The American Indian Law Alliance (AILA)

UN Human Rights Council's
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

August 24, 2007

Dear brothers and sisters,

        Warm Greetings from New York where the fate of the (CD), and indirectly the future of our indigenous peoples and nations, is being decided. Because The American Indian Law Alliance (AILA) is based in N.Y., we have been able to maintain a sustained lobbying effort here at UN headquarters ever since the UN Human Rights Council adopted the CD in Geneva and sent it to the G.A. in N.Y. for its own adoption. Many other indigenous colleagues, near and far, have also put in tremendous lobbying efforts here, about which you have received periodic reports. AILA continues to support the position of the global Indigenous Peoples Caucus, immediate adoption of the Declaration without change or amendment.

Because the G.A. is likely to act on the Declaration on September 13 2007, by which date we must have won over a clear majority of states to the CD text, we thought it important to share with you our view of where things now stand in N.Y., and how we might maximize the prospect that the CD will be adopted on that day, rather than be defeated or weakened.

WHERE THINGS NOW STAND.

1. This summer, H.E. Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, president of the G.A., appointed H.E. Ambassador Hilario Davide of the Philippines to facilitate a conciliation of states' positions on the CD so that it could be acted on by the G.A. by the close of this its 61st session. Happily, in his July 13 Report to the President, Ambassador Davide stated that any adjustment to the instrument must “not undermine the essence and purpose of the Declaration, but rather be a vehicle for the contextualization of the Declaration.” (Emphasis added). We understand this to mean that Ambassador Davide agrees with state and indigenous supporters of the CD that the content (substance) of the CD must be preserved but that clarifying language could be usefully negotiated between states.

2. Ambassador Davide then suggested 3 options re contextualization. While we do not know to what extent states are considering his suggestions, we set out below for your information some of his proposals (direct quotes are in italics), along with our suggested modifications (additions are bolded, and deletions [bracketed]).

        a. Ambassador Davide's Option A “chapeau” or pre-ambler paragraph: “We, the members of the General Assembly, guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, [ in particular the principles of self-determination of peoples, respect for the territorial integrity and domestic jurisdiction of States] and of the Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation Among States, and acting in good faith regarding the fulfillment of the obligations assumed by States in accordance with international law, and respecting the fact that the situation of indigenous peoples [as identified by the respective countries themselves,] varies across regions, countries and communities, do hereby declare that:”

Explanation for AILA's suggested modifications:

-- It is more appropriate to reference the whole relevant international law instrument, i.e. the 1970 Declaration on Friendly Relations, than to selectively, and thus misleadingly, highlight some of its norms.

-- A UN human rights documents need to accord with international, and not domestic, law.

-- Identification of indigenous peoples cannot be the monopoly of states but must involve indigenous peoples.

        b. Ambassador Davide's Option B proposal for article 46: “The provisions set forth in this Declaration shall be interpreted in accordance with the principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, equality, non-discrimination, good governance and good faith, and in conjunction with the resolution adopting this Declaration”.

Explanation for AILA's non-suggestion of modifications: The above, which exactly reproduces CD article 46 except for the addition of the last phrase (underlined) is acceptable IF the language of the resolution that introduces the CD in the G.A. itself is acceptable.

        c. Ambassador Davide's Option C: Combine Options A and B.

Explanation for AILA's non-suggestion of modifications: We find the proposed combination of the options, if modified as we suggest above, acceptable.

3. Currently, the positions of various groups of states regarding the CD appear as follows:

a. The African Group of States (AGS) originally asked for some 30 changes to the CD text to meet its concerns. Subsequently, the African Union's own African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, in an Advisory Opinion issued in May 2007, pointed out that the concerns were unwarranted. The AGS is now consulting with states that support the CD so as to conciliate their differences.

b. For their part, CANZ et al (Canada, Australia, New Zealand joined by Russia, Colombia, Surinam, and Guyana) asked for nine “thematic” revisions - on 9 sets of rights that CANZ et al oppose -- that would drastically reduce the rights of indigenous peoples in key areas. Fortunately, CANZ et al seem to have gained no support beyond their small circle which, moreover, appears to be losing members for a later set of proposals from this direction was signed only by Canada, New Zealand, Russia, and Colombia.

c. As for the European Union and most Latin American states, their official position remains that they want the G.A. to proclaim the CD as is but are willing to negotiate clarifying language in an accompanying resolution. The group apparently believes that good faith contextualization of the CD could meet AGS concerns, thereby permitting imminent G.A. adoption of the Declaration.

d. Asia-Pacific and Caribbean states, which split on the issue of immediate adoption of the CD in the Third Committee, probably remain divided but are likely to support adoption in the G.A. if the AGS opposition to it dissolves.

