93 12 1190 http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/9f66d30ffc6d03104e545463fb2a9b6c.pdf 6f87d29300763c9565dd108613212f4f PDF Text Text _ _ _ _ _ _ __,:....:: O_- J U S T I C E E C~ _ T he Urarina, who call themselves "KachA· , meaning people,'" are a ~'lhe semi~nomadic Amazonian people who have inhabited the Chambira and UrilUyacu river basins north o£ the Maral)on river in Peru for at least 500 years. The Uraril\a al\d the Mayorunas (Matses) remain the largest umitle:d Amazonian Indigenous groups in Peru. However, the relati\'e: isolmion of the Urnrina has been imen1.1pted as their traditional territory has occn invodcd by colonists. loggers. river traders, and drug· Urarina Survival Update: Continued Resource Exportation and Disease Importation by Foreigners and Newly Initiated by Multinational Oil Companies + by Ritchie Witzig and Massie/ Ascencios voyeur tourists. All of these groups have brought significam disease pressure on Resource Exploitation Update the Urarina that threatens their 'vay of life and survival as documented in the article published in Abya Yala News Vol. 10. Nllmber 2 (Sllrnrner 1996). Vol. 10 No. 3 The most rcccm and grave threat to Urarina su ,.;val is disease importation caused by the three multinational oil companies who entered their territory in late january 1997 to build an oil d rilling site ror I>ctrolcum c;~traction. The Urarina people live in a Oood zone that is projected to have signifi~m oil rescn•es. Three multinational oil com· panics ocgan drilling from the Chambira oil field located at Santa Martha on the Chambira river. Santa Martha is an old Urarina corrummity located in the heart 17 �Eco-Jusr 1 ce of Urarina land that was temporarily vacated due to the semi-nomadic naturt of Urarina cuhure. The Chambira oil fields arc pan of Block 3 owned by Petroperu. the Peruvian national oil company, but the rights to drill directly on the Chambira river were transferred to Enterprise Oil Co., of Great Britain in 1996. The rights were sold because Petroperu did not have the capital to initiate drilling. Against the " "shes of the public, the Peruvian government now wants to privatize Petrope:ru. The s."le of the oil rights to Enterprise had the effect of privatizing the entire Chambim oil field withOUl privatizing Petroperu. Enterprise subcontracted Parker Oil Drilling Co. of Tuls.,, Oklahoma, and the Santa Fe Petroleum Co. of Lima. to drill the Sama Manha well. Constnlction of the oil field staned in January, 1997 and by May I. Enterprise/Parkert'S.,nta Fe had drilled a complete well but fonunately did not encounter enough oil to warrant funhcr exploration. The latest news is that the company has moved to lot 32. which is just nonhwest of their original site and is still deep in Urarina territory. to pursue further exploration in the next two years with a go\'emmcm contract. Spills Before Drills Even before ther struck oil, there were ecological disasters. On April 30, 1997, the steel bouom of a barge bringing up supply oil w 3S punctured by a huge capirona (Calycophyllum sp.) tree 10 kilometers from the oil well, causing oil contamination of the entire Chambira river downstream. The barge was then towed upstream, moored at Sama Manha, and surrounded by pylons tO control the oil leak (sec Figure 1). One Urarina cacique (leader) in the Hormiga river off the Chambira c01nplained that the fish entering his grounds had been contaminated from the oil, and were swimming imo the Hormiga looking for fresh water. Amazonian river dolphins (lnia geoffrensis) which were numerous in the Chambira river basin ha,•e since noticed to be scarce from the main Chambira. This is certainly only the firsl of many barge leaks as this accident occur·red when the river level was at Oood Stage in the rainy season . The Chambira is a nar· attempting 18 row river. at times only 30 meters wide. In the dry season when the river is 10 meters lower there arc certain to be more accidents of this type. There are no stud· ies ongoing by the government , any NGO. or the oil companies of this impending ecological deStruction. SIL and Missionary Control an Urarina individual under the control of the SlL and living in Nueva Esperanza. This Urarina man who signed the docu· mems is not a leader of the Urarina, and only represents himself. The total "com· pensation'" to the Urarina nation from this ·agteemtnt'" was a speedboat and monthl)' promises of gasoline given to the impostor "leader'". The total effect was to give an extra St>eedboat to SIL Unfortunately, it is difficult to undo a fr:.mdulent '"cont~ct'" as described above quickly. and it enables the oil companies to establish thetnselves while the legal defense of the Urarina is being organized. As they have done elsewhere in the \Vestern Amazon. the SIL have again proven 'vith the Urarina that Indigenous self·detenninmion is e.~actly the opposite of their mission. The Summer Institute of Linguistics (Sil or l LV· lnstitmo Linguist ito de Verano) used an impostor Urarina ~Je,adcr" to help the oil compar'lics create an appearance of legitimacy in their inva· sion of Urarina land. The Sll is an evan· gclical organization of atnateur and pro~ fe.ssional linguists who attempt to influ. ence the societies in 'vhich they work by transl:.uing the Bible into native ian· g.•ages. SIL has had .-- -,...- - - - - --.v;;:- - - - - ---,---, ~ a represemati\'C , (Ronald Manus) liv''"""' ~ ing intenniltently in the Urarina commlk 5 nity of Nueva ~ Esper:mza for the §: past 30 years. The ! Urarina have retained their cui~ i turc and spirituality ~ despite SILS anctnpt l! to influence them. As the outside agency with the longest domicilial experience in Urarina territory, the SIL has never tried to empower the Urarina in any way to protect their lands. Colb)• and g t Dennen's recent book about oil exploitation in the Amazon, ..Thy \Viii be Done· has documented that the histOry of the SIL has been to help divide Indigenous peoples L ......