Guest Author - Sandy Mullins

August 9, is the observance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People . It was started by the signing of resolution 49/214 on December 23, 1994 by the General Assembly of the United Nations . In 2004, we celebrated the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People. In 2004. resolution 59/174 was signed proclaiming the Second International Decade.

The 12th theme and discussions are entitled: “Indigenous Peoples: human rights, dignity and development with identity”. The U.N. will also be screening a film titled “Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations” with various cultural performances at the Dag Hammarskjold Library Auditorium on August 9.

*There are more than 370 million indigenous people in some 70 countries worldwide.

The five objectives of the Second Decade are (from the U. N. website) :
1. Promoting non-discrimination and inclusion of indigenous peoples in the design, implementation and evaluation of international, regional and national processes regarding laws, policies, resources, programmes and projects;

2. Promoting full and effective participation of indigenous peoples in decisions which directly or indirectly affect their life styles, traditional lands and territories, their cultural integrity as indigenous peoples with collective rights or any other aspect of their lives, considering the principle of free, prior and informed consent.

3. Re-defining development policies that depart from a vision of equity and that are culturally appropriate, including respect for cultural and linguistic diversity of indigenous peoples.

4. Adopting targeted policies, programmes, projects and budgets for the development of indigenous peoples, including concrete benchmarks, and particular emphasis on indigenous women, children and youth;

5. Developing strong monitoring mechanisms and enhancing accountability at the international, regional and particularly the national level, regarding the implementation of legal, policy and operational frameworks for the protection of indigenous peoples and the improvement of their lives.


Finally, let me leave you with this from Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah:
....Be as one spirit, one soul, leaves of one tree, flowers of one garden, waves of one ocean.

As difference in degree of capacity exists among human souls, as difference in capability is found, therefore, individualities will differ one from another. But in reality this is a reason for unity and not for discord and enmity. If the flowers of a garden were all of one color, the effect would be monotonous to the eye; but if the colors are variegated, it is most pleasing and wonderful. The difference in adornment of color and capacity of reflection among the flowers gives the garden its beauty and charm. Therefore, although we are of different individualities, different in ideas and of various fragrances, let us strive like flowers of the same divine garden to live together in harmony. Even though each soul has its own individual perfume and color, all are reflecting the same light, all contributing fragrance to the same breeze which blows through the garden, all continuing to grow in complete harmony and accord. Become as waves of one sea, trees of one forest, growing in the utmost love, agreement and unity...
Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 24









http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/index.html