AILA'S OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. We strongly urge our admired E.U., Latin American, and other state friends to continue to focus on getting the CD adopted at this 61st session of the G.A.; and to direct “contextualization” to an accompanying resolution rather than to the CD itself.

2. However, should adjustment to the text become absolutely necessary to get the AGS on board, and provided that in return the AGS commits itself to fully support adoption of the adjusted CD in the G.A., and to oppose further amendments of it from the floor, we urge that the adjustment be done only by way of a resolution, and/or a pre-ambler paragraph and/or the final article 46, which are the same sites targeted by Ambassador Davide.

3. Finally, contextualization wording, whether in a resolution or in the CD text, must be carefully composed so that: a) all rights of IP set out in the CD are preserved; b) our right to self-determination is left in a positive balance or productive tension with other principles of international law as reflected in the 1970 Declaration on Friendly Relations, and is not conditioned or diminished in the sole and therefore discriminatory circumstance of indigenous peoples.

4. We recall that, as a caucus, we overwhelmingly and resolutely opposed in Geneva any reference to the territorial integrity of states in the Declaration after making the major compromise on this issue by way of the “AILA” amendment (now pre-ambler paragraph 17), which states that our self-determination shall be “exercised in conformity with international law”. Our traditional leaders did not let us compromise further. In the same spirit, we believe that we can support a reference in the CD text here in New York to the 1970 Declaration on Friendly Relations as a whole since that authoritatively states the prevailing balance recognized in international law between the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity. We cannot, however, accept a de-contextualized reference to territorial integrity as such which would open up a Pandora's box of dangerous and self-serving interpretations of the reference by states.

Finally, we believe that the tide in New York is flowing in our favor, which should energize us to redouble our efforts to secure a just, strong, and overdue Declaration for our peoples. We pray for the strength we need to complete our task.

http://www.ailanyc.org

http://www.ipcaucus.net

ILA: UN Human Rights Council's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Tonya Gonnella Frichner named as
the North American Representative to
the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

For Immediate Release – April 19, 2007: Tonya Gonnella Frichner (Snipe Clan, Onondaga Nation), Vice Chair of the Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development, and Founder and President of the American Indian Law Alliance, has been selected as the North American Representative of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Her three-year term will extend from January 8, 2008 until December 2010. As stated, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is an advisory body and subsidiary organ of the Economic and Social Council with a mandate to discuss Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.

Ms. Frichner is committed to the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the UN General Assembly, stating that, “This document is built on the sweat and tears of Indigenous Peoples, and when adopted, it will provide hope and optimism for meaningful change for our Peoples throughout the world.” Tonya will also continue to serve as an advocate for the rights of Indigenous women and girls.

Citizen of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, Tonya Gonnella Frichner is an attorney, educator, advocate, and recognized leader, whose excellent and dedicated work on behalf of Indigenous Peoples’ rights radiates throughout North America and beyond, into other areas of the Indigenous world. Her more than twenty years of focused work on Indigenous rights and issues, including the protection of our lands, territories, intellectual properties, human rights, and cultural survival, have at all times exemplified the unique qualities of an international advocate and diplomat of outstanding merit and distinction.

Shaped by her Onondaga people’s history and culture, and then perfected through two decades of frontline work at the United Nations and other international fora, Tonya was born and raised on her people’s traditional territories in what is known as the state of New York. Her life has been guided and defined by the rich international advocacy heritage of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, as well as by the excellent oratory and critical thinking skills she learned directly from her mother and family, and her chiefs and clan mothers whose ancestors were the first Indigenous Nation to execute a treaty with the new United States in 1776.

Indigenous Peoples Consultation forum works towards decolonization

Posted: April 02, 2007
by: Jerome Clark
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096414781

PHOENIX - Tribal, national and international leaders met at the Arizona state Capitol on March 8 as part of an Indigenous Peoples Consultation, hosted by the Legislature's Native American Caucus and organized by the Nahuacalli, Embassy of the Indigenous Peoples.

The consultation was a daylong series of events that included an overview of its goals and objectives, statements by dignitaries and guests, and the reading of the Indigenous Peoples Proclamation on the floor of the state House of Representatives. It was held to provide a forum for Arizona and Sonoran tribal leaders to discuss issues of global impact in the context of international law. High-priority subjects included self-determination, decolonization and sacred sites, as well as border crossing issues.

''The Indigenous Peoples Consultation has as its purpose an assertion of the self-determination, sovereignty and autonomy of indigenous peoples and our territories,'' said consultation co-organizer Tupac Enrique Acosta, Xicano Nahuatl and community leader. ''The event today, which took place at the state Capitol, was the implementation of a strategy by the indigenous leadership in the region to come together and assert the right of self-determination and take a stand on the declaration of indigenous peoples.''