______s~t,;;~!li;!!!o_____:~.j,~_ _j and even help oil companies enter 1M tom.'"'"' rrid"P'rrid ptito6rotiM of oil righn in Indigenous areas. When the oil compa· Peru. m. lot~ ha>o""ntly been <iloogod. OJ nies needed to gain entrance into Urarina uplo<otiM is ax"ntly tnl:iig p/o<e oo lot 32 (formerly lot land, they received 1he nceessary help 8) ;, Urorina tttrfiGI'(. from the SIL. SIL helped arrange a paper deal that ·allowed" the oil companies acce:ss to S.1nta Martha that was signed by At::fta Yala News �E co - J u sT I CE Disease Importation Mtdrinarional oil txploration = Malaria, pertussis. and cm·ironmcntal contaminalion Oil drilling teams are renowned for transporting new su-aii\S of disease into territories they exploit. The oil explo· rmion and drilling teams are based in the field with support offices in lquitos and Lima, but their personnel are imponed from various areas in Peru. the United States, and Europe. The Sama Fe lquitos office use the small Nanay ri\'er port com· munity of S."lnta Ckua to lo.1d all their equipment onto barges for transtxm to the Chambim. Santa Clara is currently suffering the most intense and drug resistant P. falciparum epidemic of any area in Peru. as well as an outbreak of penussis (whooping cough). Pcnussis appeared last February in the Chambira. after drilling had started- it was almost cenainly brought by the oil teams. At least seven persons died from the two villages around ~nta Manha. The Umrina have not received the DTP vaccine which prOtects from penussis, and penussis can be among the most lethal diseases in children with multiple infections. Over sixty percent of the P. falcipannn strains in Santa Clara ncar to lquitos are resistant to chloroquine and pyrimcthamine/stllf~doxine. the two cheapest and most \.IS.Cd drugs against P. faldp.annn in Peru. The P. falciparum strains in the Chambira river still respond to pyrimethamine /sulfadoxinc, but sup· plies are small and infrequent. There is a Vol. 10 No.3 real danger that resistant P. falciparum strnins are being transt>Orted to \'CI'}' the Charnbira by the oil workers loading the suppl)' 1>.1rges in Santa Clara. The Peruvian government has no health post in the entire Chambim river basin. The nearest health post is In Maypuco. more thai\ I week by canoe from Urarina territory. Colonists on the lower Chambim have access to boats and motors which can shuttle sick persons to Maypuco and on tO lquitos. The Urarina or oil workers will take away any hope controlling the P. faldpanun cpidtqliC that is currcmly decimating the Urarina people. hnplimcmation or Convention 169. of which Peru is a signatory nation (199'1) would help to protect the cultural rights of the Urarina as well as legall)' title their land. Legal recognition of their territorial boundaries would lead to self determination for the Urarina giving them some recourse to protect their ,...,ay of life. '\!) have no transponation except canoes. As of May 1997. the Peruvian non· governmental organization CEDIA (Centro Para el Des.1rrollo del lndigena Amazonico) had counted over 3.200 Urarina in the Chambira basin alone (there are also Urarina in the Uritiyacu river and in ;\ffiuems of the Corrientes river). The final number wiH likely include over 4.000 individuals. a large number for a rcn'lotc Amazonian J>eople. Even though it has only juSt begun, the oil exploitation in Urarina territory has resulted in both serious hcahh impacts and environmental degradation. If it continues at this pace, the cultural, biological, and ecological effects of oil exploration on the Umrina w'ill likely be irreversible. The Urarina do not marry outside their group and sexually trans· 1niued diseases including AlDS arc not yet a problem in the communities. Cultural breakdown from exposure to oil workers may alter this trend. New drug resistant Strains of malaria brought in by R. Witzig ltos ptJiormed mtdical surveys, Jiseose lttot· mtnl, suppfftd mtdlcin~. end lraintJ UJorino village htafth warkm fYHWJ in bc!ir medirof and pvbfir htofth on strM sepatote flips Ia the (hombiJa basin silut /992, with a Iota/of 13 months in the lit/d. This ron· lintring ptojut w#lic.h the outbar for~ndtd ;s Ihe Amazonian lndigtn<Jvs Ptop{e\ Heahh Pro;.rt (AIPHPJ. The aul~r hos da<umtnled the epidtmics of m eosles, acute ttspiJotaty iU nesSfs, c~teto, and malaria offocl· ingthe UtatirNJ. His ptt-riCHJs trip ;, May, 1997, found ar10 of the Jhtet VHW~ deod hom malotio, ond wide· sprtad malaria in rht enlite (bombtro basin. This wos the firsllrip aflttlhs oil Jrilling storied, ond all of the Urarina communiti~ wtre lroumotized 6y Jbe incursion of htt!Y'( tquipmenl into lhtir rireJ. Tire ptttussis epi· demk if'l Jilt commMilies DrOQnd lbt ail driH silt wos ing docome.nttd. wM the oil worktJS/;ktly inltoductd. ch Sen n Uratino had ditd of ptJMsn in t~se riffcgts ol""' sinrt ftbruory 1997. avthot is th• only ptr· san (domtstic at fottign} to work with Ihe Urctino 10 Jocume.nl fffld Jrtol theit mtdico/ p1a6kms. Tht avlbots ore cumnlly iworking on m<~lor;a p1ojects i, lqvitos , ftJrJ, n.. 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. 11, no. 1 (Spring 1998) 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 Urarina Survival Update: Continued Resource Exportation and Disease Importation by Foreigners and Newly Initiated by Multinational Oil Companies Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ritchie Witzig Massiel Ascencios Language A language of the resource English English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1998 Zotero Title Urarina Survival Update: Continued Resource Exportation and Disease Importation by Foreigners and Newly Initiated by Multinational Oil Companies Item Type Journal Article Author Ritchie Witzig Massiel Ascencios Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 17-19 Publication Title Abya Yala News ISSN 1071-3182 Language English Abstract Note The Kacha people are increasingly being exploited for their natural resources. Oil companies are spreading disease and ruining environments, with a negative impact on Indigenous life. Attachment Title Urarina_Survival_Update_Continued_Resource_Exportation_and_Disease_Importation_by_Foreigners_and_Newly_Initiated_by_Multinational_Oil_Companies.pdf Urarina_Survival_Update_Continued_Resource_Exportation_and_Disease_Importation_by_Foreigners_and_Newly_Initiated_by_Multinational_Oil_Companies.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] [No URL] Disease Kacha Urarina http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/a6a356dd44bde73d41b5b876a07178a3.pdf e541fd14f09382290320376cffc2e302 PDF Text Text MORECERJ EXECUTIONS IN GUATEMALA (Guatemala) Amilcar Mendez Urizar, the leader of the Council of Ethnic Communities Runujel Junam 'We are all Equal" (CERJ), was the victim of an attempted abduction and CERJ member, Camilo Ajqui Jimon was the victim of an extrajudicial execution on April 14th, 1991. Amilcar Mendez was about to get into his car on the Calzada (Avenue) Roosevelt in Zone 11 of Guatemala City, at 7:30 am on 15 April, when he was approached by four men in civilian clothing, wearing dark glasses. Two of the men attempted to seize him, but he managed to escape when people in the vicinity intervened. One of the men reportedly told Amilcar Mendez that he was going to die. Amnesty International is concerned for his safety, as well as for the safety of other CERJ members. CERJ was