation. Further, that outcome would pave the way for inclusion of indigenous rights in the post-2015 development framework.

Touching on several “firsts”, Mr. Roy said the Caucus for Indigenous Peoples with Disability had participated in its first Forum session, casting light on how disabled persons’ needs were often unaddressed. Many participants also called for creating a voluntary mechanism that would handle complaints, particularly over land.

The Forum also held, for the first time, a comprehensive dialogue with five international financial institutions, he told correspondents. Those institutions included: the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation. During the ensuing discussion, delegates raised questions over the World Bank’s indigenous peoples’ policy, which was under review, and specifically, its position on free, prior and informed consent. In addition, they pressed the African Development Bank to create an indigenous peoples’ policy, perhaps using the model used by the Asian Development Bank. Generally, there had been “very encouraging” engagement with African countries that were increasingly recognizing indigenous rights.

Rounding out the panel, Ms. Skogvang said “the Arctic is hot” — both in terms of temperature and interest. The Arctic Council — an intergovernmental forum that addressed issues faced by the Arctic Governments and the indigenous peoples — recently agreed to include six new nations, including China, as observer States, as a changing climate had opened the region to more economic and political competition. Melting sea ice had opened new sea routes and had made drilling possible. Mineral resources had been found. It was no coincidence that the best-managed fish stocks in the world were found in the Arctic.

However, the area was also home to the Inuit peoples, she explained. In this changing picture, their rights to free, prior and informed consent were not being respected. Nor were their rights to marine resources. International legal standards developed over the last decade, combined with a greater focus on the environment, must, she emphasized, lead to a new orientation for international law, including the Law of the Sea.

Answering questions, Ms. Kain said indigenous journalists were targeted because they were spreading information about the lack of respect for indigenous rights, especially by the extractive industries. Small radio programmes often did not have Government authorization because they were the voice for indigenous peoples.

To queries about tourism, Ms. Kain told reporters that the Forum would soon have a recommendation on tourism. “We have a lot of knowledge that should be considered in formulating the sustainable development agenda”, she said. “We can share that knowledge”.

Mr. Roy pointed out that indigenous peoples often did not reap the economic benefits of Governments showcasing their cultures for tourism purposes. That was why they were advocating that culture be added as a “fourth pillar” of sustainable development.

Responding to an inquiry about the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord, Mr. Roy said a Forum study had been carried out in 2010, with timelines set and focal institutions identified for implementing the unimplemented provisions of the Accord. The Bangladesh Government had focused on what had been accomplished. However, indigenous peoples focused on what had not been done, including among others, demilitarization of area and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, including those from India. Although the Government had ratified almost every human rights treaty available, the problem was one of implementation. The Forum was seeking ways to assist in putting the Accord fully into practice.

To a final question, Ms. Skogvang said indigenous peoples were concerned about the Arctic’s opening to observer countries, especially to those far from the region. China had agreed to respect indigenous peoples. Still, she said, “we don’t know yet, but we are a little concerned”. There was a good legal framework between the Sámi Parliament and the Norwegian Government. Nonetheless, there were many challenges vis-à-vis the reindeer herding area, due to mineral exploitation. Generally, Governments were in a rush to find resources before property rights were identified.

Statement: Twelfth Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2013

erinhinkle — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 15:20:36 +0000

22 May 2013, New YorkMr. Chairperson,
Distinguished members of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues,
Representatives of Indigenous Peoples and Members States,

Friends and colleagues

It is a great pleasure to be able to again address the Permanent Forum and all those attending this year’s session. As always, I am grateful for this opportunity to share some of my experiences over the past year as Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, as well as to provide some information on my work that I believe is pertinent to the work of the Forum.

Activities to promote indigenous peoples’ rights in fulfillment of the mandate

Mister Chairperson,

I would like to provide updates on a number of the various activities I have carried out over the past year in fulfillment of my mandate from the Human Rights Council. In accordance with my mandate,these activities fall within four areas of work: promoting good practices, country reports, responding to cases of alleged human rights violations and thematic studies.

With respect to the promotion of good practices, I have continued to provide technical assistance to Governments in their efforts to develop laws and policies that relate to indigenous peoples. Most often, this technical assistance has dealt with the development of procedures surrounding the duty to consult with indigenous peoples about decisions that affect them, as has been the case with my recent interactions with the Governments of Chile and Peru. I am also continuing to work towards the promotion of good practices in the context of my thematic study on extractive industries, as I will discuss later in my presentation to the Forum.