A prepared statement read on behalf of Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., stated: ''Each of the [seven] nations has a rich culture, history, language and strong government. Today's Indigenous Peoples Consultation [...] celebrates these strengths and the need to ensure that all indigenous communities are honored and that all communities, indigenous and non, work to improve the health care and education, eliminate poverty and stop human rights violations to indigenous peoples. This week's discussions and celebration are important if we are to decolonize and be united in our advocacy for the promotion of indigenous rights and cultural preservation.''

Organizers and speakers of the consultation share the common goal of bringing justice to the indigenous peoples of the territories now known as North and South America.

Shannon Rivers, Akimel O'otham and co-organizer of the consultation, said, ''In order for us, as indigenous peoples, to have a level playing field, we have to bring our issues to the international community.

''We are literally telling the country that there are indigenous issues that need to be addressed. What we did today was a creation of a thought process of decolonization.''

The Indigenous Peoples Consultation has been developing since the Third Committee of the General Assembly in the United Nations rejected a declaration put forward by the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. For decades, indigenous leaders have been pushing for the international community to recognize their rights to self-determination and rights to their territories. The rejection of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in November 2006 was a serious loss for the millions of indigenous people worldwide and their struggle for liberation.

Wilton Littlechild, secretariat of the Permanent Forum and a presenter, spoke on the forum's humble beginnings and of the first and second Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples. ''We decided we were going to declare a decade for indigenous peoples. [...] One of the objectives of the decade was to a pass United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous people. Sadly to say, that was not met in the first decade.

''We are now in the second decade, the theme of which is 'partnership for action and dignity.' That is what I see here. ... Arizona is leading the world,'' Littlechild said after the reading of the proclamation.

The organizers and speakers are certain that indigenous peoples' participation in the international struggle is one worth fighting for, and that efforts similar to the consultation will help the movement.

Speaking on the 500 years of colonization and the contribution of the consultation in decolonization, Acosta said, ''The fact is we will never recover unless we face [colonization]. And that is what we are doing with these types of actions.

''It is to the benefit and betterment of the world for the future generations. We can't allow these things that have happened to us to be repeated.''

• Indigenous Peoples Caucus http://www.ipcaucus.net/
• United States opposes declaration on Native rights http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096414049
• The Geography of Self Determination http://www.tonatierra.org/nauacalli-022706.html
• Mandate of the Indigenous Peoples http://www.tonatierra.org/mandate.html
• www.cumbrecontinentalindigena.org
• www.tonatierra.org

Indigenous Peoples Cry, “Triumph!”
An Urban Indian's Perspective

March 10, 2007
Written by Lance Sands

The relationships achieved in the five hundred year history between the European pilgrims and the Indigenous people of this continent, now called, the Americas distinguishes little worth crying “Triumph”. The Indigenous Peoples' struggle for recognition as a part of the land-its growth-its identity remains elusive. However, The Arizona House of Representative's proclamation supports the United Nations resolutions of Human Rights Council on June 23, 2006. A new relationship offered due to the combined undaunting work of Tonatierra and the Salt River Community's vision; it develops inclusiveness and the ethical treatment of people throughout the world. It is response to an ancestral walk and the outcry for recognition and justice, which provides today's triumph.

Further, today's triumph is a step towards nations 'walking in beauty' together. I look towards the day as an urban Indian, when my identification is not my sole identity. I am a Muscogee-(lit. trans.) a human being-and-a universal citizen. The label human applies the background but is not a complete illustration of my “self”. Human dignity exists, when a person, who first meets me, says “Hello” rather than ask, “What are you?” A consideration disregarded about my person throughout my lifetime. I am left feeling recognized as a museum piece and as a human being ignored. Humanizing me takes me out of the shadows. It allows me to present my past, enlighten the present, as well as, explores my potential personal contribution towards the future of humanity. So today, I feel- for my ancestors-for myself-for the world-triumphant!

www.indigenouspeoplesday.org

Indigenous Peoples Consultation forum works towards decolonization

III Continental Summit of Indigenous Nations
and Pueblos of Abya Yala

“From resistance to power”

Declaration of Iximche'

We the children of the Indigenous Nations and Pueblos of the continent, self convened and gathered at the III Continental Summit of Indigenous Nations and Pueblos of Abya Yala realized in Iximche', Guatemala the days of Oxlajuj Aq'abal, thirteen powers of the Spirit of the Dawn (26th of March) to Kají Kej, four powers of the Spirit of the Deer (30th of March, 2007):

We hereby affirm the Declaration of Teotihuacan (Mexico, 2000), the Declaration of Kito (Ecuador, 2004) and ratify our millennial principles of complementarity, reciprocity and duality, as well as the struggle for our territories in order to preserve our Mother Nature and the autonomy and self-determination of our Indigenous Peoples. We announce the continental resurgence of the Pachacutic (the return) along with the closure of Oxlajuj Baq'tun (long count of 5,200 years) and as we approach the door of the new Baq'tun, we journey together to make of Abya Yala a “land full of life”.

