32 12 1190 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/d6f386fc6c5c888cd09df56cc46c8388.pdf 7124a6967ac1ebc6aa2a8793e388bff9 PDF Text Text JAMAICA According to the official written history of Jamaica, the indigenous people of the land, the Arawaks, were exterminated by the Spanish prior to the British takeover of Jamaica in 1655. However, the Jamaican Maroons, free blacks who waged guerrilla war against the British, claim otherwise. Roy Nigerian Harris, leader of the Young Maroons of Jamaica, states, "Most of them died, but the remainder were living in the Maroons communities with the Spaniards who flew to the hills. Three groups of people, the Maroons, the Spaniards, and the Arawaks defended the island against the English. But because the English promised the Maroons peace, they stopped fighting. The Spaniards flew because they could not fight without the Maroons. The Arawaks lived with the Maroons all the time. They cross-bred with the Maroons but the African blood stands out." ·Today, there are four major Maroons communities in Jamaica, born of treaties completed with the British in 1739. The treaties recognized Maroon freedom, their right to the land, and Maroon self-government. Accompong is one of the original villages located in the rugged western Cockpit Country; and Moore Town, Charles Town and Scotts Hall were originally settled by the Windward Maroons. Only Accompong and Moore Town, however, maintain a way of life based on the original treaties, such as communal land tenure, exemption from government taxation, and governing Maroon councils headed by elected officers. Still, Maroons throughout Jamaica rely on traditional medicine and practice a clearly distinct tradition of music and dance, which contain African and Arawak influences. Despite their proud history of freedom and resistance, the Maroons are a forgotten people in Jamaica. According to Nigerian, "Government does not share whatever happens in Jamaica with the Maroons. Musicians sing, but not about the Maroons. They teach, but not about the Maroons. The Maroons have no hospitals. We have the highest malnutrition rate in the country. We have serious cases of gastroenteritis. We cannot transport our sick for we have no roads. We can't afford meals. We are starving. There is no community activity for the youths. The children are harshly brought up with the whip and harsh words because of the pressure that have burdened the people. It is discouraging." Continual attempts are made to rob the Maroons of their Accompong CharlesTown~~~ • Scotts Hall" 'if ;:::;:; commonly-held lands through private purchases, and to § undermine their independence by withholding public services, the same techniques that have been used to eradicate indigenous land tenure and indiCUBA genous peoples around the world. ~CARIBBEAN SEA Still, Nigerian says, HAJTI DOMINICAN~ ~ -......,...,.> RE~LIC,..----.. "Sometimes we cannot blame strangers for all the bad things that befall us-we must also JAM>JC~&'~ Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © i 1986 Page 6 �blame ourselves and our own Maroons leaders. We would like to collaborate with everyone and make this world a better place, but first we have to help ourselves by getting rid of the rifts in our communities." To begin this process, the Maroons have formed a new federation to create a stronger representation and voice for the people. Nigerian concludes, "We have a legacy here in Jamaica that we can afford to extend to all the peoples of the Caribbean, and this legacy lies within the realm of the Maroons. It is in the history of the people and their will and determination to fight against evil and overwhelming powers. Our history, if told correctly, can be of benefit in many ways. It would surprise many." - Randi Kristensen SAIIC has also received a letter from Roy Nigerian Harris with the following comments: "I am the vice-president of the newly form Maroons Federation of Jamaica. We would like to Federate with you as we share the same problems. We could open a communication connection and rise everyone to the occasion. I myself have been much concerned about the Indians of the Americas. Let us join hands for the Federation of Man. For more information regarding the situation of the Maroons, the new Federation, or the Maroons Cultural Centre, contact Roy Nigerian Harris, 12 Harbor Street, Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica, W.I., or Randi Kristensen, 1727 Delaware Street, Berkeley, CA 94703. GUATEMALA The government's assault on guerrilla groups in rural areas of Guatemala has involved the destruction of many Indian villages and the deaths of many Indian people. Others have fled across the border to Mexico to protect their lives. Nilo Cayuqueo recently asked Domingo Lopez of the Indian Movement of Guatemala, who is among the refugess in Mexico, about the situation in the refugee camps: "It is a very difficult situation, but we have to recognize that the very fact that we are now in Mexico is a gesture of support by the Mexican government. Otherwise, we know that there would be no other place for us to be. Actually, even though there are many limitations, we know that the refugees are struggling to survive in all aspects of life. We are trying to Guatemala News and Information Bureau, 1982. survive, and we have the hope that we might some day return to our country, but that will only be when we know there are genuine changes." Jeronimo Camposeco of the Corn Maya project in Florida comments on what can be done to assist Guatemalan refugees in the United States: "One important step is working to build a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood on the . part of Indians in the United States toward Guatemalan refugees now living here." Another Guatemalan Indian voice is that of Pedro Ixcoy: "We continue our traditional religious practice, even though we are persecuted and killed for it. It is seen by the government as very subversive. There can be a unity of understanding among Indians of all the Americas from our knowledge of the religious basis of life." The newly-elected civilian government in Guatemala brings hope for change. SAIIC strongly supports a move toward peace and social justice. Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAHC. © 1986. Page 7 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Jamaica Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 1986 Zotero Title Jamaica Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 2 (6-7).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Language English Issue 2 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 Date Winter 1986 Pages 6-7 Abstract Note According to the official written history of Jamaica, the indigenous people of the land, the Arawaks, were exterminated by the Spanish prior to the British takeover of Jamaica in 1655. Charles Town Jamaica Maroons Moore Town Scotts Hall Spanish http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/02c7c860b0d352982c511cce373994eb.pdf 967cd31c47fbf5826961ca8024d2684d PDF Text Text COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS AT THE SANTA FE CONGRESS Grace Smallwood, National Federation of Land Councils, Australia: "I've come to the Congress to get the aboriginal point across. There is very little understanding of the oppression my people have suffered for 200 years. Even though most of the delegates at the Congress do not speak English, there have been translators, so people identify with the need for solidarity, particularly when I tell people about the appalling statistics in our country. We are 2% of the population and we have an infant mortality rate that is four times greater than the non-aboriginal Australians. Forty per cent of people in prisons today are aboriginal Australians. The latest statistics show that aboriginal unemployment is four to five times greater than the non-aboriginal people. We only received citizenship in 1967. "I believe that all indigenous people who have been colonized are now showing solidarity. Every indigenous person at the Congress who has spoken to me, we are all dealing with the same problems, so we are now showing solidarity. It's bound to get better, since the situation we face couldn't get any worse." Jesus Avirama, President of the Regional Indian Council of Cauca, Colombia: "Within the past two years there has been a dramatic increase in guerrilla activity in our country, especially in the Cauca region. At the same time, the government military forces enter the area and respond with violence, but not necessarily toward the guerrilla forces, who usually flee the area. It is the Indian community that suffers. Currently there are a number of Indian communities that have been leveled by the military forces. Bombs are used indiscriminately in village areas. We are very concerned and we are asking international human rights organizations to intervene to stop the destruction and bombing. There are also many deaths as a result of actions by paramilitary troops. In the Cauca there are paramilitary groups called the Pajaros who are specially trained to kill community leaders. "For us now, the gravest problems are the militarization, the loss of land, and our lack of civil rights." Jose Maria Cabascanga, National Council of Indian Organizations and Communities of Ecuador: "Indian people represent 60 per cent of the population or about 5 million people. One of the major problems that we face is that the government has become increasingly sympathetic to multinational interests such as United Fruit, which has created many problems for Indian people. The government is moving increasingly to a capitalistic right which favors multinational business and large landowners rather than the interests of the Indian people." Jose Maria Cabascanga Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC. © 1986. Page 5 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Comments from Participants at the Santa Fe Congress (Ninth Congress of the Inter-American Indian Institute) Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 1986 Zotero Title Comments from Participants at the Santa Fe Congress (Ninth Congress of the Inter-American Indian Institute) Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 2 (5).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Language English Issue 2 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 Date Winter 1986 Pages 5 Abstract Note COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS AT THE SANTA FE CONGRESS. Grace Smallwood, National Federation of Land Councils, Australia Australia Grace Smallwood National Federation of Land Councils SANTA FE CONGRESS http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/5870195750f94205a8b17e6a3bba2202.pdf 2d504fd46af4fcce90e90d3ae7ab88b4 PDF Text Text NINTH CONGRESS OF THE INTER-AMERICAN INDIAN INSTITUTE Santa Fe, New Mexico, October 28-November 2, 1985 The Inter-American Indian Institute was founded in Patzcuaro, Mexico, in 1940 and now functions under the auspices of the Organization of American States. The Institute convenes a congress every four years to discuss Indian· issues; the Ninth Congress was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from October 28 to November 2. In addition to the governmentappointed delegations which attended the Congress, there were many representatives of Indian organizations and organizations with interests in indigenous rights, community development, and the environment. SAIIC sent four representatives. One very important aspect of the Congress was that it demonstrated how strongly Indian people in North, Central, and South America desire to establish ongoing communication with one another and to gain a deeper understanding of the connections among all indigenous people of the Americas. Events during the Congress also made clear the relationship between resources sought by national governments and multinational interests and Indian control of the land where these resources are often located. Indian people from South and Central America at the Congress expressed their concern about their land and water, the issues of sovereignty and exploitation, forced relocation, and the genocide of their people. Particularly strong statements from community representatives from Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, among others, sounded like a loud chorus repeating what we have heard from Indians in the United States. The complex issues addressed at the Congress regarding Big Mountain were parallel in many respects to the problems discussed by those attending from Central and South America. During the Congress, some of the complexities of the Nicaraguan situation were also aired as the Sandinistas, Miskitus, Sumus, and Ramas try to work out an accommodation in the face of intervention by the United States. The issue of Indian refugees from Guatemala and other Central American countries was addressed at the Congress, both in official sessions and informally. Many of the problems these refugees face every day are only too familiar to Indians in the United States: daily survival in terms of food, housing, and medical care, and the maintenance of cultural integrity and continuity. Among Guatemalans there was a strong expression of the need to preserve the spiritual foundation both in Guatemala and at refugee centers. While not addressed directly, the relationship between Indians and industrial technology came up again and again: How might technology be Victoria Bombarry (left), Muskogee Creek and editor a/Native Self Sufficiency, and Rosa Isolde Reuque, of the Mapuche Community Organization from Chile, speaking together in Santa Fe. Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC. © 1986. Page 2 �Tarcisio Kuja (center), representing CONACNIE from Ecuador, speaking at a meeting in Santa Fe. Seated at the table on Tarcisio's left: Jorge Valiente, Kalla from Argentina. On Jorge's left: Nicanor Atirillo, of the Association of Indian Parties from Paraguay. At the opposite end of the table (in white hat): Adrian Aquino, of the National Association of Salvardorian Indians. Between Tarcisio and Jorge in the row behind them: Armando Rojas, Miskitu from Nicaragua. used as a tool by Indians rather than as a weapon against them? For example, there were those at the Congress who spoke of the resurgence of the use of native non-hybrid seeds. Communication among Indians was a major issue. Many spoke of community-based radio programs and the possibility of exchanging taped shows. People passed out newsletters and other literature from their organizations. Indian writers and journalists made contact at the Congress. There was talk of the use of video in communities. How can this be facilitated; where are resources to be found; and can an exchange network be developed? Also Indian people spoke of using computers. Indian Forum In the past, congresses of the Inter-American Indian Institute have emphasized participation by government representatives of the member nation states, with minimal attention to the involvement of Indian people. At the Ninth Congress, representatives of indigenous organizations in the Americas as well as Australia and India were present in substantial numbers for the first time. As non-delegates holding observer status, indigenous participants decided to hold parallel sessions that were called the Indian Forum. South and Central American Indians involved in the Indian Forum included representatives from the National Indian Organization of Colombia (ONIC), the Regional Indian Council of Cauca (CRIC) from Colombia, the South American Indian Council (CISA), the Inter-Ethnic Development Association of the Peruvian Jungle (AIDESEP), the Kolla Center from Argentina, the Mapuche Community Organization from Chile, the Union of Indian Nations (UNI) from Brazil, the Association of Indian Campesinos of Eastern Bolivia, the National Indian Confederation of Ecuador (CONACNIE), the Confederation of Indian Nations in the Ecuadorian Amazon (CONFENIAE), the Shuar Federation from Ecuador, the Movement of Indian Refugees in Mexico, Corn Maya from Guatemala, MISURASAT A and Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC. © 1986. Page 3 �Nilo Cayuqueo (left) interviewing Biraci Brasil, Yawanawd from Acre, Brazil, who represented the Union of Indian Nations at the Santa Fe meeting. other Miskitu delegates from Nicaragua, the Guaymi Congress from Panama, and the , Zapotec/Chinantec Assembly from Mexico. Representatives from organizations in the United States included those from the American Indian Youth Council, the International Indian Treaty Council, the Iroquois Confederation, Navajos from Big Mountain, Pueblo representatives, the Seventh Generation Fund, the Congress of American Indians, the Indigenous Peoples' Network, the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, the Committee for Hawaiian Sovereignty, and many more. From Canada there were representatives from the World Council of Indigenous People and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Assembly of First Nations. The National Federation of Land Councils from Australia was also represented. The final declaration of the Indian Forum states: "Given that the Inter-American Indian Institute has always made decisions about Indian people without consulting authentic Indian organizations, the Indian Forum proposes that all decisions should be made in close consultation with the representative Indian organizations and that at the same time a human rights section be formed with the participation of representatives of Indian organizations." These proposals were not recognized by the official Congress. The statement by the Indian forum also included a strong denouncement of the oppression suffered by many indigenous people. Ample cases were cited from each country to demonstrate that multinational corporations and large landholders continue to exploit Indian lands and people and that such exploitation involves the complicity of national governments that oppress Indian people. Through the pressure of Indian representatives, a proposal by a representative from Spain (who participated in the Congress as a "special guest") which suggested a 1992 celebration of the arrival of the Spanish to be called "Meeting of Two Worlds" was tabled. The next Congress is to be held in 1988 in Argentina. SAIIC looks forward to the active -Nilo Cayuqueo participation of many Indian delegates. -Susan Lobo Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC. © 1986. Page 4 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Ninth Congress of the Inter-American Indian Institute Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 1986 Zotero Title Ninth Congress of the Inter-American Indian Institute Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 2 (2-4).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Language English Issue 2 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 Date Winter 1986 Pages 2-4 Abstract Note The Inter-American Indian Institute was founded in Patzcuaro, Mexico, in 1940 and now functions under the auspices of the Organization of American States. Inter-American Indian Institute Mexico Patzcuaro http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/14308ec6844d827905f9a57f9c5b91ed.pdf fe0c4a1aeaea47693d1ce9aa24f7f160 PDF Text Text sAlle NEWSLETTER Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7550, BerkeleY, CA 94707 USA Office: 523 E. 14th St., Oakland, California Dear Sisters and Brothers, We appreciate very much the support and interest given to the SAIIC newsletter during the past year. Your comments and suggestions have been helpful. We also welcome those who are reading the newsletter for the first time and urge you to subscribe. We need your economic support in order to continue bringing you information about the millions of Indians who, along with other oppressed groups, struggle to change their futures. The acronym SAIIC stands for the South American Indian Information Center, but in fact we have always included information about indigenous peoples' issues in Central America and Mexico as well as Australia, the Pacific, and North America. At the suggestion of readers, we have changed our name (but not the acronym) to the South and Central American Indian Information Center. We want the information from our newsletter to reach as many people as possible. Feel free to quote us. We appreciate reference to SAIIC whenever you publish information you find here. 1985 has been a year marked by many accomplishments by Indian communities. The participation of indigenous organizations in the United Nations has been strengthened through a number of international and regional gatherings, and the negotiations for peace between the Nicaraguan government and the Miskitus have given hope for the future. On the other hand, there have been numerous negative events, such as the continuing massacres and oppression of all types against Indian people and others who suffer from poverty, especially in Guatemala, El Salvador, Peru, Colombia, and Chile. However, there is no doubt that Indian people continue to walk forward along the road to liberation, for which international solidarity and support is necessary. Warm greetings and wishes for a good year in 1986. In solidarity, Nilo Cayuqueo and the SAIIC Committee Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 1 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cover (Thank You to Subscribers and Donors and Statement of Mission) Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 1986 Zotero Title Cover (Thank You to Subscribers and Donors and Statement of Mission) Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 2 (1).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Language English Issue 2 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 Date Winter 1986 Pages 1 Abstract Note Cover and letter of appreciation of subscribers cover SAIIC Newsletter Winter 1986 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/c10a7da28bd42852214f4e16475b6d15.pdf 483622de340dbd64f3afbf8f5d3b68de PDF Text Text sAlle NEWSLETTER Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7550, BerkeleY, CA 94707 USA Office: 523 E. 14th St., Oakland, California Dear Sisters and Brothers, We appreciate very much the support and interest given to the SAIIC newsletter during the past year. Your comments and suggestions have been helpful. We also welcome those who are reading the newsletter for the first time and urge you to subscribe. We need your economic support in order to continue bringing you information about the millions of Indians who, along with other oppressed groups, struggle to change their futures. The acronym SAIIC stands for the South American Indian Information Center, but in fact we have always included information about indigenous peoples' issues in Central America and Mexico as well as Australia, the Pacific, and North America. At the suggestion of readers, we have changed our name (but not the acronym) to the South and Central American Indian Information Center. We want the information from our newsletter to reach as many people as possible. Feel free to quote us. We appreciate reference to SAIIC whenever you publish information you find here. 1985 has been a year marked by many accomplishments by Indian communities. The participation of indigenous organizations in the United Nations has been strengthened through a number of international and regional gatherings, and the negotiations for peace between the Nicaraguan government and the Miskitus have given hope for the future. On the other hand, there have been numerous negative events, such as the continuing massacres and oppression of all types against Indian people and others who suffer from poverty, especially in Guatemala, El Salvador, Peru, Colombia, and Chile. However, there is no doubt that Indian people continue to walk forward along the road to liberation, for which international solidarity and support is necessary. Warm greetings and wishes for a good year in 1986. In solidarity, Nilo Cayuqueo and the SAIIC Committee Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 1 �NINTH CONGRESS OF THE INTER-AMERICAN INDIAN INSTITUTE Santa Fe, New Mexico, October 28-November 2, 1985 The Inter-American Indian Institute was founded in Patzcuaro, Mexico, in 1940 and now functions under the auspices of the Organization of