Since I last presented to the Permanent Forum, I have completed and made public my report on my official visit to the United States in April and May last year. I have also conducted visits to Namibia and El Salvador; my report on Namibia is already available online and my report on El Salvador should be made public in the coming weeks. Also, in March of this year, I held a consultation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysiawith indigenous representatives from countries throughout the Asia region, and on the basis of these consultations I am currently completing my report on the situation of indigenous peoples in that region. I was very pleased with the comprehensive information that was provided by indigenous representatives during the consultation, and I am grateful for the assistance of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact for their workin hosting and organizing that event. Later this year, I will visit Panama and Peru. I also look forward to selecting dates for a visit to Canada. I look forwarding to coordinating with Governments and indigenous peoples’ representatives from these countries as I proceed to prepare the agendas for the visits. I invite indigenous representatives to submit to me information and suggestions relevant to my anticipated visits to these countries, including proposals for my agendas.

In connection with my examination of specific cases, I would like to draw attention to the Joint Communications Report of Special Procedures Mandate Holders issued periodically by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The report contains the full texts of letters that I have sent and replies received from governments concerning cases of alleged violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples. The most recent Joint Communications report of Special Procedures Mandate Holders included the communications in cases I have examined in Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Russian Federation, Suriname, United States and Venezuela.

The cases that I have addressed regarding over the past year reveal that many ongoing barriers to the full enjoyment of the rights of indigenous peoples persist throughout the world. These cases involve threats to the enjoyment of indigenous peoples’ rights to theirtraditional lands and resources, acts ofviolence against indigenous peoples and individuals, including against indigenous women and children, the forced removal of indigenous peoples for large-scale development projects, the suppression of indigenous peoples own forms of organization and self-government, and conditions of poverty and related socials ills that are perpetuated by patterns of discrimination.

The next Joint Communications Report, which will include documentation on my examination of additional cases, should be released in the coming weeks. I would like to remind indigenous representatives and others present that I they can submit to me information on cases of alleged human rights violations at any time, through email, regular mail or fax. [emphasis added FPHRC] The preferred method of submission of information is by email, which allows my staff and I to process the information most efficiently.Within the resources available to me, I do my best to act on all submissions that include complete and well-documented information, in cases that involve violations of the rights of indigenous peoples that may not be adequately addressed by domestic authorities.

With respect to my work on thematic issues, I have continued work on my study on extractive industries affecting indigenous peoples. As I have noted previously, and as made evident by numerous statements at this and previous sessions of the Forum, the issue of extractive industries is one of the most common pressing concerns of indigenous peoples worldwide, representing a range of human rights problems. My final report on this issue will be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in September. Over the past year, I have participated in several meetings to gather perspectives on the issue from indigenous peoples, Governments, and companies, including meetings in Australia, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Additionally, as part of my study, I launched an online forum to gather examples of specific extractive projects that are being carried out in or near indigenous peoples territories. I am grateful for the numerous contributions provided to me through these media from indigenous peoples, Governments, companies, and non-governmental organizations from around the world. My report this year will build onthe experiences I have examined with a view towards promoting the development of new models for extractive operations that fullyrespect and advance the rights of indigenous peoples.

Need to harmonize the myriad activities with the United Nations system that affect indigenous peoples

Mr. Chairperson,

Given that this year the Permanent Forum is engaged in a process of reviewing its work, I would like to provide a few comments of relevance to one of thecentral mandates of the Permanent Forum, which is to provide expert advice on indigenous issues to the programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations. This year, my report to the General Assembly offered comments on the need to harmonize the myriad activities within the United Nations system that affect indigenous peoples, and I today would like to reiterate some of the comments I made in that report.

As those present are aware, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 2007, calls upon the various components of the United Nations system to contribute to and promote the full realization of the rights affirmed in the Declaration. In this regard, the provisions of the Declaration also provide the principle benchmark for United Nations actions related to indigenous peoples.

In my report to the General Assembly, I provided an overview of the various processes and programmeswithin the United Nations system that are of particular relevance to indigenous peoples or about which indigenous peoples have expressed concern. These include processes and programemes related to UNESCO; the Food and Agriculture Organization; the World Intellectual Property Organization; and the World Bank Group; as well as processes carried out within the framework of United Nations treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. [emphasis added]

I note that a number of these institutions and procedures within the United Nations system have done important work to promote the rights of indigenous peoples. However, the agencies, funds, programmes and intergovernmental organizations of the United Nations should do more to develop or further pursue initiatives within their respective work areas to advance respect for the rights of indigenous peoples. I make a series of specific recommendations about how these institutions should ensure that the design and execution of their various activities and programmes are consistent with and reinforce the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In addition, in my report to the General Assembly I looked at current United Nations processes for the development of new multilateral treaties or other instruments, like those being discussed within the World Intellectual Property Organization concerning the protection of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. The provisions of these new instruments, as I emphasize in my report, should be consistent with international standards concerning the rights of indigenous peoples, both in relation to indigenous participation in these processes as well as in terms of substantive outcomes. In no instance should a new international treaty or other instrument fall below or undermine the standards set forth in the Declaration or established in other international sources.

As for existing treaties or other normative instruments, including agency guidelines and policies, these should to be interpreted and implemented in a way that is consistent with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, whether or not the specific texts of these instruments reflect language that exactly matches the terms of the Declaration. If a text is such that it cannot be applied consistently with the Declaration, it should be amended or reformed.

