Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

April 28, 2013

Yaqui in Sonora invite President Obama for government to government consultation

Yaqui in Sonora invite President Obama for government to government consultation


By Brenda Norrell
Censored News Breaking News Exclusive
www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

POTAM PUEBLO, Sonora, Mexico -- Yaqui in Sonora, Mexico, have invited President Obama to meet with Yaquis in a government to government meeting in the Yaqui village of Potam, during Obama’s visit to Mexico on May 2 -- 3. Urging Obama not to fail in his promises to the people, Yaqui said the meeting will focus on the Yaqui struggle to maintain their water and land rights, identity and sovereignty.

“You have stated that you respect every nation, tribe and village that seeks peace and happiness,” Yaqui said in the official invitation from the eight Yaqui communities.

“We dare to believe that your administration will not protect white collar criminals who endanger the American family and the national security of the United States,” said the formal invitation to meet with Yaqui communities in their traditional homeland in southern Sonora, south of the Arizona border.

While pointing to the corruption in Mexico, Yaqui said they are seeking support to maintain their way of life, which includes traditional farming, ranching and fishing. Yaqui said vital topics for the meeting are the breach of the Peace Treaty of 1940, corruption in the Arizona/Sonora Commission and the government of Mexico’s attempts to carry out a “coup d’etat against our indigenous sovereignty.”

The official invitation to meet with Yaquis is signed by Mario Leyva Kajeeme and dated April 26, 2013. A copy was sent to Censored News. On November 20 -- 21, Yaquis in Vicam hosted the International Forum for the Defense of Water, following Mexico’s plans to seize water from Rio Yaqui for the city of Hermosillo.

The official invitation to Obama for the May meeting said, "We hope you will not ignore our invitation. We wish that the hope and change that you have promised will someday directly benefit our true Yaqui families in Sonora and Arizona."

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