American States. The Institute convenes a congress every four years to discuss Indian· issues; the Ninth Congress was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from October 28 to November 2. In addition to the governmentappointed delegations which attended the Congress, there were many representatives of Indian organizations and organizations with interests in indigenous rights, community development, and the environment. SAIIC sent four representatives. One very important aspect of the Congress was that it demonstrated how strongly Indian people in North, Central, and South America desire to establish ongoing communication with one another and to gain a deeper understanding of the connections among all indigenous people of the Americas. Events during the Congress also made clear the relationship between resources sought by national governments and multinational interests and Indian control of the land where these resources are often located. Indian people from South and Central America at the Congress expressed their concern about their land and water, the issues of sovereignty and exploitation, forced relocation, and the genocide of their people. Particularly strong statements from community representatives from Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, among others, sounded like a loud chorus repeating what we have heard from Indians in the United States. The complex issues addressed at the Congress regarding Big Mountain were parallel in many respects to the problems discussed by those attending from Central and South America. During the Congress, some of the complexities of the Nicaraguan situation were also aired as the Sandinistas, Miskitus, Sumus, and Ramas try to work out an accommodation in the face of intervention by the United States. The issue of Indian refugees from Guatemala and other Central American countries was addressed at the Congress, both in official sessions and informally. Many of the problems these refugees face every day are only too familiar to Indians in the United States: daily survival in terms of food, housing, and medical care, and the maintenance of cultural integrity and continuity. Among Guatemalans there was a strong expression of the need to preserve the spiritual foundation both in Guatemala and at refugee centers. While not addressed directly, the relationship between Indians and industrial technology came up again and again: How might technology be Victoria Bombarry (left), Muskogee Creek and editor a/Native Self Sufficiency, and Rosa Isolde Reuque, of the Mapuche Community Organization from Chile, speaking together in Santa Fe. Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC. © 1986. Page 2 �Tarcisio Kuja (center), representing CONACNIE from Ecuador, speaking at a meeting in Santa Fe. Seated at the table on Tarcisio's left: Jorge Valiente, Kalla from Argentina. On Jorge's left: Nicanor Atirillo, of the Association of Indian Parties from Paraguay. At the opposite end of the table (in white hat): Adrian Aquino, of the National Association of Salvardorian Indians. Between Tarcisio and Jorge in the row behind them: Armando Rojas, Miskitu from Nicaragua. used as a tool by Indians rather than as a weapon against them? For example, there were those at the Congress who spoke of the resurgence of the use of native non-hybrid seeds. Communication among Indians was a major issue. Many spoke of community-based radio programs and the possibility of exchanging taped shows. People passed out newsletters and other literature from their organizations. Indian writers and journalists made contact at the Congress. There was talk of the use of video in communities. How can this be facilitated; where are resources to be found; and can an exchange network be developed? Also Indian people spoke of using computers. Indian Forum In the past, congresses of the Inter-American Indian Institute have emphasized participation by government representatives of the member nation states, with minimal attention to the involvement of Indian people. At the Ninth Congress, representatives of indigenous organizations in the Americas as well as Australia and India were present in substantial numbers for the first time. As non-delegates holding observer status, indigenous participants decided to hold parallel sessions that were called the Indian Forum. South and Central American Indians involved in the Indian Forum included representatives from the National Indian Organization of Colombia (ONIC), the Regional Indian Council of Cauca (CRIC) from Colombia, the South American Indian Council (CISA), the Inter-Ethnic Development Association of the Peruvian Jungle (AIDESEP), the Kolla Center from Argentina, the Mapuche Community Organization from Chile, the Union of Indian Nations (UNI) from Brazil, the Association of Indian Campesinos of Eastern Bolivia, the National Indian Confederation of Ecuador (CONACNIE), the Confederation of Indian Nations in the Ecuadorian Amazon (CONFENIAE), the Shuar Federation from Ecuador, the Movement of Indian Refugees in Mexico, Corn Maya from Guatemala, MISURASAT A and Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC. © 1986. Page 3 �Nilo Cayuqueo (left) interviewing Biraci Brasil, Yawanawd from Acre, Brazil, who represented the Union of Indian Nations at the Santa Fe meeting. other Miskitu delegates from Nicaragua, the Guaymi Congress from Panama, and the , Zapotec/Chinantec Assembly from Mexico. Representatives from organizations in the United States included those from the American Indian Youth Council, the International Indian Treaty Council, the Iroquois Confederation, Navajos from Big Mountain, Pueblo representatives, the Seventh Generation Fund, the Congress of American Indians, the Indigenous Peoples' Network, the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, the Committee for Hawaiian Sovereignty, and many more. From Canada there were representatives from the World Council of Indigenous People and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Assembly of First Nations. The National Federation of Land Councils from Australia was also represented. The final declaration of the Indian Forum states: "Given that the Inter-American Indian Institute has always made decisions about Indian people without consulting authentic Indian organizations, the Indian Forum proposes that all decisions should be made in close consultation with the representative Indian organizations and that at the same time a human rights section be formed with the participation of representatives of Indian organizations." These proposals were not recognized by the official Congress. The statement by the Indian forum also included a strong denouncement of the oppression suffered by many indigenous people. Ample cases were cited from each country to demonstrate that multinational corporations and large landholders continue to exploit Indian lands and people and that such exploitation involves the complicity of national governments that oppress Indian people. Through the pressure of Indian representatives, a proposal by a representative from Spain (who participated in the Congress as a "special guest") which suggested a 1992 celebration of the arrival of the Spanish to be called "Meeting of Two Worlds" was tabled. The next Congress is to be held in 1988 in Argentina. SAIIC looks forward to the active -Nilo Cayuqueo participation of many Indian delegates. -Susan Lobo Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC. © 1986. Page 4 �COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS AT THE SANTA FE CONGRESS Grace Smallwood, National Federation of Land Councils, Australia: "I've come to the Congress to get the aboriginal point across. There is very little understanding of the oppression my people have suffered for 200 years. Even though most of the delegates at the Congress do not speak English, there have been translators, so people identify with the need for solidarity, particularly when I tell people about the appalling statistics in our country. We are 2% of the population and we have an infant mortality rate that is four times greater than the non-aboriginal Australians. Forty per cent of people in prisons today are aboriginal Australians. The latest statistics show that aboriginal unemployment is four to five times greater than the non-aboriginal people. We only received citizenship in 1967. "I believe that all indigenous people who have been colonized are now showing solidarity. Every indigenous person at the Congress who has spoken to me, we are all dealing with the same problems, so we are now showing solidarity. It's bound to get better, since the situation we face couldn't get any worse." Jesus Avirama, President of the Regional Indian Council of Cauca, Colombia: "Within the past two years there has been a dramatic increase in guerrilla activity in our country, especially in the Cauca region. At the same time, the government military forces enter the area and respond with violence, but not necessarily toward the guerrilla forces, who usually flee the area. It is the Indian community that suffers. Currently there are a number of Indian communities that have been leveled by the military forces. Bombs are used indiscriminately in village areas. We are very concerned and we are asking international human rights organizations to intervene to stop the destruction and bombing. There are also many deaths as a result of actions by paramilitary troops. In the Cauca there are paramilitary groups called the Pajaros who are specially trained to kill community leaders. "For us now, the gravest problems are the militarization, the loss of land, and our lack of civil rights." Jose Maria Cabascanga, National Council of Indian Organizations and Communities of Ecuador: "Indian people represent 60 per cent of the population or about 5 million people. One of the major problems that we face is that the government has become increasingly sympathetic to multinational interests such as United Fruit, which has created many problems for Indian people. The government is moving increasingly to a capitalistic right which favors multinational business and large landowners rather than the interests of the Indian people." Jose Maria Cabascanga Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC. © 1986. Page 5 �JAMAICA According to the official written history of Jamaica, the indigenous people of the land, the Arawaks, were exterminated by the Spanish prior to the British takeover of Jamaica in 1655. However, the Jamaican Maroons, free blacks who waged guerrilla war against the British, claim otherwise. Roy Nigerian Harris, leader of the Young Maroons of Jamaica, states, "Most of them died, but the remainder were living in the Maroons communities with the Spaniards who flew to the hills. Three groups of people, the Maroons, the Spaniards, and the Arawaks defended the island against the English. But because the English promised the Maroons peace, they stopped fighting. The Spaniards flew because they could not fight without the Maroons. The Arawaks lived with the Maroons all the time. They cross-bred with the Maroons but the African blood stands out." ·Today, there are four major Maroons communities in Jamaica, born of treaties completed with the British in 1739. The treaties recognized Maroon freedom, their right to the land, and Maroon self-government. Accompong is one of the original villages located in the rugged western Cockpit Country; and Moore Town, Charles Town and Scotts Hall were originally settled by the Windward Maroons. Only Accompong and Moore Town, however, maintain a way of life based on the original treaties, such as communal land tenure, exemption from government taxation, and governing Maroon councils headed by elected officers. Still, Maroons throughout Jamaica rely on traditional medicine and practice a clearly distinct tradition of music and dance, which contain African and Arawak influences. Despite their proud history of freedom and resistance, the Maroons are a forgotten people in Jamaica. According to Nigerian, "Government does not share whatever happens in Jamaica with the Maroons. Musicians sing, but not about the Maroons. They teach, but not about the Maroons. The Maroons have no hospitals. We have the highest malnutrition rate in the country. We have serious cases of gastroenteritis. We cannot transport our sick for we have no roads. We can't afford meals. We are starving. There is no community activity for the youths. The children are harshly brought up with the whip and harsh words because of the pressure that have burdened the people. It is discouraging." Continual attempts are made to rob the Maroons of their Accompong CharlesTown~~~ • Scotts Hall" 'if ;:::;:; commonly-held lands through private purchases, and to § undermine their independence by withholding public services, the same techniques that have been used to eradicate indigenous land tenure and indiCUBA genous peoples around the world. ~CARIBBEAN SEA Still, Nigerian says, HAJTI DOMINICAN~ ~ -......,...,.