I hope that the Permanent Forum will continue to build upon and strengthen its important work contributing the processes within the United Nations system that affect indigenous peoples, and that my own work on this issue will be of some usefulness in this regard. I also note that the United Nations Inter-Agency Support Group on Indigenous Issues, in which the Permanent Forum plays a key role, should continue to strengthen its efforts to promote and harmonize indigenous issues within the United Nations system.

Mr. Chairman,

I would like to make special mention of the upcoming World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, which will be held in 2014 as a high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly. In December last year, I participated in a meeting in Guatemala together with members of the Permanent Forum and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,during which we discussed our roles in this event. As I have stated in the past, I see the World Conference as providing four important opportunities. First, it can contribute to the development of new measures for the direct participation of indigenous peoples in United Nations meetings; second, it can help to advance greater and more concerted efforts within the United Nations system to promote the rights of indigenous peoples; third, it can assist in promoting action at the national and local levels to secure the realization of indigenous peoples’ rights; and finally, it can be a cause for celebrating indigenous peoples and their contributions worldwide.

Mr. Chairperson,

I would like to conclude by expressing my gratitude for the opportunity to address the distinguished members of the Permanent Forum and representatives of indigenous peoples and States present today. As always, I am committed to cooperating with the Permanent Forum in the shared pursuit of promoting and securing the full enjoyment of the rights of indigenous peoples.

Thank you Mr. Chairperson, and all those present, for your kind attention.

Go to Professor Anaya’s website at http://unsr.jamesanaya.org/ and look under “documents” for copies of his reports.

Twelfth Session of the Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues, May 20-31, 2013

erinhinkle — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:48:59 +0000

The Division for Social Policy and Development of UNDESA is organizing the 12th Session of the Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues from 20 to 31 May 2013. More than 2,000 indigenous participants from all regions of the world are gathering in New York for the session – the second largest event held at UN Headquarters each year.

For the first time, the meeting is going “PaperSmart” this year. In the interest of reducing the UN’s carbon footprint, information is available in various digital formats – through an e-Portal – with print-on-demand services in meetings rooms.

Except for the opening, which will take place in the General Assembly Hall, the meeting is held in the newly renovated Trusteeship Council Chamber. However, the Capital Master Plan has presented some logistical hurdles, especially for the cultural event to be held in the evening of 21 May in the Visitors’ Lobby, where it is harder to accommodate the performers and the numerous guests expected.

With youth as one of themes in focus since last January, when the Forum convened an Expert Group Meeting on Indigenous Youth, a great number of young indigenous people are attending the session. Several indigenous persons with disabilities will also attend the meeting and raise awareness for the particular challenges they face. Indigenous women are keeping the spotlight on issues such as violations of their rights, but also on their role as leaders and actors of change.

“As every year, many crucial themes are brought before the Forum, and with the participation of Member States, UN agencies, NGOs and indigenous peoples’ organization, the Forum will also tackle some of the historic challenges coming up, such as the post-2015 development agenda and the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples,” said Chandra Roy-Henriksen, the Chief of the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Opening

The two-week session is opening today, 20 May, at 11a.m. in the General Assembly Hall, with statements by the Vice-President of the 67th Session of the General Assembly, the Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council, and the Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs, preceded by a welcome by the Chief of the Onondaga Nation, Todadaho Sid Hill.

Cultural Event

A cultural event with indigenous musicians and dancers from around the world – including Azar from Algeria, Ch’uwa Yaku from Bolivia, and Silverclouds from the United States – will take place on Tuesday evening, 21 May, starting at 6:15 p.m. in the Visitors’ Lobby.

Side Events

More than 70 side events, organized by Member States, UN entities, other intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum and other stakeholders, will highlight various aspects of indigenous issues. The full list of side events can be found here.

For more information: http://social.un.org/index/IndigenousPeoples.aspx

Tribal Link’s 2013 Indigenous Fellow featured on BBC World News

erinhinkle — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:57:10 +0000

Tribal Link is thrilled to share this BBC profile on Tuwe Huni Kuin, our 2012-2013 Indigenous Fellow! The piece is currently featured on the BBC World News homepage as well as yesterday’s episode of the Katty Kay Show on BBC World News/PBS. Our thanks to BBC for this incredible opportunity and to Tuwe for the wonderful work that he is doing in NYC on behalf of his community.

All of Tribal Link’s work is focused on linking indigenous leaders to the opportunities they say they need to work in support of their communities’ needs, issues, and visions. Our supporters make this possible. Please donate today and help us continue our work.

Tribal Link Fellow to present in UN GA Hall

erinhinkle — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:38:28 +0000

Tuwe Huni Kuin, Tribal Link’s 2012-2013 Indigenous Fellowship recipient will participate in a special program in the United Nations General Assembly Hall on February 14, 2013 United for a Culture of Peace through Interfaith Harmony to celebrate completion of the third annual World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Tuwe will present a traditional prayer in his indigenous language, Huni Kuin, as part of the programme’s “Symphony of Prayers” alongside representatives of 12-15 world religions and faith traditions. Each will recite prayers or readings. Tuwe will be the first of this group to present.

