Today (August 9) is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
AFN press release
AFN National Chief Statement on International day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: UNDRIP Sets Way Forward in Respecting Indigenous Human Rights
OTTAWA, Aug. 9, 2011 /CNW/ - Today, on International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo commented on the importance of honouring and advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canada and around the world.
"Today is first and foremost about celebrating the cultures, accomplishments and contributions of Indigenous peoples around the world," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. "While we celebrate Indigenous peoples globally, we must look also to our own domestic situation and how we can ensure that the Treaties are honoured, that our languages are protected and our rights upheld, including First Nations' right to free, prior and informed consent on any activities that affect our lands, our lives and our people. The UNDRIP calls on States and Indigenous people to move forward on these key requirements in mutual respect and in partnership. We must dedicate ourselves fully to this work here and at home. "
On August 5, 2011, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, said in a statement that: 'The right to development is a human right for all, and indigenous peoples have the right to define and determine their own development. On this International Day of the World's Indigenous People, let us ensure that development for some is not to the detriment of the human rights of others. Let us work together to ensure true development for all.'
The United Nations International Day of the World's Indigenous People is recognized on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world's Indigenous population. It also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
+++++
From UNPFII - http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/news_internationalday2011.html
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
In 1994, the General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples shall be observed on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (Resolution 49/214 of 23 December). The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
The UN General Assembly had proclaimed 1993 the International Year of the World's Indigenous Peoples, and the same year, the Assembly proclaimed the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, starting on 10 December 1994 (Resolution 48/163). The goal of the First Decade was to strengthen international cooperation for solving problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the environment, development, education and health.
In 2004, the UN General Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples through Resolution 59/174. The goal of the Second Decade is to further the "strengthening of international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development, by means of action-oriented programs and specific projects, increase technical assistance, and relevant standard-setting activities".
9 August 2011 Theme: "Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future."
The 17th commemoration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples will be held on Tuesday, 9 August 2011 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event is organized by the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues DSPD/DESA, the United Nations Department of Public Information, and the NGO Committee on the Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
There will be statements delivered by the Secretary-General, the President of the 65th session of the General Assembly, The Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Chairperson of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and others.
A panel discussion entitled: “Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future" and a screening of the film “Harmony of Culture and Nature” will take place from 2:30pm to 6pm. at the ECOSOC Chamber of the North Lawn Building (NLB).
Those who wish to attend the panel discussion but do not hold UN grounds passes must confirm their participation by sending an email to: aragonm@un.org by noon of
4 August 2011 indicating your name, affiliation and contact information. After successfully registering, participants should pick up their passes at the UN Visitors' Lobby from 1:15pm until 2:30pm on 9 August. It is essential that participants bring government/state-issued photo ID when picking up their day passes.
This commemoration is an afternoon event and the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will not issue any invitation letters for participation.