We have survived centuries of colonization and now face the imposition of the policies of neo-liberalism that perpetuates the dispossession and sacking of our territories, the domination of all of social space and ways of life of the Indigenous Peoples, causing the degradation of our Mother Nature as well as poverty and migration by way of the systematic intervention in the sovereignty of our Nations by transnational companies in complicity with the government states.

In preparation to face and confront the challenges of the new times upon us, we now determine:

To commit to the process of alliance among our indigenous nations, and among our indigenous nations and the movements for social justice of the continent that would allow us to collectively confront the policies of neo-liberalism and all forms of oppression.

To make accountable the government states for the ongoing dispossession of our territories and the extinction of the indigenous peoples of the continent, due to impunity for the transnational corporations and their genocidal practices, as well as the lack of political will on the part of the United Nations in not advancing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and failure to guarantee the full respect for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To ratify the ancestral and historical rights to our territories and the common resources of Mother Nature, reaffirming the inalienable character of these rights as being non-negotiable, unquantifiable, without impediment, and unrenounceable even to the cost of our lives.

To consolidate the processes now in effect to strengthen the re-foundation of the government states and the construction of pluri-national states and pluri-cultural societies via Constituent Assemblies with direct representation of the Indigenous Pueblos and Nations.

To advance in the exercise of our right of autonomy and self determination as Indigenous Peoples, in spite of the lack of legal recognition by the government states.

To ratify our rejection of the Free Trade Agreements (FTA's) that make vulnerable the sovereignty of our Pueblos and to remain vigilant against similar intentions to implement new commercial agreements.

To reaffirm our decision to defend the nutritional sovereignty and struggle against the trans-genetic invasion, convoking all peoples of the world to join this struggle in order to guarantee our future.

To ratify the struggle for the democratization of communication and the implementation of public policies that contemplate specific applications for indigenous peoples and the promotion of inter-culturality.

To alert the indigenous peoples regarding the policies of the Inter American Development Bank, the World Bank and organizations of the like that penetrate our communities with actions of assistance and cooptation whose aim is the fragmentation of autonomous and legitimate indigenous organizations.

For the well being of the Indigenous Peoples, we now decide:

To demand of the international financial institutions and the government states the cancellation of policies that promote concessions for the extractive industries (mining, oil, forestry, natural gas and water) from our indigenous territories.

To condemn the policies of exclusion of President Bush and the government of the United States demonstrated in the act of construction of the wall along the border with Mexico while at the same time attempting to expropriate the common resources of our Mother Nature of all the peoples of Abya Yala by implementing expansionist plans and acts of war.

To condemn the intolerant attitude of the government states that do not recognize the rights of indigenous peoples, in particular those which have not ratified nor guaranteed the application of Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization.

To condemn the imposter and terrorist democracies implemented by the neoliberal governments, which results in the militarization of our indigenous territories and the criminalization of our legitimate indigenous struggle and the movements for social justice throughout Abya Yala.

In order to enact these words and realize our dreams, from resistance to power:

We constitute ourselves as the Continental Coordinator of Indigenous Pueblos and Nations of Abya Yala, creating a permanent vehicle of linkage and interchange, in order to converge our experiences and proposals, so that together we can confront the neo-liberal policies of globalization and to struggle for the definitive liberation of our indigenous Pueblos and Nations, of the mother earth, of our territories, of the waters, and entirety of our natural patrimony in order that we may all live well.

In this process we delineated the following actions:

To fortify the organizational processes and struggle of the Indigenous Peoples with the full participation of our women, children and young people.

To convene a Continental Summit of Indigenous Women of Abya Yala and a Continental Summit of the Children, Adolescents and Youth of the Indigenous Nations and Pueblos of Abya Yala.

To convoke a continental mobilization of Indigenous Peoples to save Mother Nature from the disasters caused by capitalism, manifested by global warming, to be realized on the 12th of October of 2007.

To actively engage the diplomatic mission of the Indigenous Peoples to defend and to guarantee the rights of our Indigenous Pueblos and Nations.

To endorse the candidacy for the Nobel Peace Prize of our brother Evo Morales Ayma, President of Bolivia.

To demand the decriminalization of the coca leaf.

“We have dreamt our past and we remember our future”

Iximche', Guatemala, March 30, 2007.