“United for a Culture of Peace Through Interfaith Harmony” is being hosted by H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić, President of the 67^th Session of the UN General Assembly, along with UNESCO and The Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, with the co-sponsorship of various countries as well as support from additional nongovernmental organizations. It will be a unique and uplifting call for peace featuring distinguished speakers, music, representatives from diverse religious traditions and a World Peace Flag Ceremony.

“United for a Culture of Peace Through Interfaith Harmony” is open to the public with advance registration, but registration has closed as Hall is filled to capacity. Information is available at www.unitedforacultureofpeace.info. There will be a security check-in at the UN Visitors Entrance for registered attendees beginning at 9:00 a.m. on February 14. A photo ID will be required for admission. The event will also be webcast live from the United Nations at http://webtv.un.org.

Tribal Link Foundation is a member of the event’s planning committee. All other supporters include:

Co-Sponsors: The Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of Iraq to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations

With the Support Of: The Permanent Mission of Libya to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of Zimbabwe to the United Nations The World Peace Prayer Society/The Goi Peace Foundation

In Cooperation With: Global Movement for the Culture of Peace NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values & Global Concerns-NY NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Spiritual Caucus at the United Nations Values Caucus at the United Nations

International Expert Group Meeting on Indigenous Youth currently in session

erinhinkle — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:44:51 +0000

The Expert Group Meeting on indigenous youth is organized following a decision by the Economic and Social Council, authorizing a three day international expert group meeting.

The focus of the 2013 meeting is Indigenous Youth: Identity, challenges and hope: Articles 14, 17, 21 and 25 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The results of the meeting will be reported to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its twelfth session in May 2013.

We are proud to announce that two of the 2012 Project Access participants have presented their issues and perspectives during this meeting: Ms. Meenakshi Munda (Munda, Philippines) and Ms. Andrea Landry (Anishaabe (Obibway) Pays Plat First Nation, Canada).

Please visit the website of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for more information.

Tuwe Huni Kuin presents at UNDP 1/29/13

erinhinkle — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:02:22 +0000

Tuesday January 29, 2013

12:30-2pm

Rio Room, 9th Floor

FF Building, 304 East 45th Street

For more information please contact Pamela Kraft (pkraft@triballink.org)

Tribal Link’s Year End Update. Please donate to help us continue our work.

erinhinkle — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 23:26:46 +0000

Dear Friends:

Tribal Link was founded on the principle that we must respond to the urgent needs of indigenous communities before that moment of urgency is lost. Twenty years later we remain deeply committed to that philosophy, which has helped shape our work with education, entrepreneurship, and capacity building for communities worldwide.

The first time I responded to indigenous peoples’ needs was in 1992. I met a group of indigenous delegates at the UN and I felt strongly that I should ask them what I could do to help them. They articulated the need for adequate documentation of Kari Oka, a convergence of 700 indigenous leaders taking place before the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that year. I put together a team of photo, video and audio professionals and traveled to Brazil to do just that. There I committed to helping the world’s indigenous peoples however I could. Since then, Tribal Link has continuously provided access to the resources indigenous communities need to take their work to the next level, regardless of region or issue.

In June, Tribal Link returned to Brazil for Rio+20, the follow up conference to the Earth Summit. There, we followed the work of the indigenous delegates to witness their contributions and concerns. It was a privilege to attend Kari Oka 2 and the Rio+20 International Conference of Indigenous Peoples on Self-Determination and Sustainable Development (ICIP), which produced declarations that clearly outlined the enormous stakes for indigenous communities concerning sustainable development. In an historic moment on June 21, hundreds of delegates marched from Kari Oca 2 to the high-level session to hand-deliver their declaration for the protection of Mother Earth.

Other Tribal Link activities in support of indigenous peoples at Rio+20 included a side event (Indigenous and Local Communities and the Private Sector), partnership with UNDP Equator Initiative’s Community Aldeia (a ten-day community dialogue space that brought together winners of their Equator Prize, and other civil society leaders), and funding Ghazali Ohorella’s participation in a panel discussion on food sovereignty entitled Standing Together for our Food Sovereignty, Traditional Cultures, and Ways of Life.

It was also at Rio+20 that we invited Tuwe Huni Kuin to be the recipient of our first Indigenous Fellowship, which aims to assist indigenous peoples from around the world in fulfilling their educational and cultural/capacity building needs by enabling them to pursue training in their field of interest with the ultimate goal of improving life in their community

Your support is essential to the continuation of our work. Contributions can be made at TribalLink.Org/Donate and are tax deductible.