formed in July 1988 to protect indigenous people's lights. It has been particularly active in protesting at peasants being forced to join in the ostensibly voluntary Civil Defense Patrols (PAC). Article 34 of the Guatemalan Constitution, which recognizes the light to freedom of association, states that no-one may be forced to serve in self-defense groups. The authorities maintain the patrols are voluntary, but there are scores of cases where peasants who have not wished to participate or have tried to withdraw from them, have been labeled "subversives'' by the army and subjected to harassment, death threats and extrajudicial execution. The abuses have been carried out by uniformed soldiers as well as by men in plain clothes, believed to be members of theseculityforcesor acting under t~ orders. COSTA RICA FINALLY RECOGNIZES INDIANS' CITIZENSH I P (Costa Rica) President Rafael Angel Calderon last week formally signed into law a bill facilitating citizenship cards for thousands of undocumented Costa Rican Indians who for years had been denied citizenship. Many Indians were born in remote areas far from Civil Registry centers, so they never obtained the necessary papers to be granted citizenship. Once they have their citizenship cards, they will be eligible for Social Security health care and bank loans, benefits previously denied them. "After 500 years, we are being recognized as Costa Ricans," said Pablo Sibar at a stirling ceremony attended by hundreds of Indians in San Jose's Parque de Ia Paz. According to Enrique Rivera, president of the Telibe Indian Association of Terraba, the multinational fruit company Pindeco is growing papayas on land leased to it by a non-Indian inside the Indian reserve south of the Talarnanca mountains in eastern Costa Rica. Much of the land reserved for Costa Rica's 30,<XX> Indian communities is being worked by non-Indians or has been sold off. CERJ has, since its foundation, been the target of a wide range of human lights violations. Since March 1990, at least 8 members are known to have been killed in circumstances suggesting official involvement. This figure includes the recent killing of Camilo Ajqui Jimon and two further members of CERJ who have been killed since President Jorge Serrano Elias took office in January, 1991. Source: t\mlwty lnteriiQ/ioMI Vol6 Nos 1&2 33 � 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. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) 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 Costa Rica Finally Recognizes Indians' Citizenship Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Costa Rica Finally Recognizes Indians' Citizenship Item Type Journal Article Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 33 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note Costa Rican Indians finally recognized by their government. Attachment Title abyayala_v06n01_02_p033.pdf abyayala_v06n01_02_p033.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] [No URL] Calderon Rafael Angel Costa Rica http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/e2627cef94a964bad8125067388e20d1.pdf 1392f6fd86b9f1d42c4b1c8f38986440 PDF Text Text 500 Years of Indian Resistance and the Popular Movement (Guatemala) The "Continental Campaign: 500 Years of Indian Resistance and the Popular Movement" took place in Quetzaltcnango, Guatemala from October 7-12, 1991. More than 200 delegates partidpated of whom about 130 were non-Indian representatives from popular movements and about 70 were Indian delegates from South, Central and North America. Some of the main topics of the agenda were: dcrnocracy, human rights, Indian rights, land and life, nroc:olonialism and self.<fetcnnination, and women and youth. For more infonnotion, contod: Secretoria Opetativa, Apdo Postol·7·8 Sucursol el Trebol, 01903 Guatemala, GUATEMAlA C.A. Phone:28932 TRADITIONAL O'ODHAM OF MEXICO DEMAND RECOGNITION (Mexico) The O'Odham of Sonora, Mexico and the Tohono O'Odham Nation of southern Arizona are all one people, however they have yet to be fully terogllized and respected as one sovereign nation by both the United Statesa.n d Mexico. The Traditional O'Odham Leaders of Mexico are petitioning to the O'Odham Nation of Arizona, to terogllizc the O'Odham of Mexico as part of their nation, and the lands in Mexico as part of the ancestral lands of the Tohono O'Odham Nation. The Traditional O'Odham Leaders of Mexico are prc$CI'Itly eXA!rting a major effort to recover or reclaim ancestral lands for the O'Odham during this six-year term of President Salinas de Gortari in Mexico. They arc petitioning the Federal and State government agencies of Sonora and the Tohono O'Odham Council in Sells, Arizona that any dealings with the O'Odham of Mexico be presented to the Traditional O'Odham of Mexico first for their review and action on it. In this way, the traditions, culture, language and sacred sites can be protected. For the past 100 years, the O'Odham of Mexico have protested the conditions in which they live under the Mexican government, the violation of their human rights and the invasion of their ancestral land rights. The National tndigenist Institute ONO has collaborated more likely than not with the ranchers and drug traffickers who continue to usurp even more lands from the O'Odham of Mexico. The Traditional O'Odham Leaders of Mexico were organized to face the problem of INI appointing hand-picked O'Odham and non-O'Odham to serve in official positions. There are inherent problems with this select few who have maintained an absolute control over the internal govema.n ce and over funds designated to benefit the O'Odham of Mexico's small economic development projects. These people have been dedicated to their own interests and those of the lNl offidals and not to the needs of the Traditional O'Odham. The Traditional O'Odham of Mexico are now developing the "O'Odham in Mexico Program" which focuses on different areas such as community development assessment, land development assessment and legal intervention. They have entered the international arena with two petitions to the United Nation's Working Group for Indigenous Populations in Geneva. For more infonnotion and how you can be supportive ol the O'Odham in Mexico Progrom, you may conlad: George Ignacio or Fronk Mariana in Arizona at (602) 383-2249. 34 SAIIC Newsletter � 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. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) 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 500 Years of Indian Resistance and the Popular Movement Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title 500 Years of Indian Resistance and the Popular Movemenet Item Type Journal Article Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 34 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note Notes on the "Continental Campaign." Attachment Title abyayala_v06n01_02_p034.