> RE~LIC,..----.. "Sometimes we cannot blame strangers for all the bad things that befall us-we must also JAM>JC~&'~ Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © i 1986 Page 6 �blame ourselves and our own Maroons leaders. We would like to collaborate with everyone and make this world a better place, but first we have to help ourselves by getting rid of the rifts in our communities." To begin this process, the Maroons have formed a new federation to create a stronger representation and voice for the people. Nigerian concludes, "We have a legacy here in Jamaica that we can afford to extend to all the peoples of the Caribbean, and this legacy lies within the realm of the Maroons. It is in the history of the people and their will and determination to fight against evil and overwhelming powers. Our history, if told correctly, can be of benefit in many ways. It would surprise many." - Randi Kristensen SAIIC has also received a letter from Roy Nigerian Harris with the following comments: "I am the vice-president of the newly form Maroons Federation of Jamaica. We would like to Federate with you as we share the same problems. We could open a communication connection and rise everyone to the occasion. I myself have been much concerned about the Indians of the Americas. Let us join hands for the Federation of Man. For more information regarding the situation of the Maroons, the new Federation, or the Maroons Cultural Centre, contact Roy Nigerian Harris, 12 Harbor Street, Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica, W.I., or Randi Kristensen, 1727 Delaware Street, Berkeley, CA 94703. GUATEMALA The government's assault on guerrilla groups in rural areas of Guatemala has involved the destruction of many Indian villages and the deaths of many Indian people. Others have fled across the border to Mexico to protect their lives. Nilo Cayuqueo recently asked Domingo Lopez of the Indian Movement of Guatemala, who is among the refugess in Mexico, about the situation in the refugee camps: "It is a very difficult situation, but we have to recognize that the very fact that we are now in Mexico is a gesture of support by the Mexican government. Otherwise, we know that there would be no other place for us to be. Actually, even though there are many limitations, we know that the refugees are struggling to survive in all aspects of life. We are trying to Guatemala News and Information Bureau, 1982. survive, and we have the hope that we might some day return to our country, but that will only be when we know there are genuine changes." Jeronimo Camposeco of the Corn Maya project in Florida comments on what can be done to assist Guatemalan refugees in the United States: "One important step is working to build a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood on the . part of Indians in the United States toward Guatemalan refugees now living here." Another Guatemalan Indian voice is that of Pedro Ixcoy: "We continue our traditional religious practice, even though we are persecuted and killed for it. It is seen by the government as very subversive. There can be a unity of understanding among Indians of all the Americas from our knowledge of the religious basis of life." The newly-elected civilian government in Guatemala brings hope for change. SAIIC strongly supports a move toward peace and social justice. Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAHC. © 1986. Page 7 �Photo from Como nos organizamos (How We Are Organized), an excellent 36-page document which SAIIC has received from the Cauca Regional Indian Council (Consejo Regional Indigena del Cauca, or CRIC, Apartado Aereo 516, Popayan, Cauca, Colombia). The booklet details the activities and discussions surrounding the formation of CRIC in the early 1970s and describes some of CRIC's successes in reclaiming Indian land. Please send $3 to SAIIC if you would like a photocopy. (Currently available only in Spanish.) COLOMBIA SAIIC has received two news releases from the Organizaci6n Nacional Indigena de Colombia (ONIC, National Indian Organization of Colombia, Carrera 3a. No. 15-48, A.A. 32395, Bogota, D.E., Colombia). The first concerns Indian communities in the Cauca Valley which have been disrupted by recent fighting between the Colombian army and guerrilla insurgents: "Nearly 1,500 Indians have taken refuge in the city of Florida [southwest of Cali in the department of Valle de Cauca; see map, page 11]. Many are ill, and the authorities have not responded appropriately to their problems. "The refugees normally reside in the surrounding countryside, which has been the scene of combat between the Colombian army and guerrillas of the M-19 and Ricardo Franco organizations since Monday, Sept. 16, when the army began bombing the zone. "The communities affected include La Diana, San Juanito, Los Calefios, Lomagorda, Salado, Guacas, Rivera, Granada and Cumbre. Indians have been forced to abandon their fields and their livestock to protect their lives. "We demand that the authorities move immediately to resolve these problems. The departmental government must intervene to permit the evacuation of the zone and to stop the bombing. We demand compensation for the damages which have been inflicted. "We ask that the Red Cross be mobilized to help those displaced by the fighting. We ask that community organizations, unions, and campesino organizations express their solidarity Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 8 �with the Indian people in Florida through letters to the authorities who are responsible for providing immediate solutions to these problems." The second ONIC press release concerns the murder of Indian activist Luis Antonio Perez Sanchez in the department of Meta, southeast of Bogota: "ONIC condemns before national and international public opinion the assassination of compafiero Luis Antonio Perez Sanchez, who worked since 1972 with UNAMA, the organization of the Sikuani and Piapocos peoples in eastern Colombia. His primary work was developing a program of Indian education which beginning in January, 1986, will include a boarding school run by UNAMA. "Luis' defense of Indian rights created many enemies for him and many difficulties in his life. At 12:45 a.m. on Sept. 25 he was shot in the back while visiting two women who witnessed his death. A member of the House of Representatives stated publicly in the departmental legislature in Villavicencio [capital of the department of Meta] that Luis had traveled to Villavicencio three days earlier solely for the purpose of informing the authorities that he had received a death threat from Luis Calistro Rondon Alvis, the mayor of Puerto Gaitan, who stated, 'I'm not leaving Puerto Gaitan until I've killed someone.' "Luis had also been threatened several times by the parish priest of Puerto Gaitan, who had said to Indian people at various times that he wants to take over the local Indian center. In February of this year the Indian center was burned along with four nearby houses that had been constructed by the Indian community." ECUADOR Survival International (29 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NT, England) has sent the following urgent action bulletin: "The invasion of Indian lands in Ecuadorian Amazonia has accelerated dramatically over recent months. In spite of the serious damage it is causing to the environment, the government is actively promoting oil palm cultivation on a massive scale, with financial backing from Belgium, Britain, and Germany. It has manipulated the use of conservation zones for its own commercial ends, and Indians are now being pushed off the lands they have lived on for centuries. In an attempt to resist this invasion, the Indians recently killed a colonist in a conflict over land." In September the Confederation of Indian Nations in the Ecuadorian Amazon, which represents the Shuar, Quichua, Cofan, Secoya, Siona, and Huaorani Indian nations, published Palma Ajricana y Etnocidio, which gives a detailed account of the effects of the spread of oil palm cultivation. For a copy, send a minimum donation of $5 to CONFENIAE, Av. 6 de Diciembre 159 y Pazmino, Oficina 408, Casilla 4180, Quito, Ecuador. Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 9 �PERU Voz Indigena is published by AIDESEP (Asociaci6n Interetnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana, San Eugenio 981, Santa Catalina, Lima 13, Peru) and emphasizes current information regarding the jungle regions of Peru. The most recent issue includes articles on the following topics: @ Native communities and the new Peruvian government e Current situation and plans of the Indian organizations in the Peruvian jungle • Tenth Congress of AIDESEP • Santiago River: Native communities displace colonists and defend their lands e Update on OAAM (Aguaruna Organization of the Upper Mayo) • Interview with representatives of the Cocamilla communities The December, 1985, issue of Andean Focus (198 Broadway, Room 302, New York, NY 10038) includes the following comments on Peru: "Thousands of peasants have fled the war-torn countryside of Ayacucho and Huancavelica. They make their way to the jungle, the coast and other parts of the mountains. Many have gone north to the city of Huancayo, in the central Andes. Huancayo is a stopping off place for those who are headed to the mines of La Oroya, to the coffee fields of Chanchamayo or to seek work in Lima. There may be as many as 5,000 refugees in Huancayo today. "In the city, the refugees live in utter poverty. They have left behind their belongings and their land. Local customs are foreign, the climate is different and it is difficult to find housing and work. "The women who make up the National Association of Prisoners, Disappeared and Kidnapped are admirable. Most of them are Quechuaspeaking. They have lost a husband, a son, a brotheror all three. Month after month they make the rounds of police stations and judicial offices searching for news of their loved ones and· demanding justice." Another periodical published in English which SAHC recommends for upto-date information about South and Central America is Latinamerica Press, Apartado 5594, Lima 100, Peru. The October issue (V. 17, no. 40) is a special on indigenous people. Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 10 �CHILE In August of 1985 Juan Francisco Fresno, Cardinal of Santiago, issued the "National Agreement for the Transition to a True Democracy" which called for reconciliation and a move toward democacy. This statement from the Catholic Church establishment has evoked responses from various sectors. From AD-MAPU, one of the Mapuche organizations: "In response to the Cardinal's call, we call for a new society that is just and democratic in which our people participate with equal rights in relation to other sectors of the country. We believe that a new democracy without the participation of the Mapuche people cannot be a democracy. . . . We struggle for autonomy and self-determination for our people so that we will be the prime movers in our own destiny. We urge participation in the development of a new constitution that acknowledges and guarantees our rights and cultural heritage in accordance with our identity.... We want it clearly understood that we will continue to struggle for a genuine consensus with all those who embrace an authentic and true democracy." The statement is signed by Jose Santos Millao, Maria L. Traipe, Aucan Huilcaman, Domingo Marileo, Domingo Jineo, Ana Maria Llao and Gabriel Chicabual. In Fortin Mapocho (Aug. 19, 1985), one of the workers unions (Comando Nacional de Trabajadores) lists a number of points seen as necessary for the future peaceful stabilization of the country. Among them: "For the Mapuche nation, we demand their recognition as such in any future constitution as well as a recognition of other ethnic groups. We also demand the immediate repeal of laws 2568 and 2750, which divide and subdivide Mapuche lands and leads to their expropriation and loss by the Mapuche to whom they rightfully belong." AD-MAPU also states: "The establishment of laws 2568 and 2750 have divided and subdivided our sacred communal lands. Article 1 of Law 2568 says, 'Once the community is divided and individual titles to land have been received, said lands cease to be Indian lands and the inhabitants cease to be Indian.' So in the eyes of this law our People would no longer exist." Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © ~CHILE ARGENTINA Mapuche ~ ~ ~ ~ .· · · · · · · · · · · · )~'.JI-.A- '-"'-"-1 1986. Page 11 �BRAZIL Filmmakers Monti Aguirre and Glenn Switkes have returned from a six-month research and filming trip in Brazil. Their film, Amazonia will analyze the occupation of the Amazon Basin, including the fight by Indian people to protect their lands. According to Monti and Glenn, "The situation of native people in the Brazilian Amazon is critical. Indians face invasions of their land by mining and lumber companies, large landowners, and landless peasants. The demarcation of Indian lands is a hot political issue, and Brazil's new civilian government has not yet made a commitment to protect these areas." Also they report: COLOMBIA Patax6 Just before dawn on November 22, 130 heavily armed military police violently attacked an encampment of 30 families of the Patax6 Ha-Ha-Hae in the state of Bahia. At least 30 people, including children, were wounded. Two days earlier the Patax6 had reoccupied their traditional lands which had been invaded by cattle ranchers and cacao growers. Xok6 The Xok6 people of the island of Sao Pedro in Sergipe in northeastern Brazil have been under constant harassment by ranchers who want their land. Xok6 people have been ambushed and leaders have been forced to flee under the threat of death. In November, ranchers threatened to bomb their village if the Xok6 did not abandon the area, forcing the Indians to flee into the forest. Upper Rio Negro Gold seekers continue to enter the Upper Rio Negro area despite the fact that many have already been expelled by police. Their influence has been so pervasive that there are now 8,000 Indians, including Tukanos, Baniwas, Tarianos, Desanos, and other groups from the area, who are also hunting for gold. However, the principal threat to the peoples of the Upper Rio Negro may be the arrival of mineral companies in search of gold, zinc, lead, and copper. In September, Brazil's National Department of Mineral Production (DNPM) issued a list of 127 authorizations for mineral exploration, almost all on Indian lands and thus prohibited by law. Five days later the director of DNPM revoked the approvals, stating that the companies would only have a "priority right ... should mineral activities be permitted in Indian areas." According to Gabriel Gentil, a Tukano and a member of the Association of Indian Communities of the Tiquie River, several mineral companies have Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986 Page 12 �already begun exploration in the area without waiting for official approval. The Brazilian giants Paranapanema and Brumadinho, the multinational Brascan/British Petroleum, and GoldAmazon, a company closely linked to the governor of Amazonas state, are some of the companies coveting the resources on Indian lands in the Upper Rio Negro. FUNAI Since September there have been two changes in the presidency of FUNAI, Brazil's Indian agency, but its basic structure, which excludes participation by Indians in critical decisions which affect their survival, remains the same under the new civilian government as under military rule. Gerson Alves gave way to Alvaro Villas-Boas, who has. since been replaced by Apoena Meirelles, a second-generation FUNAI functionary whose brutal style of contacting Indian groups in the early 1970s resulted in death and cultural disintegration in several communities. One of Meirelles' first official actions was to travel to the state of Rondonia to discuss the governor's demand that the demarcated area of the Uru-eu-uau-uau Indians be reduced. The 4.5 million acre reserve of the Uru-ea-uau-uau was created under pressure from the World Bank, which earlier this year temporarily halted funding of the Polonoroeste colonization program in Rondonia. (See article on Rainforest Conference on page 17.) UN! One of the more positive developments in the struggle of Brazilian Indians has been the emergence of the Union of Indian Nations (UNI) as a force in Indian affairs. UNI has coordinated regional conferences of Indian leaders, spoken out at international forums, and begun working with lawyers on legal issues affecting Indian law. (Photo Kim-Ir-Sen/AGIL; reproduced from Povos Ind{genas no Brasi/!83, Centro Ecumenico de Documentaciio e Informaciio, Sao Paulo.) Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 13 �A letter to SAIIC from Domingos Verissimo Marcos, Terena Indian representative of the Central Western regional office of UNI, says: "Within the current national debate concerning the reform of government institutions in Brazil, the Indian question has been raised by the Indian nations within Brazil and their leaders, as well as non-Indians who are aware that their own freedom and prosperity cannot be based on the oppression of other people. "Discussion among Indian people is based on how Indian nations want to be seen and treated by Brazilian society and the state. This debate involves three principal elements: citizenship, land, and Indian representation. "The current constitution does not deal with the citizenship of Indians. It only says that those who were born in Brazilian territory are Brazilian. Thus all Indians are subject to Brazilian laws. In our opinion, a new constitution must resolve the right of Indians to hold Brazilian citizenship without ceasing to be citizens of one of the more than 150 Indian nations that continue to survive in Brazil. "The question of citizenship . . . brings up another point that is just as important as nationality itself, the recognition of Indian land as a legally defined entity. Today Indian land is recognized in Brazil as public land, that is, land that is property of the state with uses designated for the public good. This has caused many problems." On the question of Indian representation, UNI has called for replacing FUNAI with a council on which Indians would have direct ~ representation, according to Ailton Krenak, director of publications for '"' "' UNI. UNI is also trying to negotiate Indian representation on the assembly which will draw up a new constitution for Brazil in 1987. UNI will press for Indians' rights as citizens of sovereign Indian nations, clearer definition of the "special status" of Indian reserves, and the right to representation in governmental affairs, possibly via UNI, which now includes more than 80 Brazilian Indian groups. Monti and Glenn have recorded interviews with Indian leaders in Brazil and will be reporting on the Brazilian Indian situation on "South and Central American Indian Update" the first Friday of each month at 8:00 p.m. on KPFA FM94.1 in northern California. More information regarding the film Amazonia may be obtained by contacting SAIIC. 0 Domingos Verlissimo Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 14 �"How women weave." (Reproduced from Educar:iio Popular: A/fabetizar:iio e primeiras contas, Cadernos do Centro Ecumenico de Documentaciiao e Informaciio, No. 13, Siio Paulo.) ARGENTINA Argentina has a population of 29 million people, including a large percentage of European ancestry, primarily Italian and Spanish. Following the "Independence from Spain" in 1816, the people of European ancestry took control of the government and took over the major part of Indian land. The last large armed Indian resistance ended in 1879 when the Argentine military defeated the Mapuche Confederation with the support of the United States, which sent Remington rifles to Argentina following the U.S. Civil War. Since that time Indian people in Argentina have faced a government campaign of annililation and the destruction of their culture. In spite of genocide and ethnocide, today there remain 13 Indian nations with a population of approximately 1. 5 million people. There are at least nine Indian organizations at the national level that petitioned the government of President Raul Alfonsin and the Congress to pass a law to validate the historic rights of Indian people vis-a-vis the national government. This past October 23, Congress approved the law regarding "Indian policies and support to aboriginal communities," in which, for the first time, Indian rights to constitute and live within communities are recognized. The issues of lands that have been taken and the need for bi-lingual and bi-cultural education are also addressed. The law's objectives include the statement, "It is declared in the national interest, as an act of historic reparation and of patrimonial restitution, that aboriginal communities demand attention and support for their defense and development as full participants in the socioeconomic and cultural process of the nation." It is worth adding that large segments of the general public, such as the rural and urban unions, as well as progressive artists and intellectuals who previously denied or gave no importance to Indian political participation, supported passage of the law. However, simply passing this law does not solve the problems faced by Indian people. Long-standing institutions of oppression remain intact, allowing large enterprises such as mining, lumbering and large landowning to continue to violate the human rights of Indians and poor campesinos. One Mapuche leader declared, "Unity of all affected segments of the society is necessary in order to oblige the government to comply with its promises." Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986 Page 15 �INDIGENOUS SEEDS The interrelationship of all living things is seen in the renewal of the seasons and through the cultivation of seeds ~~·.· that are nurtured. to becom~ plants, providing susten.ance for As--:. ~~~~-~~~ people and for ammals. Canng for the earth, for the gifts from ~~ the earth, and for one another is an interdependent pattern ~~'~- _ . . that h.as sustained life for gener~tions past and for thos~ t? c~· ••ff::-,.iii~;,;~~·.~ · c.·~~~~· !