Best wishes for the holidays,

Pamela Kraft, Executive Director

Tribal Link Welcomes to New York Nilson Tuwe Huni Kuin, 2012 Indigenous Fellow

erinhinkle — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 15:27:01 +0000

Tribal Link’s Indigenous Fellowship Program (IFP) aims to assist indigenous peoples from around the world in fulfilling their educational and cultural/capacity building needs by enabling them to pursue training in their field of interest with the ultimate goal of improving life in their community. The IFP is tailored to the needs of each individual, keeping his or her community in mind.

We are supporting Nilson Tuwe Huni Kui to live in New York to study English as a Second Language for a semester, as well as take classes in filmmaking and editing. Nilson arrived to New York on September 1, 2012 to begin the fellowship.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Nilson is the son of the traditional chief of the Huni Ku Kaxinawá peoples of Brazil. He is an indigenous youth leader, a spokesperson for his peoples and their issues domestically and internationally, and is also a film maker who is currently documenting an emerging issue on the border between Peru and Brazil – peoples in voluntary isolation are forced to leave their lands and are approaching the territories of the Kaxinawa peoples of the Western Amazon.

Tribal Link met Nilson in 2008 at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s 9^th Conference of the Parties in Bonn, Germany. Nilson’s dream and vision is to learn English in order to be able to speak directly for himself when carrying out the political mandate of his peoples abroad, and to improve his film-making skills as he is in a unique position to communicate effectively about this and other issues. When we met with Nilson again in Rio this Summer, we knew we must assist this dynamic young leader as he brings his community’s issues, and those of his uncontacted “neighbors” into the public consciousness.

Nilson Tuwe Huni Kui in His Own Words

My name in Portuguese is Nilson, I am from the Huni Kui people. I live in the Kaxinawá Indigenous Land of the Humaitá River, in the village São Vicente, which is located in the municipality of Tarauacá, in the state of Acre, Brazil

I have a great interest to get support to study outside of Brazil and to learn to speak English. I want to use it as a tool in my political advocacy nationally and internationally.

English will help me finish and share with the world my film about issues faced by my community and uncontacted tribes of the Amazon.

Speaking English will enable me to use quality filmmaking software to finish my film and speak to people around the world about the film’s message: the threat to my community as the result of displaced uncontacted tribes who are being pushed from their lands.

I am the son of a traditional leader, who was the first person that began the struggle for the demarcation of our land and the securing of our rights. He began to work with a plan for us to organize. Currently, I am continuing the work that he started and he is advising us.

I am President of the Association of the Indigenous Peoples of the Humaita River- ASPIRH, a filmmaker, and an indigenous agroforestry agent, working in the territorial and environmental management of our land and it’s surroundings. This involves various actions: surveillance, inspection, implementation of agroforestry systems, as well as the control of waste, management of natural resources, such as straw for covering houses, raising of native bees, repopulation of turtles, etc.

Some people say “wealth is to have a lot of money” but for us, indigenous peoples that live in the forest, this is not so. Wealth is to have an abundance of fish, game, healthy forest, and a life of quality and liberty. All this guarantees the future of the new generations, because it is not worth it for us to think just about the present, we have to think as well for the future of our children, our grandchildren, so that they too can have this diversity of natural resources and culture.

Above all I am a spokesperson and a messenger of my people, who have been working on a public policy, which focuses on collective participation to improve the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples. In addition, we work on self-determination and to have our own autonomy.

Emergent Issues in the Amazon: The Kaxinawá and Peoples in Voluntary Isolation

On the border between Brazil and Peru, in the basin region of the upper Juruá River, imbricated in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, are concentrated most of the indigenous lands of Acre and also some of the greatest biodiversity of the planet. There live indigenous peoples of different ethnic groups that compose a complex diversity of knowledge, cultures, and ways of living. However, this balance finds itself under threat. Because of deforestation and development of the Amazon, these isolated tribes from Peru are migrating across the board into Brazil. These tribes are unknowingly infringing upon the Kaxinawá territories near that boarder.

Even with the efforts of activists and organizations to respect the choice of isolation, not enough importance has been given to the delicate issue of isolated peoples: they face endangerment by infrastructure projects such as roads, hydroelectric dams, as well as the exploration of timber, petroleum and gas.

Besides the environmental impact of such projects, they force the isolated Indians to begin to migrate to regions where they feel more protected and where they could somewhat maintain their quality of life. When they approach our villages, they do so under the cover of night to steal pots, nets, axes, machetes, and other items. The only thing they do not take is rifles.

Moreover, direct contact with foreigners could cost them their lives: if met with the white man, they would be at great risk of succumbing to different types of diseases, as well as illegal actions of extermination and killings subordinate to vested economic interests.

My Film about this Issue

I am starting to work on the editing of a film about the isolated Indians that have begun to come onto the land of the Kaxinawá. Out of respect for our neighbors living in voluntary isolation, my father who fought for our demarcation did not infringe upon these lands. He respected their place there. We believed that when these tribes wanted to make contact with us they would appear and do so themselves but not under such precarious circumstances.