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Guatemala http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/b87558858e1d6dbe35f0a4908adf8a78.pdf 1392f6fd86b9f1d42c4b1c8f38986440 PDF Text Text 500 Years of Indian Resistance and the Popular Movement (Guatemala) The "Continental Campaign: 500 Years of Indian Resistance and the Popular Movement" took place in Quetzaltcnango, Guatemala from October 7-12, 1991. More than 200 delegates partidpated of whom about 130 were non-Indian representatives from popular movements and about 70 were Indian delegates from South, Central and North America. Some of the main topics of the agenda were: dcrnocracy, human rights, Indian rights, land and life, nroc:olonialism and self.<fetcnnination, and women and youth. For more infonnotion, contod: Secretoria Opetativa, Apdo Postol·7·8 Sucursol el Trebol, 01903 Guatemala, GUATEMAlA C.A. Phone:28932 TRADITIONAL O'ODHAM OF MEXICO DEMAND RECOGNITION (Mexico) The O'Odham of Sonora, Mexico and the Tohono O'Odham Nation of southern Arizona are all one people, however they have yet to be fully terogllized and respected as one sovereign nation by both the United Statesa.n d Mexico. The Traditional O'Odham Leaders of Mexico are petitioning to the O'Odham Nation of Arizona, to terogllizc the O'Odham of Mexico as part of their nation, and the lands in Mexico as part of the ancestral lands of the Tohono O'Odham Nation. The Traditional O'Odham Leaders of Mexico are prc$CI'Itly eXA!rting a major effort to recover or reclaim ancestral lands for the O'Odham during this six-year term of President Salinas de Gortari in Mexico. They arc petitioning the Federal and State government agencies of Sonora and the Tohono O'Odham Council in Sells, Arizona that any dealings with the O'Odham of Mexico be presented to the Traditional O'Odham of Mexico first for their review and action on it. In this way, the traditions, culture, language and sacred sites can be protected. For the past 100 years, the O'Odham of Mexico have protested the conditions in which they live under the Mexican government, the violation of their human rights and the invasion of their ancestral land rights. The National tndigenist Institute ONO has collaborated more likely than not with the ranchers and drug traffickers who continue to usurp even more lands from the O'Odham of Mexico. The Traditional O'Odham Leaders of Mexico were organized to face the problem of INI appointing hand-picked O'Odham and non-O'Odham to serve in official positions. There are inherent problems with this select few who have maintained an absolute control over the internal govema.n ce and over funds designated to benefit the O'Odham of Mexico's small economic development projects. These people have been dedicated to their own interests and those of the lNl offidals and not to the needs of the Traditional O'Odham. The Traditional O'Odham of Mexico are now developing the "O'Odham in Mexico Program" which focuses on different areas such as community development assessment, land development assessment and legal intervention. They have entered the international arena with two petitions to the United Nation's Working Group for Indigenous Populations in Geneva. For more infonnotion and how you can be supportive ol the O'Odham in Mexico Progrom, you may conlad: George Ignacio or Fronk Mariana in Arizona at (602) 383-2249. 34 SAIIC Newsletter � 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. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) 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 Traditional O'Odham of Mexico Demand Recognition Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Traditional O'Odham of Mexico Demand Recognition Item Type Journal Article Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 34 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note The O'Odham demand recognition. Attachment Title abyayala_v06n01_02_p034.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Mexico O'Odham http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/aa3bb3e3549eace0c5d7bab4d0f3e96c.pdf 0f9e22edb48a208be9e9cefed2f8b660 PDF Text Text Playing /wml!rnatk violins. Tarahumara ml!n celebrau a bountiful harvest of corn. Photo by Kit Hedman TARAHUMARA DEMAND RESPECT FOR THEIR AGRARIAN RIGHTS (Mexico) A group of about 200 Tarahumara, from the community of San Ignacio de Ararcco, municipality of Bocoyna, marched through the stTeets of downtown Chihuahua to protest the violation of their agrarian rights. Their walk led to the government office, where they met with some officials, who arranged a meeting with the representative of the Agrarian Reform Department. Meanwhile, another group of Tarahurnara walked into the Congress demanding that action is taken on this matter. Apparently the document was signed by four of the ejido leaders, who claimed Manuel Muelas Mendoza explained to them that the document would protect them from any possible violation of their rights to the lands. With this in mind, they s;gned the document which resulted in an Acto( Dislocation. The document actually indicated that 144 Tarahumara had abandoned these lands two years ago. It turns out that the official stamp of the ejido was stolen by a delegate from the MinistTy of Agrarian Reform. The Tarahumara live in communal societies (ejidos a legal entity which is communally owned and operated, and recognized by the state). On October 3rd, 1991, Manuel Muela Mendoza, an official from the Agrarian Commission, was given a document dated August 19th, 1991, and signed by Hector Jaime Terrazas S., designated representative of the Agrarian Commission. The document cited the names of several ejido leaders, requiring them to appear at a court hearing on October 15, thus initiating a trial to separate the Tarahurnara from their ancestTal, communal lands. The document alleged that the Tarahumara had abandoned these lands. At the Congress the Indians sat with the representatives and conversed in Raramuri and in Spanish. They claimed that the actions of the MinistTy of Agrarian Reform had the sole purpose of stea.ling the land from the Ta.rahu.m ara in order to use them for tourism. In one of their speeches to the Congress, they stated, "The Agrarian Reform is taking advantage of the fact that we arc unfamiliar with the laws, procedures and bureaucratic language, and seeks to dispossess us of our lands. As we know, these lands are coveted for tourism." Members of Congress declared that this House did not have the power to solve the problem however, they promised their support in all the procedures and referred the Tarahumara delegates to the appropriate office. Vol6 Nos 1&2 Source: Hera/do de Chihuahua, Oct. I6, I99I 35 � 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. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) 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 Tarahumara Demand Respect for Their Agrarian Rights Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Heraldo de Chihuahua Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Tarahumara Demand Respect for Their Agrarian Rights Item Type Journal Article Contributor Heraldo de Chihuahua Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 35 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note Scandal of land rights and the Tarahumara. Attachment Title abyayala_v06n01_02_p035.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] land rights Mexico Tarahumara http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/5f841f6645ec63267f859b50c27f8ae0.pdf c7181567d650614ef2215f6d7ddfbda0 PDF Text Text APACHE DEMAND HALT TO TELESCOPE PROJECT Claim Violation of Cultural and Religious Rights (USA) All nine members of the San Carlos Tribal Council signed a letter addressed to the US Forest Service demanding an immediate halt to the Columbus Project, the construction of telescopes on Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona. "The Apache cited violations of four federal laws protecting human, cultural and religious rights and freedoms. The list of law violators receiving the letter included the US Forest Service, the Arizona Board of Regents, the University of Arizona, the Vatican, the German and Italian governments, and Ohio State University. The Vatican and German astronomers have already constructed a road, leveled trees and earth on the sacred Apache mountain and more desecration is planned. Dzil IIChaa sian is the birthplace of San Carlos Apache culture. Mount Graham is identified by Apache traditionals as the home of the Mountain Spirit Dancers who taught early Apaches their sacred songs and dances and where healing herbs and water are to be gathered. "There are numerous religious shrines on the peaks of Mount Graham that date back over a thousand yca.rs. The Columbus Project threatens to destroy the home of the Crown Dancers and the sacred power of the mountain. Apaches and members of Zuni religious societies continue to voice their concern that sacred sites will be desecrated, interfering with the conduct of their religious ceremonies. An earlier Tribal Council resolution stated that the project was: • •. A display of profound disrespect for a cherished ft11ture of the Apache's original homtland as well as a serious violatWn of Apache tmditional religious bdief....for gtntn~tWns our elders have instructed us on the sacredness of Dzil nchoa sian (Big St1lted Mountain, akA Mount Gmham) and its vital importancefor maintaining the integrity ofour Apache cultun: and traditWn. .. Graham is essential to the continued prrlCiia ofphysicAl and spiritual halling by Apache Medici~~~:-men/women, and to their apprentiaship as compdenl lrrlditianal religious sp«ialists...• The Tribal Council now states: • ... massive amounts of ethnographic and scholarly material denronstmte the ApacMs tmditional and contempomry use of Dzil nchaa sian. Much of thot material has bten rt11dily tWailable to the Forest Service or has l>een in the possession of the University of Arizona. The fact that this important information was disregarded during the public review of tire proposed project is disturbing. 1M University of Arizona and the Department of Agriculture have proceeded illegally and in bad faith in their construction of the telescope facility on Dzil nchaa sian (Mount Gmham)." Ola Cassadorc Davis, Apache Survival Coalition chairperson, asks "Why do the University of Arizona, German and Vatican astronomers violate the rights of Indian people?... When Pope John Paul came to Arizona (in 1987) he told us to preserve our culture•. They would crush what is most sacred to us and our traditional ways.. Why do they now destroy the foundation of our spiritual heritage?" 36 SAIIC Newsletter �Franklin Stanly, Apache Medidne man, Wl'Ote "if the Vatican telescope is built, the Vatican will celebrate its telescope's completion next year and mark the shameful continuation of 500 years of cultural genocide against Native Americans. Tile Columbus project is a collaboration between Tile University of Arizona, the Ohio State UnivCTSity and the Arcetri Astrophysical Olservatory in Aorcncc, Italy. At present, the participating institutions arc completing plans and technological development for the telescope. Construction is expected to be well ~ay by 1992, and to be complcted by 1996. Tile site, which was approved by Congress in 1988, provides first-rate observing conditions and is relatively close to the astronomical research center located in Thcson, Arit.ona. Tile Columbus Project telescope and instrumentation budget is$60million. Tile costs and the observing time will be shared equally among the partners. Tile construction funds will be provided by the Italian government and from private fund-raising efforts being coordinated by the two univCTSities. Native Pacific Islander Women Writing ari Anthology Tile following message was sent to SAne just in time to make it into the Newsletter! Native movements for sovereignty and dccolonization are current issues throughout the Padflc from Hawai~ to Guam, Belau (New Caledonia), I<anaky, Tahiti, Fiji and Aetearoa (New Zealand). Tilere are more Native Hawai~, Samoans, and Chamorros in the United States than in Hawai'i, Samoa and Guam. This movement away from our Native islands does not mean we no longer identify as Padflc Islanders. We are women voyagers who have traveled across the ocean to Turtle Island, bringing our culture and tradition with us like our ancestors who sailed the oceans centuries ago. We are now writing an anthology of PaciAc Island Native women. Join us! . For more information contact Hinono K. Campton (408) 338·4678, or Teresia Teaiwo (408) 457·2581. Doughten of the First Peaple PO Box 138, Boulder C.r eek, CA 95006 Tile San Carlos Apache Tribe states its Arm and total opposition to the construction of a telescope on the top of Mount Graham and the Tribe stands ready to defe.n d its constitutional rights if this project Is allowed to continue. To support or request more informotion contact: Apoche Survival Coalition P.O. Box 1181 4 Tucson, Arizono 85734 MILLIONS OF $$$ FOR GENETIC SURVIVAL??? A group of prominent North American scientists, part of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO), has set up a committee to study a plan to collect genetic material from 100 endangered peoples, induding the Yanomami of Brazil. They estimate it will cost $10 million to $2() million over the next Ave to ten years. They say that the effort should start immediately, because Hin another 10 years, it may be too late for tribes like the Yanomami, who are dying in large numbers from disease and environmental damage caused by gold mining In the Amazon forests. H We at SATIC feel that there is much more to be learned from Jiving indigenous peoples than can ever be learned from genetic samples. These enormous Anandal and academic resources should be used to assist the survival of indigenous peoples and their environments. Vol6 Nos 1&2 37 � 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. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) 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 Apache Demand Halt to Telescope Project Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Apache Demand Halt to Telescope Project Item Type Journal Article Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 36-37 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note Apache leaders plea to stop destruction of sacred places. Attachment Title Apache_Demand_Halt_To_Telescope_Project.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Apache land rights http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/c03d73f8012c66abd184a5a2774f4b4f.pdf 7e8bb732660a768c193057373ffb3cad PDF Text Text Franklin Stanly, Apache Medidne man, Wl'Ote "if the Vatican telescope is built, the Vatican will celebrate its telescope's completion next year and mark the shameful continuation of 500 years of cultural genocide against Native Americans. Tile Columbus project is a collaboration between Tile University of Arizona, the Ohio State UnivCTSity and the Arcetri Astrophysical Olservatory in Aorcncc, Italy. At present, the participating institutions arc completing plans and technological development for the telescope. Construction is expected to be well ~ay by 1992, and to be complcted by 1996. Tile site, which was approved by Congress in 1988, provides first-rate observing conditions and is relatively close to the astronomical research center located in Thcson, Arit.ona. Tile Columbus Project telescope and instrumentation budget is$60million. Tile costs and the observing time will be shared equally among the partners. Tile construction funds will be provided by the Italian government and from private fund-raising efforts being coordinated by the two univCTSities. Native Pacific Islander Women Writing ari Anthology Tile following message was sent to SAne just in time to make it into the Newsletter! Native movements for sovereignty and dccolonization are current issues throughout the Padflc from Hawai~ to Guam, Belau (New Caledonia), I<anaky, Tahiti, Fiji and Aetearoa (New Zealand). Tilere are more Native Hawai~, Samoans, and Chamorros in the United States than in Hawai'i, Samoa and Guam. This movement away from our Native islands does not mean we no longer identify as Padflc Islanders. We are women voyagers who have traveled across the ocean to Turtle Island, bringing our culture and tradition with us like our ancestors who sailed the oceans centuries ago. We are now writing an anthology of PaciAc Island Native women. Join us! . For more information contact Hinono K. Campton (408) 338·4678, or Teresia Teaiwo (408) 457·2581. Doughten of the First Peaple PO Box 138, Boulder C.r eek, CA 95006 Tile San Carlos Apache Tribe states its Arm and total opposition to the construction of a telescope on the top of Mount Graham and the Tribe stands ready to defe.n d its constitutional rights if this project Is allowed to continue. To support or request more informotion contact: Apoche Survival Coalition P.O. Box 1181 4 Tucson, Arizono 85734 MILLIONS OF $$$ FOR GENETIC SURVIVAL??? A group of prominent North American scientists, part of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO), has set up a committee to study a plan to collect genetic material from 100 endangered peoples, induding the Yanomami of Brazil. They estimate it will cost $10 million to $2() million over the next Ave to ten years. They say that the effort should start immediately, because Hin another 10 years, it may be too late for tribes like the Yanomami, who are dying in large numbers from disease and environmental damage caused by gold mining In the Amazon forests. H We at SATIC feel that there is much more to be learned from Jiving indigenous peoples than can ever be learned from genetic samples. These enormous Anandal and academic resources should be used to assist the survival of indigenous peoples and their environments. Vol6 Nos 1&2 37 � 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. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) 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 Pacific Islander Women Writing an Anthology Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Native Pacific Islander Women Writing an Anthology Item Type Journal Article Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 37 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note Pacific Islanders are writing an ANthology Attachment Title abyayala_v06n01_02_p037.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Pacific Islander Women http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/1c67480596b781a5d3dbc01cf1ee94b3.pdf 7e8bb732660a768c193057373ffb3cad PDF Text Text Franklin Stanly, Apache Medidne man, Wl'Ote "if the Vatican telescope is built, the Vatican will celebrate its telescope's completion next year and mark the shameful continuation of 500 years of cultural genocide against Native Americans. Tile Columbus project is a collaboration between Tile University of Arizona, the Ohio State UnivCTSity and the Arcetri Astrophysical Olservatory in Aorcncc, Italy. At present, the participating institutions arc completing plans and technological development for the telescope. Construction is expected to be well ~ay by 1992, and to be complcted by 1996. Tile site, which was approved by Congress in 1988, provides first-rate observing conditions and is relatively close to the astronomical research center located in Thcson, Arit.ona. Tile Columbus Project telescope and instrumentation budget is$60million. Tile costs and the observing time will be shared equally among the partners. Tile construction funds will be provided by the Italian government and from private fund-raising efforts being coordinated by the two univCTSities. Native Pacific Islander Women Writing ari Anthology Tile following message was sent to SAne just in time to make it into