E-mail waqibkej@turbonett.com , convergencia.waqibkej@gmail.com
www.waqib-kej.org / , www.iiicumbreabyayala.org
Communications North:
www.tonatierra.org
chantlaca@aol.com

###

III Summit Abya Yala: Declaration of Iximche'

III Cumbre Continental de Pueblos y Nacionalidades Indígenas del Abya Yala

Declaración de Iximche’

Nosotros y nosotras, hijos e hijas de los pueblos y nacionalidades indígenas originarias del continente, autoconvocados y reunidos en la III Cumbre Continental de Pueblos y Nacionalidades Indígenas del Abya Yala realizado en Iximche’, Guatemala, los días oxlajuj Aq’abal, trece fuerzas del espíritu del amanecer, 26 al kají kej, cuatro fuerzas del espíritu del Venado, 30 de marzo del 2007:

Reafirmamos la Declaración de Teotihuacan (México, 2000) y la Declaración de Kito (Ecuador, 2004); ratificamos nuestros principios milenarios, complementariedad, reciprocidad y dualidad, y nuestra lucha por el derecho al territorio, la Madre Naturaleza, la autonomía y libre determinación de los pueblos indígenas; y anunciamos el resurgimiento continental del Pachacutik (retorno), al cierre del Oxlajuj Baq’tun, cuenta larga de 5,200 años, acercándonos a las puertas del nuevo Baq’tun encaminándonos para hacer del Abya Yala una “tierra llena de vida”.

Vivimos siglos de colonización, y hoy la imposición de políticas neoliberales, llamadas de globalización, que continúan llevando al despojo y saqueo de nuestros territorios, apoderándose de todos los espacios y medios de vida de los pueblos indígenas, causando la degradación de la Madre Naturaleza, la pobreza y migración, por la sistemática intervención en la soberanía de los pueblos por empresas transnacionales en complicidad con los gobiernos.

Nos prepararnos para recibir y afrontar los desafíos que nos demanda los nuevos tiempos, por tanto declaramos:

Afianzar el proceso de alianzas entre los pueblos indígenas, de pueblos indígenas y los movimientos sociales del continente y del mundo que permitan enfrentar las políticas neoliberales y todas las formas de opresión.

Responsabilizar a los gobiernos por el permanente despojo de los territorios y la extinción de los pueblos indígenas del continente, a partir de prácticas impunes de genocidio de las transnacionales, así como por la poca voluntad de las Naciones Unidas en viabilizar la Declaración de los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas y por no garantizar el respeto pleno de la Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos.

Ratificar nuestro derecho ancestral e histórico al territorio y a los bienes comunes de la Madre Naturaleza, y reafirmamos su carácter inalienable, imprescriptible, inembargable e irrenunciable, aún a costa de nuestras vidas.

Consolidar los procesos impulsados para fortalecer la refundación de los Estados – nación y la construcción de los Estados plurinacionales y sociedades interculturales a través de las Asambleas Constituyentes con representación directa de los pueblos y nacionalidades indígenas.

Avanzar en el ejercicio del derecho a la autonomía y libre determinación de los pueblos indígenas, aún sin el reconocimiento legal de los Estados – nación.

Ratificar el rechazo a los tratados de libre comercio (TLCs) que vulneran la soberanía de los pueblos y mantener la vigilancia ante los intentos por implementar nuevos tratados comerciales.

Reafirmar nuestra decisión de defender la soberanía alimentaría y la lucha contra los transgenicos, convocando a todos los pueblos del mundo a sumarse a esta causa para garantizar nuestro futuro.

Ratificar la lucha por la democratización de la comunicación y la implementación de políticas públicas que contemplen disposiciones especificas para los pueblos indígenas e impulso de la interculturalidad.

Alertar a los pueblos indígenas sobre las políticas del BID, Banco Mundial y entidades afines para penetrar en las comunidades con acciones asistencialistas y de cooptación que apuntan a la desarticulación de las organizaciones autónomas y legitimas.

Para el vivir bien de los pueblos indígenas, acordamos:

Exigir a las instituciones financieras internacionales y los gobiernos la cancelación de sus políticas de promoción de las concesiones (mineras, petroleras, forestales, gasiferas y de agua) de territorio indígenas para las industrias extractivas.

Condenar las políticas del presidente Bush y del gobierno de Estados Unidos expresadas en la exclusión demostrada con la construcción del muro en la frontera con México mientras por otro lado trata de apropiarse de los bienes comunes de la Madre Naturaleza de todos los pueblos del Abya Yala, implementando planes y acciones expansionistas y guerreristas.