In partnership with the Catitu Institute, I am now undertaking this work, which is very important for my people, for my land, and to some extent for all of the Brazilian Amazon. It is essential to reveal to the outside world that there exist an Indian known as an Indian without contact, a “wild” Indian, that really only has contact with nature.

The main objective of the film is to research, record, and show the world how they live and what are the problems they are facing today. It is a full-length film and the idea is to finish it by the end of 2012. I began the project during a workshop of information and sensitization held by FUNAI, the Pro-Indian Commission (CPI-Acre) and the Association of Indigenous People of the Humaitá River.

In this workshop, a joint proposal was issued by the Federal Government, the Government of the State of Acre, CPI-Acre, FUNAI and the Association of the Indigenous People of the Humaitá to work on a unified policy to protect these isolated Indians.

Who Are the Huni Kui (Kaxinawá)

In the state of Acre, the largest indigenous population is composed of my people, the Huni Kui, also known as the Kaxinawá. We are called Huni Kui to signify true folk or people. We are distributed in 12 lands in Acre, some bordering with Peru. Although we are considered just one people, there are cultural, social, political differences among the communities, as well as in how we organize and how we live.

Today we have what is ours: demarcated land, our autonomy, and we are working in a policy to show to Brazil and the world who we are, how we live and what we are doing on planet Earth.

The Kaxinawá Indigenous Land of the Humaitá River- Hene shãwãyà, was demarcated in 1983, with an extension of 127,383 hectares, distributed in 5 villages with approximately 520 people, men, women, youth and children, composed of various social categories. It is located in the municipality of Tarauacá/Acre, up the Muru River, located on the left bank.

With the lands demarcated, with the conflicts appeased and with recognition of the indigenous identity, a strong “pro-culture” movement was born and is growing day after day among the Kaxinawá, mainly in the village of São Vicente, on the Humaitá River, in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, distant four days by boat from the Turauacá-AC municipality.

The Kaxinawá peoples’ history was marked by violent conflicts and armed expeditions that resulted in massacres, the introduction of viral diseases, slavery, exacerbation of intertribal conflicts, occupation of ancient traditional territories by northeastern rubber tappers and frontiersmen, which resulted in the dispersion of the culture and traditional knowledge.

This historical situation lasted until the end of the 70’s, when the Kaxinawá of the Jordão and Humaitá Rivers began their cooperative movements and began to fight for the regularization of their lands. It was the beginning of a new time, known as the “time of rights”, marked by the free commercialization of rubber, by the cooperative movement, by the conquest and demarcation of their lands, by the emergence of schools and indigenous school education.

The search for the strengthening of culture led to intertribal exchange, a growth of interest on the part of youth in ancestral customs, the redemption of intangible heritage. It begins, then, the reclaiming of their identity.

Join Tribal Link & Brighter Green for Maasai Girls’ Education Fundraiser! Thursday 12/6

erinhinkle — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 22:45:04 +0000

Join Tribal Link & Brighter Green for a fundraiser for the East African Girls’ Leadership Initiative! Live music and presentation by a member of the Maasai community in Kenya. Light refreshments will be served.

Donations will be received at the event on December 6th, but if you would like to donate before or cannot attend, please make your donation at triballink.org/donate.

WHAT: Fundraiser for East African Girls’ Education Leadership Intiative

WHEN: Thursday, December 6 at 6:15

WHERE: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Location will be given upon RSVP.

To RSVP: email research1@brightergreen.org

HERE’S THE STORY:

The East African Girls’ Leadership Initiative aims to develop Maasai girls’ skills, capabilities, knowledge, and confidence so that as adult women they are successful community leaders and effective advocates for indigenous peoples and the environment at the international level. This is particularly important as climate change and the effects of globalization are felt more intensely by indigenous communities around the world.

All ten girls—bright, but needy—are now working hard in their respective boarding schools in Kenya and Tanzania.

We are looking to raise $1,500 at this fundraiser, enough money to support one girl’s education, mentoring, rights and skills development workshops, and living expenses for one year. Any donation amount would be greatly appreciated.

In addition to Brighter Green, The East African Girls’ Leadership Initiative is supported by Tribal Link, PAICODEO in Tanzania, and SIMOO and the Indigenous Information Network both based in Kenya.

November is Native American Heritage Month

erinhinkle — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:58:13 +0000

A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

As the first people to live on the land we all cherish, American Indians and Alaska Natives have profoundly shaped our country’s character and our cultural heritage. Today, Native Americans are leaders in every aspect of our society — from the classroom, to the boardroom, to the battlefield. This month, we celebrate and honor the many ways American Indians and Alaska Natives have enriched our Nation, and we renew our commitment to respecting each tribe’s identity while ensuring equal opportunity to pursue the American dream.