>S_Il>! ""- . .,'6!, come m the future. For many Ind1an people who have an mtl· mate reliance on and knowledge of plants, the cycle of ~ ·'~ renewal, based on spiritual principles and lived daily, is the ·· essence of survival of individuals, of communities, and of peoples. Genocide and ethnocide can come in many forms and in seemingly small or insignificant ways. In the Americas, prior to the European invasion, there were thousands of plant varieties, many cultivated, others wild, that were used for food, medicinal purposes, clothing, and in many other ways. These ancient varieties are open pollinating in contrast to modern hybrid varieties. Food crops raised for thousands of years by Indians in the Americas have qualities that are suited to the particular environment of an area, often including extremely high levels of tolerance to drought, heat, salinity, rodents, and diseases. Some varieties have very high protein and mineral contents, making them concentrated sources of nutrition. Population expansion, invasion, destruction of agricultural land, and more recently, the development and spread of the use of hybrid seeds have had a profound impact on Indian communities, as well as everyone living in this hemisphere. Hybrid seeds dependent on an artificial environment of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are often promoted by multinationals, nation states, and development projects. A system of planting hybrid seed may mean profit for these entities but disaster for the self-sufficient indigenous farmer. Hardy native varieties of seeds are replaced by hybrids often without the capacity to withstand local conditions and which produce plants with poor nutritional value. As indigenous varieties are not planted, they may cease to exist, and the resulting genetic uniformity invites catastrophe. Also, community self-sufficiency is lost through the development of a local dependency for survival on a national economy that creates the need to purchase seed, fertilizer, and pesticides. Because of these and other factors the cycle of renewal that is essential to sustain this earth and those on the earth becomes more difficult ... but always necessary. Some organizations have begun to search out, save, and encourage the replanting of indigenous seeds. Native Seeds (3950 West New York Drive, Tucson, AZ 85745) makes available indigenous seed samples to those who want to maintain diversity in their gardens. For example, 58 varieties of native corn from the Southwest are available. All proceeds from the sale of seeds go toward the conservation of native crops and their wild relatives. The Talavaya Center (P.O. Box 9289, Santa Fe, NM, 87504) also works to preserve genetic diversity through encouraging the cultivation of indigenous plants, including Hopi corn and South American grains such as amaranth and quinoa. -S. Lobo Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 16 �GRASSROOTS RAINFOREST CONFERENCE On the weekend of November 15 through 17 SAIIC joined a wide range of environmental and indigenous peoples organizations for a Grassroots Rainforest Conference held near Sausalito, California. The conference was an educational and brainstorming session put together by the Rainforest Action Network of San Francisco in order to forge an international coalition of organizations to mount a campaign to stop the destruction of the world's rainforests. Environmental organizations which sent representatives included Friends of the Earth, Sierra Club, Earth First, Greenpeace, Threshhold Foundation, and World Resources Institute. In addition to SAIIC, indigenous peoples organizations which participated in the conference included the International Indian Treaty Council, Akwasasne Notes, Hopi Traditions, the Indigenous Women's Network, Cultural Survival, and people from Hawaii, Mexico, Kenya, Indonesia, and Malaysia. A major inspiration for the conference was the successful effort early last year by environmental lobbyists in Washington, D.C., to temporarily halt World Bank funding for a major economic development project in the Amazon forest in Brazil. This was the first time that the World Bank acknowledged the ecological implications of a development project in its fundmg process. Two participants in the lobbying effort, Bruce Rich of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Barbara Bramble of the National Wildlife Federation, detailed the 18-month campaign. Interestingly, it was conservative Republican members of Congress who oppose U.S. foreign aid on ideological grounds who were most successful in confronting the Reagan Administration on the funding issue. The danger of continuing to work with such allies, the temporary duration of the funding halt, and the extent of damage to the rainforest already caused by the project under consideration were emphasized by Bruce and Barbara. They concluded that preservation of the rainforests depends on the political mobilization of people in countries where the forests exist and indicated that environmental groups in the United States will be increasing their efforts to coordinate activities with kindred organizations in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Discussions at the conference were permeated by recognition of the key role in rainforest preservation which is played by people whose culture is indigenous to the rainforest environment. Protection of the right of indigenous peoples to pursue their traditional ways of life was acknowledged as a primary goal of the coalition formed at the conference. The importance of seeking in the knowledge of indigenous cultures appropriate methods for utilizing rainforest resources without destroying the rainforest environment was emphasized by conference participants. The necessity of developing cooperative relations between environmental activists in industrialized countries and indigenous groups in rainforest areas was a Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 17 �major strategy agreed on at the conference. The Rainforest Action Network is located at 466 Green St., Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94133, (415) 434-1403. -Pete Hammer FIRST LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL OF INDIAN PEOPLES FILMS The Brazilian monthly Porantim (Edificio Venancio III, Sala 310, Caixa Postal11-1159, CEP 70084, Brasilia, DF, Brasil) carried the following report written by Claudia Menezes, director of the Indian Museum in Rio de Janeiro, in its October issue: "Two weeks before the earthquake which partially destroyed Mexico City, the ancient Aztec capital hosted the First Latin American Festival of Indian Peoples Films. Organized by the Inter-American Indian Institute, the Film Society of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the National Institute of Anthropology and History, the festival ran from September 5 to 8 and presented nearly 100 films and videos from 15 countries . . . which exposed the tragic living conditions of Indian people throughout the Americas. "In addition to the film showings, several decisions were made, including (a) the creation of a Latin American Committee of Indian Peoples Film, with headquarters in Mexico City-Tenochtitlan, and four regional subcommittees; (b) plans to develop a catalog of Latin American films to serve as a base for an audiovisual archive; (c) promotion of the production and distribution of Indian films, especially projects directed by Indian communities; and (d) scheduling of the Second Latin American Festival of Indian Peoples Films for Rio de Janeiro in 1987 .... "The prizes in the categories of best film from Latin America, best film from outside Latin America, best ethnographic film, and best cinematography were awarded, respectively, to Nuestra voz de tierra, memoria y futuro [Our Voice of the Land, Memory and the Future], by Martha Rodriquez and Jorge Silva (Colombia); The Tree of Life, by Bruce Lane (United States); El pueblo Ona: vida y muerte en tierra del Fuego [The Ona: Lzfe and Death in Tierra del Fuego];, by Ana Montes and Annie Chapman (Argentina); and Los hieleros del Chimborazo [The Icemen of Chimborazo], by Gustavo Guayasamin (Ecuador)." Logo from the 1985 Indigenous Women's Network Gathering held in August, 1985. For information, contact Julie McCloud, Puyallup Tribe, P.O. Box 8279, Tacoma, W A 98408. "Working within the framework of the visions of our Elders" Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published by SAIIC © 1986. Page 18 �Maria Massolo, who has been an active and much appreciated member of SAIIC, participating in the radio program and preparation of the newsletter, will be in the Islas Malvinas for the next year with her husband, Wayne Bernardson. All of us at SAIIC will miss her and look forward to the insights she will bring us next year from the perspective of the Malvinas. SAIIC welcomes the energy and ideas of volunteers. We are also in need of the following equipment: a computer, a typewriter, and a camera. All donations are tax deductible. If you can help, please call us at (415) 658-9395, 527-5687, or 452-1235, or write us. Thanks. Special thanks for production assistance on this newsletter to the American Friends Service Committee, Intertribal Friendship House, Peoples Translation Service, Leanna Wolfe, Miguel Cavallin, Antonia Luisa, Wes Huss, Bobsey Draper, Bill Coburn, and the SAIIC Committee: Pete Hammer, Peggy Lowry, Rayen Cayuqueo, Anna Lugo Stephenson, Maria Massolo, James Muneta, and Jo Tucker. This issue co-edited by Pete Hammer. Nilo Cayuqueo, SAIIC Coordinator Susan Lobo, Publications Editor NEWSLETTER To receive the SAIIC Newsletter for one year, and to remain on our mailing list, please send a donation of $6 for addresses in the United States, Mexico, and Canada or $8 for addresses elsewhere. WORKING COMMISSION REPORTS To order a copy of the Working Commission Reports: Second Conference of Indian Nations and Organizations of South America. Tiwanaku, Bolivia, published by SAIIC, 1984, please send a donation of $3. TAPES OF RADIO SHOW One hour tapes are now available of the SAIIC radio program "South and Central American Indian Update." Each program includes news, interviews, traditional music, and more. $8 each. ORDER FORM Number Cost Newsletter subscription (See prices above) Working Commission Reports, $3 each Tapes of radio program, $8 each Donations _ _ _ __ Total enclosed ---'-----Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ City, State, Zip _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Please make out all checks, which are tax deductible, to American Friends Service Committee/SAIIC, and mail to South and Central American Indian Information Center, P.O. Box 7550, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA. Vol. 2, no. 2. Winter, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986. Page 19 �Mariana Chuquin, who is Qui chua Indian from Otavalo, Ecuador, is now visiting the San Francisco Bay Area with her family, who are weavers. She extends the following message to readers of the SAIIC Newsletter: · "This is a message for everyone. We as Indian people must maintain unity through brotherhood and sisterhood across all communities and all continents, and understand deeply that we are Indian. To assure that our world unfolds in the best possible way, there must be unity and also an ending of egoism so that our culture and traditions are maintained, and so that we continue to strive forcefully, with all our strength and spirit, to assure the well-being of our Indian communitY:' Mariana spoke recently on the SAIIC radio program "South and Central American Indian Update," which is heard at 8:00p.m. the first Friday of each month on KPFA FM 94.1 in northern California. The program ineludes interviews, news reports, and music from Indian communities in South and Central America. Listen in. Rosa Andranjo, Rosita Checaeza, and Mariana Chuquin South American Indian Information Center PO. Box7550 Berkeley, CA 94707 USA ~ en ~ <E � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 1986) Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 1986 Zotero Title Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 1986) Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Volume 2 No. 2.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Language English Issue 2 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 Date Winter 1986 Pages 1-20 Chile Colombia Ecuador Guatemala Jamaica Peru SANTA FE CONGRESS Winter 1986 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/9170720865f297b7d74988342e9a3406.pdf ce55abaf2e1a68352fd4294f5b006e1f PDF Text Text 0 .c 0 -' a:i .8 0 if Juana Aliaga and her child looking over their community in Lima, Peru. See Page 2. South and Central American Indian Information Center P.O. Box 7550 Berkeley, CA 94707 USA � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 3 (Spring 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Back Cover Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1986 Zotero Title Back Cover Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 3 (20).