Condenar la actitud intolerante de los gobiernos de los Estados – nación que no reconocen los derechos de los pueblos indígenas, en particular a los que no han ratificado ni garantizan la aplicación del Convenio 169 de la OIT.

Condenar las democracias impostoras y terroristas implementadas por los gobiernos neoliberales, que se traducen en la militarización de los territorios indígenas, la criminalización de las luchas indígenas y movimientos sociales en todo el Abya Yala.

Para hacer caminar la palabra y realizar los sueños, de la resistencia al poder:

Nos constituimos en la Coordinadora Continental de las Nacionalidades y Pueblos Indígenas del Abya Yala, como espacio permanente de enlace e intercambio, donde converjan experiencias y propuestas, para que juntos enfrentemos las políticas de globalización neoliberal y luchar por la liberación definitiva de nuestros pueblos hermanos, de la madre tierra, del territorio, del agua y todo el patrimonio natural para vivir bien.

En este proceso delineamos las siguientes acciones:

Fortalecer el proceso organizativo y de lucha de los pueblos indígenas con la participación de las mujeres, niños y jóvenes.

Convocar a la Cumbre Continental de Mujeres Indígenas del Abya Yala y a la Cumbre Continental de la Niñez, Adolescencia y Juventud de las Nacionalidades del Abya Yala.

Convocar a la marcha continental de los pueblos indígenas para salvar a la Madre Naturaleza de los desastres que está provocando el capitalismo, y que se manifiesta en el calentamiento global, a realizarse el 12 de octubre del 2007.

Impulsar la misión diplomática de los pueblos indígenas para defender y garantizar los derechos de los pueblos indígenas.

Respaldar la candidatura a Premio Nobel de la Paz de nuestro hermano Evo Morales Ayma, Presidente de Bolivia.

Exigir la despenalización de la hoja de coca.

“Soñamos nuestro pasado y recordamos nuestro futuro”

Iximche’, Guatemala, marzo 30 de 2007.

E-mail waqibkej@turbonett.com , convergencia.waqibkej@gmail.com
www.waqib-kej.org / , www.iiicumbreabyayala.org
 
www.tonatierra.org
chantlaca@aol.com

Indigenous Peoples Consultation
Affirms UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Phoenix, AZ - Taking bold action at a global level in assertion of the right of Self Determination of Indigenous Peoples, a legation of representatives of the Nations of Indigenous Peoples of the territory will gather at the Arizona State Capitol on Thursday March 8th from 10:30 to 12:00 noon in an unprecedented Indigenous Peoples Consultation.  Organized by the Nahuacalli, Embassy of the Indigenous Peoples in Phoenix, Arizona the event is hosted by the Native American Caucus of the Arizona State legislature, and will be attended by Mr. Wilton Littlechild representing the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.  Leadership of the federally recognized Native American tribal nations of Arizona will be in attendance as well representatives of native nations from the State of Sonora, Mexico and other regions of the continent.

The Indigenous Peoples Consultation is intended to provide a forum for UN representatives to dialogue with the Arizona-Sonora tribal nations leadership regarding the global agenda of the Indigenous Peoples within the context of international law.  Subjects of priority are the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Self-determination and Decolonization, Sacred Sites, global warming, border crossing issues, rights of the Indigenous Peoples as migratory workers, and the Doctrine of Discovery.

The event is part of a series of activities corresponding to the annual Proclamation of Nican Tlacah Ilhuitl - Indigenous Peoples Day by the City of Phoenix.  This year the Arizona House of Representatives will also issue a proclamation in support of the world's Indigenous Peoples which will be read on the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives by State Representative Albert Tom during the consultation proceedings Thursday.

Also at the consultation, the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, under the leadership of President Diane Enos will deliver to Mr. Littlechild an Indigenous Peoples Day resolution from the community affirming the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recently adopted by the UN Human Rights Council.  To quote the SRPMIC resolution:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the SRPMIC affirms throughout our tribal lands the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on June 21, 2006, as an expression of the minimum standards of recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The resolution by the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community is significant, as it represents an act of self determination in the arena of international diplomacy by a community of Indigenous Peoples, in as much as the policy of the US government has been to deny the existence of Native American constituencies from being recognized as Indigenous Peoples with the right of Self Determination.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on June 23, 2006 recognizes and establishes some basic standards and rights of the Indigenous Peoples globally, in relation to the government states of the world.

The declaration is an unprecedented set of standards that would define and protect the human rights of indigenous peoples relating to land, resources, languages, cultures, spiritual beliefs and their right to self-determination.  However, in spite of over twenty years of talks and global diplomacy the United States, Canada, Australia, Russia and New Zealand - countries with large populations of indigenous peoples who own significant land and resources, have opposed the declaration. 