In paying tribute to Native American achievements, we must also acknowledge the parts of our shared history that have been marred by violence and tragic mistreatment. For centuries, Native Americans faced cruelty, injustice, and broken promises. As we work together to forge a brighter future, we cannot shy away from the difficult aspects of our past. That is why, in 2009, I signed a bipartisan resolution that finally recognized the sad and painful chapters in our shared history. My Administration remains dedicated to writing a new chapter in that history by strengthening our government-to-government relationship with tribal nations while enhancing tribal sovereignty and tribal self-determination.

Because we know that the best ideas for tribal nations come from within, my Administration has continued to engage tribal leaders in developing an agenda that respects their expertise on matters affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives. In collaboration with tribal nations, we are making critical investments to improve health and education services, create jobs, and strengthen tribal economies. In July, I was proud to sign the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership (HEARTH) Act into law, which will enhance tribal control over the leasing of Indian lands. Last December, I signed an Executive Order to expand educational opportunities for Native American students. It aims to preserve Native languages, cultures, and histories while offering a competitive education that prepares young people to succeed in college and careers. And under the Tribal Law and Order Act and the Safe Indian Communities initiative, we are continuing to work with tribes to build safer communities. My Administration also supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Many longstanding Native American legal claims against the United States have been resolved, which will help accelerate the restoration of trust in our relationships with tribal nations. The settlements that came out of these claims — including the historic Cobell and Keepseagle settlements, as well as more than 50 settlements in cases alleging Federal mismanagement of tribal trust funds and resources — will put an end to decades of litigation and help drive economic development in tribal communities in the years to come.

In partnership with tribal nations, my Administration has addressed injustices and built new avenues of opportunity for American Indians and Alaska Natives. As we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, let us move forward in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual trust, confident that our challenges can be met and that our shared future is bright.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2012 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 23, 2012, as Native American Heritage Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Mayan Elders bless UNPFII offices and share message of harmony, joy, and peace

erinhinkle — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:54:26 +0000

For the first time ever, the Mayan Elders of the K’iche’ Mayoral of Santo Tomas de Chichicastenango, Guatemala (Maya-Quiche Empire), have travelled to New York to share their message with the world.

At United Nations Headquarters yesterday, the group led by Don Tomás Calvo, the highest moral authority of the Maya, delivered their ancestors’ message, calling for the end of 2012 to be the beginning of a new era of harmony, joy and peace.

“To you – representatives of the peoples who share our planet daily – I bring the voice of my people on my way towards the end of a period of time we call Oxlajuj B’aqtun and before the opening of a new era which we enter with joy and harmony,” said Don Tomás Calvo, head of the Order of the Mayan Lords.

Thousands of years ago, Mayan astronomers foresaw in 2012 a unique alignment of the cosmos which occurs only once every 64,000 years. The Maya identified this new cycle, to begin on 21 December, as a monumental transition and an opportunity to realign priorities based on the principles of love, gratitude, care and respect for both humanity and our environment.

“For the Maya, ushering in a new cycle is a huge celebration,” said Don Tomás Calvo. To spread their message, the Mayan Elders are conducting a variety of blessings, ceremonies and presentations in New York City this week and next. Among them are events – open to the public – in Central Park on Saturday, 27 October, at Sanctuary NYC on Sunday, 28 October, and at NYU’s Centre for Academic and Spiritual Life on Monday, 29 October.

Indigenous peoples’ unique relationship with the universe is at the centre of indigenous spirituality. The preservation of indigenous communities and of their cultural identity involves, therefore, the preservation of their worldviews, spirituality and belief systems. According to the Maya, all aspects of life are governed by the movement of the heavens.

As stated by the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Article 31, indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, protect, and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions. Passing this knowledge on to future generations is essential not only to preserve this invaluable knowledge, but also to preserve indigenous peoples’ cultures and identities.

The Mayan Elders, by delivering their ancestors’ message, also pass on their heritage to be shared with the world.

CBD COP-11 ends, countries agree to double resources for biodiversity protection by 2015

erinhinkle — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:36:41 +0000

The world’s governments have agreed to increase funding in support of actions to halt the rate of loss of biodiversity at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, which ended today.

Developed countries agreed to double funding to support efforts in developing states towards meeting the internationally-agreed Biodiversity Targets, and the main goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

The Saragasso Sea, the Tonga archipelago and key corals sites off the coast of Brazil are among a range of marine areas to receive special attention by governments as part of renewed efforts to sustainably manage the world’s oceans agreed in Hyderabad. Many of the areas are beyond national jurisdictions and, as such, receive little or no protection at present.

Other key decisions taken at the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 11) include new measures to factor biodiversity into environmental impact assessments linked to infrastructure and other development projects in marine and coastal areas.

Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity said: “These results, coming in a period of economic crisis, demonstrate that the world is committed to implementing the CBD. We see that governments are moving forward in implementation and seeing biodiversity as an opportunity to be realized more than a problem to be solved.”