the Newsletter! Native movements for sovereignty and dccolonization are current issues throughout the Padflc from Hawai~ to Guam, Belau (New Caledonia), I<anaky, Tahiti, Fiji and Aetearoa (New Zealand). Tilere are more Native Hawai~, Samoans, and Chamorros in the United States than in Hawai'i, Samoa and Guam. This movement away from our Native islands does not mean we no longer identify as Padflc Islanders. We are women voyagers who have traveled across the ocean to Turtle Island, bringing our culture and tradition with us like our ancestors who sailed the oceans centuries ago. We are now writing an anthology of PaciAc Island Native women. Join us! . For more information contact Hinono K. Campton (408) 338·4678, or Teresia Teaiwo (408) 457·2581. Doughten of the First Peaple PO Box 138, Boulder C.r eek, CA 95006 Tile San Carlos Apache Tribe states its Arm and total opposition to the construction of a telescope on the top of Mount Graham and the Tribe stands ready to defe.n d its constitutional rights if this project Is allowed to continue. To support or request more informotion contact: Apoche Survival Coalition P.O. Box 1181 4 Tucson, Arizono 85734 MILLIONS OF $$$ FOR GENETIC SURVIVAL??? A group of prominent North American scientists, part of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO), has set up a committee to study a plan to collect genetic material from 100 endangered peoples, induding the Yanomami of Brazil. They estimate it will cost $10 million to $2() million over the next Ave to ten years. They say that the effort should start immediately, because Hin another 10 years, it may be too late for tribes like the Yanomami, who are dying in large numbers from disease and environmental damage caused by gold mining In the Amazon forests. H We at SATIC feel that there is much more to be learned from Jiving indigenous peoples than can ever be learned from genetic samples. These enormous Anandal and academic resources should be used to assist the survival of indigenous peoples and their environments. Vol6 Nos 1&2 37 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Vol. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Millions of $$$ for Genetic Survival Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Millions of $$$ for Genetic Survival Item Type Journal Article Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 37 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note The Human Genome Project wants to collect samples from the Yanomami. Attachment Title abyayala_v06n01_02_p037.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Brazil Human Genome Project Yanomami http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/ed63775b5fd8da9abe081a4db6cc6c39.pdf c6e48b179b1b98989388e9e4b76ededb PDF Text Text z Ill ~ 0 ~ z ~ 0 z - Photo: KIJthe Meetcen First South and Central American Indian Women's Gathering Held in Lima (Peni) The rii'St South and Central American Indian Women's Meeting was held March 2S-27 and hosted by the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Amazon WDESEP> with support from the Coordinating Body of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin (CO!CA). The organizing commission included active participation of indigenous women from Ecuador and SAUC. The participants, women from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Argentina, Bolivia, O.ile and Peru, stressed the importance of this event for Indian women throughout the Americas. "We, indigenous women, arc progressing along with Indian men and our children in our struggle for rights to: land and the control over natural resources, traditional forms of law, autonomy and sclf-govcmment, as well as against forced sterilization and all forms of exploitation, oppression and discrimi· nation." The conference presented an opportunity for Indian women to foster solidarity with Siriono, Mozatene, O.iman, Guarani, and Mgcno people of Bolivia, who shared information with the other participants about their 36 day march from the Bolivian Amazon to the capital of La Paz, to demand legal titles to their lands. Ashaninka women from Peru told of their continued enslavement today. The Yalalteca people of Mexico, the Mayas of Guatemala a.n d the Nahuatl of El Salvador spoke about their struggles against wealthy landowners. 38 SAIIC Newsletter �In this first meeting. organizational experiences were exchanged, solidarity and sisterhood was stJ es ogthened, and the organizational process for the coordination of work among Indian women was begun. Indian women from the Peruvian Amazon and deserve a great deal of credit as effective administrators and organizer.;. Quechua and Aymara women from the Peruvian highlands c:ontributed work, experience and support. 1be following was written by SAne Board Member, Wara Alderete, on her return from the conference in Uma. Many obstacles lie In our path and we are well aware of them. We are also aware that we have respoi)Slbilitics for our children and elders; that we are strong and have demonstrated our abilities, although often this has not been acknowledged or rec:ognize<l. We realize that we need to improve our capabilities a.n d that many other sisters must have the opportunity to acquire ~ence and training. so we can better work for the wcll·bcing of our pc:ople. I have just returned from Uma, Peru where I attended the F"II'St South and Central American Indigenous Women's Conference. I would like to share with you my enthusiasm about the historical significance of the meeting. As women occupying positions of responsibility within our organizations, or as community leaders, we had an opportunity to share a wealth of experiences such as the role that women play within our c:ommunities, the limitations that exist for the effective participation of Indian women In the decision-making process at the local, national and international level. Of utmost importance, we had the opportunity of developing together, c:oncrete strategies for promoting the organization of Indian women. It was agreed upon to build an international organization of indigenous women. We emphasize that our cun-ent priority is to work at the grassroots level, building step by step, to ensure that this process be truly representative and participatory. Five task fortes were formed and a coordinator for each task force was designated. We tried to avoid creating centralized structures that have yielded such harmful consequences in the past. At the same time, working in a decentralized way is a real challenge since a great input of resources will be needed for maintaining eft'ective communication. 