UN Indigenous Peoples Consultation: Arizona State Capitol
Thursday, March 8th

February 15, 2007

Dear Relatives,

Good Greetings. We have received confirmation today from the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and directly from the offices of Mr. Wilton Littlechild in Canada that he will be in attendance at the Indigenous Peoples Consultation at the State Capitol on Thursday, March 8th from 10:30 to 12:00 noon. This event is being hosted by the Native American Caucus of the Arizona State Legislature, and being facilitated by our offices of the Nahuacalli, Embassy of the Indigenous Peoples.

As North American Regional Representative of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Mr. Littlechild will be presenting critical first hand information regarding issues such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the implications for policy at the local, state, federal and international levels throughout Indian Country and the world.

This event is one of a series of activities being organized by the Nahuacalli in conjunction with the annual Nican Tlacah Ilhuitl - Indigenous Peoples Day which is to be proclaimed by the City of Phoenix on March 12th, 2007.

The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council, with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/member_littlechild.html

Please consider this invitation to attend this historic event, RSVP is appreciated by contacting:


Tupac Enrique Acosta, Yaotachcauh
Tlahtokan Nahuacalli
TONATIERRA
chantlaca@aol.com
Cell: (602) 466-8367

Links:
Mandate of the Indigenous Peoples
http://www.tonatierra.org/mandate1214_1960.html

Indigenous Peoples Caucus
http://www.ipcaucus.net/

http://www.indigenouspeoplesday.org/

UN Indigenous Peoples Consultation: Arizona State Capitol
Thursday, March 8th

IXIMULEW, GUATEMALA
January 10, 2007

To all of the Indigenous Nations and Pueblos of Abya Yala

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Good greetings to each of you from the Organizing Committee of the III Continental Summit of Indigenous Nations and Pueblos of Abya Yala. May the Creator and Giver of Form accompany you, guiding you along the white path of illumination and clear thoughts in order to continue working towards the fulfillment and exercise of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

By way of this media, the Organizing Committee REISSUES THE CONVOCATION to our leaders, both men and women, that they may participate in this historic undertaking at which we shall strengthen our organizational relationships but above all construct the grand continental alliance among Indigenous Pueblos and Nations from the 26th to the 30th of March of 2007 in Iximulew, Guatemala. The host community of the III Continental Indigenous Summit is to be the Municipality of Tecpan, Guatemala located 87 kilometers from the capitol city.

Here now follows the principal parameters of participation for delegates attending from the different countries:

1. Participation at this summit is only for delegates of grassroots indigenous organizations with representation and legitimacy.
2. Each organization should promote preparatory discussion in relationship to the crosscutting themes of the III Summit, as well as initiate mechanisms of autonomous convening within each one of their respective countries for this purpose.
3. As of the present, delegates should be designated for participation in specific Crosscutting Themes.

Therefore we present the Themes of the III Continental Indigenous Summit of Pueblos and nations of Abya Yala:

* Land, Territory and Natural resources;
* Autonomy and Self Determination,
* Diversity, Pluri-nationality, and Integral Development,
* Indigenous Knowledge and Intellectual property,
* Multinational and Bilateral Organizations (OAS, UN, IMF, etc,)
* Identity and Cosmo-vision
* Strategic Alliances
* Indigenous Women: participation and organization
* Democracy, Nation-States and Indigenous Government
* Impact of neoliberal globalization and militarization on our territories
Sub-theme: Criminalization of the struggle of the Indigenous Peoples
* Communication and Indigenous Peoples
* Indigenous children and youth
* Juridical systems and access to justice
* Globalization and economic alternatives of the Indigenous Peoples

The participation of each and all is important in order to strengthen the organizational process of the continental Indigenous Movement and for the development of the III Continental Indigenous Summit of the Indigenous Nations and Pueblos of Abya Yala.

We ask that you refer to our webpage for official registration information for delegates to the III summit. www.waqib-kej.org

National Delegation - Steering Council
WAQIB' KEJ
Guatemala
Walking towards the Convergence, Unity, Dignity and Rights of the Pueblo Maya

E-mail waqibkej@turbonett.com / www.waqib-kej.org

INTERNATIONAL DELEGATION

CONACAMI- BOLIVIA CONAMAC- BOLIVIA
CONAIE - ECUADOR ECUARUNARI- ECUADOR
ONIC- COLOMBIA ANIPA - MEXICO
M.S.T.- BOLIVIA CONIVE - VENEZUELA
WAQIB´ KEJ- GUATEMALA CSUTCB- BOLIVIA
MAYA VISION, EE. UU
TLAHTOKAN AZTLAN, TONATIERRA - EE. UU. ARIZONA
MOVIMIENTO DE LA JUVENTUD KUNA - PANAMÁ
CCNIS - EL SALVADOR
YATAMAMIN - NICARAGUA

