http://www.aimwest.info
Posted at Censored News
AIM-WEST
celebrates 18th year of United Nations proclamation, August 9th as “International
Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples.”
The public is
invited to attend the observance of the United Nations proclaimed
“International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples” at The BRAVA Women’s
Theater, 2781 24th Street, in San Francisco, on Thursday, August 9, 2012 from 11:30
am to 6 pm.
The event,
sponsored by American Indian Movement-WEST, a community based human rights
advocacy organization promoting the rights of Indigenous peoples of the western
hemisphere, seeks U.S. implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the General Assembly in September 2007, in an
effort to educate communities and the youth about the achievements Indigenous
peoples have gained in the international arena since 1977, and the challenges
posed at the grassroots level.
Following is UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on International Day of the World’s
Indigenous Peoples, Observed 9 August:
“The world’s
Indigenous peoples—370 million in 70 countries—are the custodians of some of
the most biologicaloly diverse areas on earth.
They speak a majority of the world’s languages, and their traditional
knowledge, cultural diversity and sustainable ways of life make an invaluable
contribution to the world’s common heritage.
The adoption of
the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the
General Assembly in 2007 was a landmark in the struggle of Indigenous peoples
for justice, equal rights and development.
There have also been recent welcome steps at the national level; some
governments have apologized to Indigenous peoples for past injustices, and
others have advanced legislative and constitutional reforms.
Still,
Indigenous peoples remain some of the most marginalized populations, suffering
disproportionately from poverty and inadequate access to education. Many face discrimination and racism on a
daily basis. All to often, their
languages face strictures or are threatened with extinction, while their territories
are sacrificed for mining and deforestation.
Indigenous
peoples also tend to suffer from the low standards of health associated with
poverty, malnutrition, environmental contamination and inadequate health
care. With that in mind, this year’s
observance of the International Day focuses on the threat of HIV/AIDS. It is essential that Indigenous peoples have
access to the information and infrastructure necessary for detection, treatment
and protection.
Insufficient
progress in health, in particular, points to a persistent and profound gap in
many countries bwtween the formal recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights and
the actual situation on the ground. On
this International Day, I call on Governments and civil society to act with
urgency and determination to close this implementation gap, in full partnership
with Indigenous peoples.” (2009)
The day’s
activities will include a press conference starting at 11:15 am, to include
solidarity statements, special guest speakers, traditional dancers, drummers
and singers, and performances from Indigenous nations in solidarity with the
occasion, sharing their cultures and spiritual beliefs.
The program
begins with traditional Mexica TeoKalli dance to the four winds/directions, and
invocation from Ms. Betty Parent with reading from the Great Law of Peace. We are joined by special keynote speaker Dr.
Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz (professor-retired), followed by a *panel discussion on
“Mayan Cosmo-vision for 2012 and beyond”, moderated by Dr. Jose Cuellar (aka
DR. Loco), including Consejo de Ajq’ijab’s Don Pasquel Xayon, and *TBA.
The afternoon
includes a recent documentary screening of “Mayan Words” (Palabras Mayas) in
Spanish with English subtitles, and “Guatemala Vive!” followed by discussions
after the panel and film. The event will
focus on sacred sites with references to the UN Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples, Media and Partnerships in Action, Climate Change, and
political prisoners in the U.S. such as Leonard Peltier.
A donation of $5
is requested at the door, nobody turned away!
The press, families and youth are cordially welcomed. Door proceeds go toward The Brava Theater!
Raffle prizes, refreshments and snacks, vendors and information booths
available! Support your AIM chapters!
Informacion call
415-577-1492 www.aimwest.info, y Consejo
de Ajq’ijab de San Francisco, 415-377-1320
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