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Issue 3 Language English Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/9db30b4d331b39fbbc679729e0d31f31.pdf 8de232beddde825bfff6c8bfc5cac36d PDF Text Text SAIIC works to promote exchange and unity among all Indians of the Americas by making information available and by making increased direct communication possible. SAIIC also makes South and Central American Indian issues and culture known to the general English-speaking public. The Newslette~; one of SAIIC's projects, reflects indigenous perspectives of the Americas. SAIIC welcomes the energy and ideas of volunteers. All donations are tax deductible. If you can help, please call us at (415) 452-1235 or write us. Thanks. Special thanks for production assistance to Po ran tim for graphics and to the American Friends Service Committee, Intertribal Friendship House, Peoples Translation Service, Leanna Wolf, Wes Buss, Bobsey Drape~; Judy Kussoy and the SAIIC Committee: Monti Aguirre, Pete Hammer (who co-edited this issue), Peggy Lowry, Rayen Cayuqueo, Anna Lugo Stephenson, Maria Massolo, James Muneta, Glenn Switkes, and Jo Tucker. Nilo Cayuqueo, SAIIC Coordinator Susan Lobo, Publications Editor NEWS LEITER To receive the SAIIC Newsletter for one yeaJ; and to remain on our mailing list, please send a donation of$6 for addresses in the United States, Mexico and Canada or $8 for addresses elsewhere. PUBLICATIONS Working Commission Reports: Second Conference of Indian Nations and Organizations ofSouth America. Tiwanaku, Bolivia, published by SAIIC, 1984, $3. Journey to the South, K'uu yaa Tsa-wa, published by SAIIC, 1986, $1. TAPES OF RADIO SHOW One hour tapes ofthe SAil C radio program "South and Central American Indian Update:' Each program includes news, interviews, traditional music, and more. $8 each. ORDER FORM Number Cost Newsletter subscription (See prices above) Working Commission Reports, $3 each Journey to the South, $1 each Tapes of radio program, $8 each Donations _ _ __ Total enclosed _ _ __ Name ____________________________ Address ____________________________ City, State, Zip _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Please make out all checks, which are tax deductible, to American Friends Service Committee/SAIIC, and mail to South and Central American Indian Information Cente~; P.O. Box 7550, Berkeley, CA 94707 USA. Vol. 2, no. 3. Spring, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986 Page 19 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 3 (Spring 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Subscription Information (Newsletter, Publications, and Radio Show Tapes) Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1986 Zotero Title Subscription Information (Newsletter, Publications, and Radio Show Tapes) Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 3 (19).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Issue 3 Language English Pages 19 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/cb76880c93a44a04a6fc15b8fb1ef9f6.pdf b3c668adae5121318cf7dad4b7c748f2 PDF Text Text AICom Links Indigenous People Via Computers During the past few years, Jose Barreiro and others have worked to establish an indigenous peoples' computer network service called AlCorn. AlCorn makes possible instant communication among its subscribers and gives access to the Indigenous Press Network, an international, indigenous-based information network. SAIIC recently spoke to Jose, who said, "Now for the first time, indigenous groups are reaching out over long distances. We now have more access to phones and typewriters, and computers are the next step. With computers we can transfer information from remote areas. It used to take six weeks to get information to us, for example from a city in South America. Now we can cut it down to six minutes. Indigenous people need to break from isolation in terms of human rights. Now an Indian massacre in South or Central America doesn't have to go unreported for six months." Jose also discussed the idea that indigenous people have a depth of knowledge and understanding of the natural world, and that through the use of computers this understanding can be shared among people for the protection and appropriate use of land and resources. "Often the first outside contact has been with those who wish to exploit resources. We need to go around that. We need to break the isolation between indigenous people and be able to communicate with one another. For example, the Aborigines are dealing with Alcoa and other multinationals, and the Amazonian Indians are dealing with the same threatening entity. Now the Aboriginal people and the Amazonian people have the potential to communicate directly with one another about any particular multinational and how to deal with it. Fourth World communication is what we are talking about. There is a close relationship among indigenous people with the natural world. We can go from that .and access computers. Let's skip tanks and rocketships." For more information about AlCorn, contact Jose Barreiro at P.O. Box 71, Highland, Maryland 20777. Announcements T~e Int~rnational Indian Treaty Council will hold its 11th Annual Conference at Big Mou_ntam, Anzona, from June 2 to 8, 1986. People are invited to attend and present issues relat1~g to land, water, religion and treaty violations. All documentation is condensed and submitted to United Nations forums as human rights violations. A Brother who is incarcerated would like to write to an "Indian Sister for friendship and exchange of thoughts concerning our Indian People." Contact Edmundo Sanchez, P.O. Box C-19618, Represa, CA 95671. Vol. 2, no. 3. Spring, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986 Page 18 �SAIIC works to promote exchange and unity among all Indians of the Americas by making information available and by making increased direct communication possible. SAIIC also makes South and Central American Indian issues and culture known to the general English-speaking public. The Newslette~; one of SAIIC's projects, reflects indigenous perspectives of the Americas. SAIIC welcomes the energy and ideas of volunteers. All donations are tax deductible. If you can help, please call us at (415) 452-1235 or write us. Thanks. Special thanks for production assistance to Po ran tim for graphics and to the American Friends Service Committee, Intertribal Friendship House, Peoples Translation Service, Leanna Wolf, Wes Buss, Bobsey Drape~; Judy Kussoy and the SAIIC Committee: Monti Aguirre, Pete Hammer (who co-edited this issue), Peggy Lowry, Rayen Cayuqueo, Anna Lugo Stephenson, Maria Massolo, James Muneta, Glenn Switkes, and Jo Tucker. Nilo Cayuqueo, SAIIC Coordinator Susan Lobo, Publications Editor NEWS LEITER To receive the SAIIC Newsletter for one yeaJ; and to remain on our mailing list, please send a donation of$6 for addresses in the United States, Mexico and Canada or $8 for addresses elsewhere. PUBLICATIONS Working Commission Reports: Second Conference of Indian Nations and Organizations ofSouth America. Tiwanaku, Bolivia, published by SAIIC, 1984, $3. Journey to the South, K'uu yaa Tsa-wa, published by SAIIC, 1986, $1. TAPES OF RADIO SHOW One hour tapes ofthe SAil C radio program "South and Central American Indian Update:' Each program includes news, interviews, traditional music, and more. $8 each. ORDER FORM Number Cost Newsletter subscription (See prices above) Working Commission Reports, $3 each Journey to the South, $1 each Tapes of radio program, $8 each Donations _ _ __ Total enclosed _ _ __ Name ____________________________ Address ____________________________ City, State, Zip _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Please make out all checks, which are tax deductible, to American Friends Service Committee/SAIIC, and mail to South and Central American Indian Information Cente~; P.O. Box 7550, Berkeley, CA 94707 USA. Vol. 2, no. 3. Spring, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986 Page 19 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 3 (Spring 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Announcements Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1986 Zotero Title Announcements Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 3 (18-19).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Issue 3 Language English Pages 18-19 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/fba733d18d561769d1a3420945ed92e0.pdf ccebf1e3a7c3c8609bd17e52921f84dc PDF Text Text AICom Links Indigenous People Via Computers During the past few years, Jose Barreiro and others have worked to establish an indigenous peoples' computer network service called AlCorn. AlCorn makes possible instant communication among its subscribers and gives access to the Indigenous Press Network, an international, indigenous-based information network. SAIIC recently spoke to Jose, who said, "Now for the first time, indigenous groups are reaching out over long distances. We now have more access to phones and typewriters, and computers are the next step. With computers we can transfer information from remote areas. It used to take six weeks to get information to us, for example from a city in South America. Now we can cut it down to six minutes. Indigenous people need to break from isolation in terms of human rights. Now an Indian massacre in South or Central America doesn't have to go unreported for six months." Jose also discussed the idea that indigenous people have a depth of knowledge and understanding of the natural world, and that through the use of computers this understanding can be shared among people for the protection and appropriate use of land and resources. "Often the first outside contact has been with those who wish to exploit resources. We need to go around that. We need to break the isolation between indigenous people and be able to communicate with one another. For example, the Aborigines are dealing with Alcoa and other multinationals, and the Amazonian Indians are dealing with the same threatening entity. Now the Aboriginal people and the Amazonian people have the potential to communicate directly with one another about any particular multinational and how to deal with it. Fourth World communication is what we are talking about. There is a close relationship among indigenous people with the natural world. We can go from that .and access computers. Let's skip tanks and rocketships." For more information about AlCorn, contact Jose Barreiro at P.O. Box 71, Highland, Maryland 20777. Announcements T~e Int~rnational Indian Treaty Council will hold its 11th Annual Conference at Big Mou_ntam, Anzona, from June 2 to 8, 1986. People are invited to attend and present issues relat1~g to land, water, religion and treaty violations. All documentation is condensed and submitted to United Nations forums as human rights violations. A Brother who is incarcerated would like to write to an "Indian Sister for friendship and exchange of thoughts concerning our Indian People." Contact Edmundo Sanchez, P.O. Box C-19618, Represa, CA 95671. Vol. 2, no. 3. Spring, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986 Page 18 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 3 (Spring 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource AICom Links Indigenous People Via Computers Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1986 Zotero Title AICom Links Indigenous People Via Computers Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 3 (18).