Secretariat of the III Continental Summit of Indigenous Nations and Pueblos of Abya Yala
2da. Avenida 12-53 zona 1 telefax. 22204847-22320672
E-mail waqibkej@turbonett.com
Webpage: www.waqib-kej.org
www.cumbrecontinentalindigena.org


COMMUNICATIONS ABYA YALA NORTH:
NAHUACALLI
C/o TONATIERRA PO BOX 24009 Phoenix AZ 85074
Tel: (602) 254-5230 Email: chantlaca@aol.com

###

IXIMULEW, GUATEMALA 10 DE ENERO 2007

A todas las Nacionalidades y Pueblos Indígenas de ABYA YALA

Estimados Hermanos y Hermanas:

Reciban cada uno de ustedes, atentos y cordiales saludos, del Comité Organizador de III Cumbre Continental de Pueblos y Nacionalidades indígenas de Abya Yala, que el creador y formador les acompañe, les guíe en los caminos blancos y les ilumine los pensamientos claros, para seguir trabajando en el cumplimiento y ejercicio de los derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas.

Por este medio el Comité organizador, REITERA LA CONVOCATORIA a los líderes y liderezas de Abya Yala, para que participen en este magno acontecimiento en el cual fortaleceremos nuestras organizaciones, pero sobre todo construiremos la gran alianza entre Pueblos y Nacionalidades Indígenas los días 26 al 30 de marzo de 2007en Iximulew, Guatemala en donde la sede será el Municipio de Tecpán Guatemala que se ubica 87 kilómetros de la Ciudad Capital.

Recordamos los principales lineamientos definidos para la participación de los delegados y delegadas de los diferentes países.

1. En esta Cumbre participarán únicamente delegados y delegadas de organizaciones indígenas de base, que tengan representatividad y legitimidad.
2. Las organizaciones en cada país deberán promover las discusiones en relación a los Ejes Temáticos de la III Cumbre, como también buscar los mecanismos para el auto convocatorio de las Organizaciones en cada uno de los Países
3. Designar desde ya a los delegados y delegados a cada uno de los Ejes Temáticos.

Así mismo recordamos que los Ejes Temáticos de los Pueblos y Nacionalidades Indígenas de ABYA YALA son:

Tierra y territorio, Recursos naturales, Autonomía y libre determinación, Diversidad, plurinacionalidad y desarrollo integral, Conocimiento y propiedad intelectual, Organismos bilaterales y multilaterales. (OEA, Naciones Unidas, OMC, etc), Identidad y cosmovisión, Estrategias de alianzas, Organización y participación política de las mujeres, Democracia, Estado-Nación y gobiernos indígenas, El impacto de la globalización neoliberal y la militarización en nuestros territorios Subtema: criminalización de las luchas de los pueblos indígenas, Comunicación y pueblos indígenas, Niñez, juventud, Sistema jurídico indígena y acceso a la justicia, Globalización y alternativas económicas de los pueblos.

La participación de todos y todas es importante para fortalecer el proceso organizativo del Movimiento Indígena y para el desarrollo de la III Cumbre Continental de los Pueblos y Nacionalidades Indígenas de ABAY YALA.

Les pedimos remitirse a la página Web para la inscripción de los delegados y delegados a la III Cumbre.

DELEGACION NACIONAL
JUNTA CARGADORA
WAQIB' KEJ

Caminando hacia la Convergencia, la Unidad, Dignidad y Derechos del Pueblo Maya
_____________________________________________________________________________
E-mail waqibkej@turbonett.com / www.waqib-kej.org

DELEGACION INTERNACIONAL

CONACAMI- BOLIVIA CONAMAC- BOLIVIA
CONAIE - ECUADOR ECUARUNARI- ECUADOR
ONIC- COLOMBIA ANIPA - MEXICO
M.S.T.- BOLIVIA CONIVE - VENEZUELA
WAQIB´ KEJ- GUATEMALA CSUTCB- BOLIVIA
MAYA VISION, EE. UU
TLAHTOKAN AZTLAN, TONATIERRA - EE. UU. ARIZONA
MOVIMIENTO DE LA JUVENTUD KUNA - PANAMÁ
CCNIS - EL SALVADOR
YATAMAMIN - NICARAGUA

www.cumbrecontinentalindigena.org

COMMUNICATIONS ABYA YALA NORTH:
NAHUACALLI
C/o TONATIERRA PO BOX 24009 Phoenix AZ 85074
Tel: (602) 254-5230 Email: chantlaca@aol.com

III Continental Indigenous Summit Abya Yala - Tecpan, Guatemala