INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE & GOVERNANCE RECOVERY

Thursday, August 9, 2012

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLESSSSS

Why Peoplesssss?

Indigenous Peoplessssss is an acknowledgement, in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that Indigenous Peoples have inherent collective rights to self-determination, sovereignty, with lands, territories and resources.

Now... an important message from CULTURAL SURVIVAL


Today is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoplessssss

August 9 was first proclaimed International Day of the World's Indigenous People by the United Nations in 1994 to promote and protect the rights of the world's Indigenous population. This day also commemorates the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make in the world. Today also marks the first time the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations met in Geneva in 1982.

The focus of this year's International Day is "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices." The theme aims to highlight the importance of Indigenous media in challenging stereotypes, forging Indigenous peoples' identities, communicating with the outside world, and influencing the social and political agenda.

5 things you can do to celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous People
People around the world are encouraged to participate in observing the day to spread the UN's message on Indigenous Peoples.

1.  Raise Awareness about Endangered Indigenous Languages.
Engage your friends and family and raise awareness about endangered languages by sending an e-postcard with a Native language audio greeting.  
2.  Make Your Voice Heard about Indigenous Peoples' Rights. 
3.  Watch a Live Webcast of the International Day Celebration at the UN Headquarters in NY. 2:30pm - 6:00pm EST. 
This special event at UN Headquarters in New York on August 9 will feature speakers and videos of Indigenous media organizations. On Twitter, use #UNIndigenousDay for regular updates and for sending questions to panel members in the days leading up to and during the event. Watch it here:

4.  Support Cultural Survival's work with Indigenous Peoples. Make a gift today. Our work is only possible because of people like you, who believe in and support our mission to partner with Indigenous Peoples to defend their lands, languages, and cultures.  




5. Spread the Word! One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is raise awareness about Indigenous Peoples. Forward, post this message on facebook, or tweet it! 

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Media Advisory: The U.N. Secretary General Statement on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples














27 July 2012
UNIC/PRESS RELEASE/093-2012

FROM THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

9 August 2012

Message of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon


In the five years since the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, communities and individuals have been taking advantage of the reach of traditional and new media to tell their story and make their voices heard.

The focus of this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices".  From community radio and television to feature films and documentaries, from video art and newspapers to the internet and social media, indigenous peoples are using these powerful tools to challenge mainstream narratives, bring human rights violations to international attention and forge global solidarity.  They are also developing their own media to reflect indigenous values and fight against myths and misconceptions. 

Indigenous voices are recounting compelling stories of how they are combating centuries of injustice and discrimination, and advocating for the resources and rights that will preserve their cultures, languages, spirituality and traditions.  They offer an alternative perspective on development models that exclude the indigenous experience.  They promote the mutual respect and intercultural understanding that is a precondition for a society without poverty and prejudice.

On this International Day, I pledge the full support of the UN system to cooperate with indigenous peoples, including their media, to promote the full implementation of the Declaration.  I also call on Member States and the mainstream media to create and maintain opportunities for indigenous peoples to articulate their perspectives, priorities and aspirations.

Let us use the media – indigenous and non-indigenous, and especially new outlets – to create bridges and establish a truly intercultural world, where diversity is celebrated; a world where different cultures not only coexist but value each other for their contributions and potential.



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