“We now need to move forward in the next two years, under the able leadership of India, the COP 11 president, to consolidate this work and to advance further. I look forward to other pledges in support of the Hyderabad call for Biodiversity Champions that will allow us to realize our goals” he said.

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan, minister of Environment and Forests for India, and president of the COP said: “The present economic crisis should not deter us, but on the contrary encourage us to invest more towards amelioration of the natural capital for ensuring uninterrupted ecosystem services, on which all life on earth depends.”

Click here to read about outcomes from the meeting.

Action in support of Biodiversity urgently needed: CBD COP 11 opens in India.

erinhinkle — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:10:37 +0000

From UN Press Release

Hyderabad, India 8 October 2012 – Representatives from over 170 countries today began deliberations in Hyderabad, India, on the way forward to protect the planet’s biodiversity.

The eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), known as COP 11 for short, follows on the historic outcomes of the 2010 Nagoya biodiversity summit. In Nagoya, governments adopted a new Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, and two new supplementary protocols to the CBD, setting the course for halting biodiversity loss by the end of the current decade.

Mr. Ryu Matsumoto, the former Minister of the Environment of Japan, who served as COP 10 President in Nagoya, said at the opening: “While the COP10 outcomes are remarkable achievements, there will be no change unless they are implemented. At COP11, I trust that we can agree on further measures to overcome challenges that require additional efforts.”

At the meeting, the Government of India assumed the Presidency of COP 11. During their term, which runs from 2012 until 2014, the government of India will preside over the implementation of the work of the Convention, including the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

Ms Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of Environment and Forests, Government of India and COP 11 President, said that: “The present global economic crisis should not deter us, but on the contrary encourage us to invest more towards amelioration of the natural capital for ensuring uninterrupted ecosystem services, on which all life on Earth depends. Let us all be inspired by what Mahatma Gandhi said: ‘The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems’. So let us commit ourselves to what we are capable of doing.”

In his opening remarks, Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, the Executive Secretary to the Convention on Biological Diversity said: “I urge you, in Hyderabad, to mobilize the financial resources needed to enable developing countries to achieve the Aichi Targets at national level. In so doing, we will need to be creative and involve all partners.”

“We need to … adopt new approaches and mechanisms, emphasizing the leveraging of resources from existing sources through mainstreaming, incorporating sustainability criteria in government procurement, reviewing and adjusting of economic instruments, and further engaging the business sector,” adding, “We will be judged by our acts, not our words.”

Ms. Amina Mohamed, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UNEP said: “our collective experience and the new analysis through initiatives such as TEEB and others have illuminated that the costs of inaction are far higher and will rise and that the losses the world—especially the poor—are sustaining annually as a result of unsustainable management of the natural world dwarf the investments.”

“Furthermore, the private sector has a responsibility and a role to play too within the rules and regulations put in place by governments to ensure equity for all sectors of society. I would be keen to explore with the CBD Executive Secretary and his team, ever improving synergies between the inclusive Green Economy work and the TEEB work and that of the treaty, in particular at the national level” she said.

The meeting is mandated to consider, among others, the mobilization of resources in support of the Global Strategy for Biodiversity and its Aichi Targets, a report on the identification of ecologically and biologically significant areas in marine ecosystems as well as a number of other items related to the protection of biodiversity in marine ecosystems; ecosystem restoration and the relationship between biodiversity and climate change.

The meeting continues until 19 October 2012, with a high-level segment featuring the participation of ministers and heads of State that runs from 16 to 19 October 2012. —- For more information:

Website for the meeting: www.cbd.int/cop11

Documents for the meeting: www.cbd.int/cop11/doc/

Annotated agenda, with a draft timetable for the conference: www.cbd.int/doc/meetings/cop/cop- 11/official/cop-11-01-add1-rev1-en.doc

Schedule of press conferences: www.cbd.int/cop11/events/press-conferences/ Information about the CEPA fair: www.cbd.int/cepa/fair/ List of side events: www.cbd.int/cop11/side-events/?mtg=cop-11 High-level segment information: www.cbd.int/cop11/events/hls.shtml Information about the Rio Conventions Pavilion: www.cbd.int/cop11/events/pavilion.shtml Webcasts for the meeting: www.cbdcop11india.in/pf.html

Coverage by the Earth Negotiations Bulletin can be found at: www.iisd.ca/biodiv/cop11/

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, and entering into force in December 1993, the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity and the equitable sharing of the benefits derived from the use of genetic resources. With 193 Parties, the Convention has near universal participation among countries. The Convention seeks to address all threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services, including threats from climate change, through scientific assessments, the development of tools, incentives and processes, the transfer of technologies and good practices and the full and active involvement of relevant stakeholders including indigenous and local communities, youth, NGOs, women and the business community. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is a subsidiary agreement to the Convention. It seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology. To date, 163 countries plus the European Union have ratified the Cartagena Protocol. The Secretariat of the Convention and its Cartagena Protocol is located in Montreal. For more information visit: www.cbd.int.