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Issue 3 Language English Pages 18 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/da24e1106fb7f442ed320268ffc8c342.pdf b526ab42d765dcbe6ad22db3334ef51c PDF Text Text • to accommodate indigenous participation in the Organization of American States. • to apply international human rights instruments to national policies. • to develop a critique of the work of the Summer Institute of Linguistics. • to recognize and support the struggles of indigenous peoples throughout the Americas, including the Kollas, Chiriguano, and Wichi people of Argentina; the Mbya and Maskoy of Paraguay; the communities of eastern Bolivia; the Yanomami in Brazil and Venezuela; the Indian people of the Amazon region of Ecuador; the Quechua people of Ayacucho, Peru; the Indian people suffering from the militarization of the the Cauca, Choco, Cordoba, and Tolima regions of Colombia; the Miskitu, Sumo, and Rama people of Nicaragua; the Hopi and Navajo people suffering from forced relocation in the Joint Use Area of Arizona; and the Indian nations of British Columbia, Canada, to name only a few. If you would like to receive a copy of the complete statement by Indian people attending the Santa Fe conference, please send $3.00 to SAIIC to cover photocopying and mailing costs. Native Hawaiian Cites Ruin f Ocean SAIIC recently spoke with a visitor from Hawaii, Ho'oipo DeCambria. "I'd like to share one of the more current concerns of Pacific Island people at this time in 1986. That is the United States effort to build an incinerator on what is called Johnson Island, previously known as Kalama Island when it was under the reign of King Kamehameha. Johnson Island is an atoll in the Pacific that now stores toxic wastes. It is a very small atoll. The Environmental Protection Agency has granted a permit for the U.S. army to build an incinerator to burn these toxic chemicals. This EPA permit was granted without any Pacific Island consultation. No Pacific Island people knew about this hearing. The only people who gave testimony were a few of us in Hawaii. This incinerator is already under construction, and it is life-threatening, we believe, to Pacific Island way of life. "According to studies that have been done, we believe that emissions will fall into the sea and pollute the food chain further than it already has been by the bombings in the 50's of Emoita and Bikini Islands. We see that the United States sees us as being an expendable population of 90,000 people. We may live on small atolls and small islands, but the ocean is also our territory. The Western mindset does not see the ocean as part of the life cycle of indigenous Pacific Island people, so it chooses to use it and commodify it in different ways that really are going to destroy our future .... "And I think Hawaii is seen too many times as a part of the West. I think people need to look at Hawaii as a part of the Pacific Islands. That concept has to be deepened and reinforced over and over again. And I think even though we have Congressional delegates in the United States, I think even they have to see themselves as representatives of Pacific Island people and not representing people who belong to the West, because we are in the ocean, and we are thousands of miles from the United States, and we are indigenous." Vol. 2, no. 3. Spring, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986 Page 17 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 3 (Spring 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Native Hawaiian Cites Ruin of Ocean Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1986 Zotero Title Native Hawaiian Cites Ruin of Ocean Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 3 (17).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Issue 3 Language English Pages 17 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/d09fe81ceebb929e913b4eb048561d33.pdf e5cd23f3d83a1c69c0aff066c644183d PDF Text Text Santa Fe Congress Resolutions The resolutions adopted by representatives of indigenous people of the Americas at the Ninth Inter-American Indian Congress, held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in November, 1985, have now been published. This meeting began with representatives of government agencies speaking of the Indian "problem" in their countries, but Indian people invited as observers quickly denounced that premise and met in a parallel "Open Forum" to discuss issues of mutual concern (see SAIIC Newsletter, Winter, 1986 ). Testimony on human rights violations was presented by Indian people, including evidence of systematic violations by governments of the laws and treaties which protect Indian people. National governments have attempted to suppress or destroy the independence of the Indian movement through manipulation, confusing the issues, hindering its organization, and otherwise blocking its genuine expression. Among the resolutions adopted by Indian leaders at the meeting were: e to request the formation of an Indian human rights commission, with participation of Indian organizations, as a permanent body of the Inter-American Indian Institute. • to promote a review of the concepts of genocide inherent in the upcoming celebration of "the Fifth Centennial of oppression of Indian peoples" in order to fully express the historical feeling of Indian people on this matter. • to demand that governments commit themselves to recognize the collective ownership by Indian peoples of their territories and the restitution of those lands that were taken away from Indian peoples, together with the natural resources of the soil and subsoil. • to press for a peaceful solution to the conflict in El Salvador, where more than 35,000 Indian people were massacred in 1932 and where murder and violence continue today. • to request the U.S. government to grant legal resident status to Maya-Kanjobales refugees from the war in Guatemala. CISA Conference Scheduled for Chile in November The Third Conference of Indian Nations and Organizations of South America will be held in Temuco, Chile, in November, 1986. It will be sponsored by the South American Indian Council (CISA). The announcement was made by the Centros Culturales Mapuches, who stated that Indian organizations from South, Central, and North America will be invited. Also, indigenous people from Australia, the Pacific, and Scandinavia and solidarity organizations will be welcomed as fraternal delegates. Vol. 2, no. 3. Spring, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986 Page 16 �• to accommodate indigenous participation in the Organization of American States. • to apply international human rights instruments to national policies. • to develop a critique of the work of the Summer Institute of Linguistics. • to recognize and support the struggles of indigenous peoples throughout the Americas, including the Kollas, Chiriguano, and Wichi people of Argentina; the Mbya and Maskoy of Paraguay; the communities of eastern Bolivia; the Yanomami in Brazil and Venezuela; the Indian people of the Amazon region of Ecuador; the Quechua people of Ayacucho, Peru; the Indian people suffering from the militarization of the the Cauca, Choco, Cordoba, and Tolima regions of Colombia; the Miskitu, Sumo, and Rama people of Nicaragua; the Hopi and Navajo people suffering from forced relocation in the Joint Use Area of Arizona; and the Indian nations of British Columbia, Canada, to name only a few. If you would like to receive a copy of the complete statement by Indian people attending the Santa Fe conference, please send $3.00 to SAIIC to cover photocopying and mailing costs. Native Hawaiian Cites Ruin f Ocean SAIIC recently spoke with a visitor from Hawaii, Ho'oipo DeCambria. "I'd like to share one of the more current concerns of Pacific Island people at this time in 1986. That is the United States effort to build an incinerator on what is called Johnson Island, previously known as Kalama Island when it was under the reign of King Kamehameha. Johnson Island is an atoll in the Pacific that now stores toxic wastes. It is a very small atoll. The Environmental Protection Agency has granted a permit for the U.S. army to build an incinerator to burn these toxic chemicals. This EPA permit was granted without any Pacific Island consultation. No Pacific Island people knew about this hearing. The only people who gave testimony were a few of us in Hawaii. This incinerator is already under construction, and it is life-threatening, we believe, to Pacific Island way of life. "According to studies that have been done, we believe that emissions will fall into the sea and pollute the food chain further than it already has been by the bombings in the 50's of Emoita and Bikini Islands. We see that the United States sees us as being an expendable population of 90,000 people. We may live on small atolls and small islands, but the ocean is also our territory. The Western mindset does not see the ocean as part of the life cycle of indigenous Pacific Island people, so it chooses to use it and commodify it in different ways that really are going to destroy our future .... "And I think Hawaii is seen too many times as a part of the West. I think people need to look at Hawaii as a part of the Pacific Islands. That concept has to be deepened and reinforced over and over again. And I think even though we have Congressional delegates in the United States, I think even they have to see themselves as representatives of Pacific Island people and not representing people who belong to the West, because we are in the ocean, and we are thousands of miles from the United States, and we are indigenous." Vol. 2, no. 3. Spring, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986 Page 17 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 3 (Spring 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Santa Fe Congress Resolutions and Schedule for Third CISA Conference Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1986 Zotero Title Santa Fe Congress Resolutions and Schedule for Third CISA Conference Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 3 (16-17).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Issue 3 Language English Pages 16-17 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/1c6c9704fbc280dc3e6363c534e91364.pdf 43a692cf9317eb36f1ccc7db17545b09 PDF Text Text SAIIC to Coordinate Visit of Brazilian Indian Leader SAIIC is pleased to announce that its plans to help bring a coordinator of the Union of Indian Nations (UNI) to the United States are closer to becoming a reality. The trip might take place as early as May, when the UNI representative may testify in Congress regarding the impact of multinational development bank projects on indigenous people in Brazil. SAIIC hopes to assist UNI in meeting with North American Indian communities to strengthen communication among Indian organizations and individuals. We also hope to raise the awareness of the public in the United States regarding the critical situation confronting indigenous people in Brazil. We would like to invite organizations and concerned citizens to contact SAIIC for more details on the plans for this historic visit. Suggestions for specific events at which the UNI representative could speak and other ideas which would contribute to a successful visit would be appreciated. Update: Amazonia Film Project AMAZONIA: VOICES FROM THE RAINFOREST is a film-in-progress about the struggle for land, resources and survival, where the people of the Amazon suggest solutions for the social and environmental crisis of the rainforest. The film looks at indigenous land use as a model for life in the rainforest and as a focus of conflict on the expanding frontier. The producers of AMAZONIA, Monti Aguirre and Glenn Switkes,. have prepared a slideshow on this subject. For more information, contact them through the SAIIC office. Floyd Westerman spoke recently on the SAIIC radio program, "South and Central American Indian Update." "What we are beginning to find out as we work more closely with other groups of Indian nations from Central and South America is that we have a very common destiny as we find ourselves emerging out the the twentieth century. We have a common understanding in relation to Mother Earth, and we have a common understanding of how we want to live. I think we can show the world this way, if we come together at this time to make our understandings known." For more news reports, interviews, and music from Indian communities in South and Central America, listen in the first Friday of each month at 8:00p.m. on KPFA FM 94.1 in northern California. Vol. 2, no. 3. Spring, 1986. Published quarterly by SAIIC © 1986 Page 15 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 2, No. 3 (Spring 1986) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Update: Amazonia Film Project and South and "Central American Indian Update Radio Program" Information Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1986 Zotero Title Update: Amazonia Film Project and South and "Central American Indian Update Radio Program" Information Item Type Journal Article Attachment Title Vol. 2, no. 3 (15).pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Issue 3 Language English Pages 15 Publication Title SAIIC Newsletter Volume 2