Press Release Training for Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in the United Nations Offered by Local Native Non-Profit Organization
Contact: Mary Campbell
707 825 7640
mc@7genfund.org
Training for Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in the United Nations Offered by Local Native Non-Profit Organization
Arcata, California, March 16, 2011 – The Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development (SGF) is hosting a one-day workshop titled ‘Dialogue on Leadership and Empowerment: Indigenous Voices at the United Nations.’ This one-day introductory workshop will build the knowledge base of Indigenous Peoples’ effective engagement and advocacy at the United Nations.
Representatives from over 36 different Tribal Nations are attending the training, with 110 participants registered. The workshop is designed primarily for Native American/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian/Indigenous/First Nations Peoples and those working in direct partnership and/or in ally relationships with Native community-based projects and tribal initiatives. “We are providing this opportunity for Native People to learn how best to work within the United Nations and utilize the tools that we have to better the conditions of our Native Communities,” stated Arthur Manuel, (Shuswap) North American Indigenous Peoples Caucus Co-Chair and SGF Treasurer.
The day will include learning about the basics of navigating the UN system, understanding and strategies for implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (recently supported by the United States), and participation in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Topics will also include: Self-determination, Identity, climate justice, and free, prior and informed consent. “The workshop empowers people who are new to International Fora, as well as deepens the understanding of those who have been involved in this work over time,” said Tia Oros Peters (Zuni) Executive Director of SGF. “The Seventh Generation Fund is hosting this training, in partnership with the Humboldt State University Indian Natural Resource, Science & Engineering Program, one day prior to the North American Indigenous Peoples Caucus that we are hosting in Blue Lake, where nearly 200 Indigenous Peoples representatives are expected to meet to outline this year’s priorities and strategies for the North American Caucus’ work at the United Nations.”
The day will culminate in a “Listening Session” with Grand Chief Edward John (Tl’azt’en Nation) the North American Regional Representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for 2011-2013. Time will be set aside for Native communities to share the issues impacting their peoples, cultures, homelands, ecosystems, sovereignty, with Chief Edward John as he begins his three year term at the United Nations.
About the Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development
The Seventh Generation Fund is an Indigenous led non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining the uniqueness of Native peoples throughout the Americas.
Founded in 1977 the organization was created to respond to the needs of grassroots Indigenous communities and initiatives engaged in cultural revitalization, leadership development, tribal sovereignty, and culturally appropriate economic development strategies. Since that time, the Seventh Generation Fund grew and evolved into the foremost Indigenous non-profit/social-profit organization in the United States, whose work spans the Western Hemisphere.
Contact: Mary Campbell 707 362 6548, mc@7genfund.org – www.7genfund.org
SOURCE: Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development.
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