111is is a new experience and we expect that many adjustments will be needed along the way. Nevertheless, we feel satisfied that we are developing our own ways of organ.izing. with a spirit of solidarity, participation and honesty like our grandparents taught us. Not all the sisters we expected to participate were able to. Some sisters were prevented from participating because of restrictions and/or fear of the cholera epidemic. We received word from some organizations that they do not have women who are ready or experienced in attending international meetings. We will make special efforts to have direct c:ontact with the women in these organizations since we believe there must be ha.r d-working women supporting these brothers, but perhaps their work and capacity is not being rec:ognize<l. It is our goal in the near future to support and promote meetings, seminars, and training courses for (and by) indigenous women at the local and national level. 1be next South and Central American Indigenous Women's meeting will be held in Guate~ but the date is contingent on the organizational progress at local and national levels. As we have said, we want to put our efforts and resources l.n organizing at the grassroots level. In the spirit of our Mother Earth! It is worth noting that this was the fi.r st time that Indian women from South and Central America fully assumed the responsibility for organizing an international conference. Our brothers in Peru were amazed at the resources and support that the sisters from the organizing committee were able to gather. Among the accomplishments at the conference, for the first ti.m e in Peruvian history, Indian people were allowed into the House of Representatives <Senators), where we held the opening CCICihOI\y. 1be sisters who managed the financial and organizational aspects of the ex>nfcrcnce are Shiplbo and Aguaruna ', • ~ \_ \\ '\ \ Photo: Klthe. Meercerl Vol6 Nos 1&2 39 � 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. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) 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 First South and Central American Women's Gathering Held in Lima Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title First South and Central American Women's Gathering Held in Lima Item Type Journal Article Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 38-39 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note gathering of Indigenous women held in Lima Attachment Title First_South_And_Central_American_Indian_Women's_Gathering_Held_In_Lima.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Indigenous women Peru http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/bad7c6544b5bb57956a92d3570172c23.pdf 1d84e05ac2b739b204123741de468e37 PDF Text Text INDIGENOUS WOMEN OF MEXICO 10 YEARS LATER (Mexico) 1k follt1Wing uns wrillm by the Unum of Yalalttat Women in Oaxaca and sent to SAITC by Juana Vasquez. Indigenous peoples of Oaxaca and of Mexico have struggled to maintain a certain degree of community sclf· dctcnnination.1hisgivesusdignityas men and women and protect us from the usurpation of our territories, and gives us the possibility to control our own destinies. None can deny that, in almost 500 years of exploitation and constant oppression, that which is unique to indigenous communities has been almost erased and buried forever. 1his has happened not only in Oaxaca, but in all the Americas. Nevertheless, our enemies have failed. As we near the end of the 20th century, we Indian people arc regaining the strength and courage to defend and reclaim our dignity and identity. programs and regulations on indigenous communities. Zapoteca women ofYalalag arc not indifferent to all these problems. We arc Involved in the enduring task of searching for solutions. We have woven our own history and oontinue weaving it, impregnated by great ideals which arc nurtured by life's daily events and with strong effort and sac:rifice. The Incorporation of Yalalteca women Into the political struggle was significant. We have been participat· ing quietly and humbly. On December 24,1980, for the first time in the history of our oommunity, more than 400 women bega. to consciously and vociferously participate in n the struggle for community self-determination. We formed our own system of defense: The Union of Yalalteca Women. On De<:ember31, 1981, the union participated in occupying the Municipal Palace, in order to pressure the government into fulfilling certain promises to our oommunities. In Mexico, we indigenous women arc still suffer. ing the consequences of 500 years of oolonialism, of economic exploitation, cultural domination, marginalization a.n d social discrimination. We arc ronfronting a strong power structure, maintained by men who hunger for gold, and who transform their will into laws, which makes justice into a business. As a consequence of this, many of our women and children arc the victims when we arc deprived of our rights to own land, the usc of our forests and mines, our indigenous systems of justice, education, health and communication. In 1981, the union participated actively in political negotiations. In our first mass mobilization, most of our people journeyed first to the city of Oaxaca and then on to Mexico Oty. 1his helped us to overcome our fear of the authorities. It was at this time that we realiud that we were facing not only local leaders, but also the official party, corrupt politicians and others in government. We recognized that we have to fight against many enemies. We indigenous women have survived due to the strong, sacred tradition which is our heritage passed on from our ancestors. The Zapoteca women of Yalalag have a system lcnown as El Tcquio, the center of all oommunity traditions, in which women, men, children and the elderly p.1rticipate... Unfortunately, politicians have institutionalIzed the Tequio as a strategy to impose government In order to consolidate the process of democratic struggle, one of our first actions was to take control of our schools. Education in indigenous towns is linked to productive work. We introduced programs to study our language, culture and traditional production in order to become more self-sufficient. We became more conscious of our own history. For these purposes we created a Community 40 SAIIC Newsletter �Development Project . After ten years, we have democratically elected municipal authorities, the community of Yalalag is achiev· ing its goals, and we are all participating. After examining these long and hard struggles the Yalalteca women have endured, we know that indigenous women can contribute greatly to transfonn the economic, political, religious and cultural conditions of our society. 'This is our contribution to our future generations. We have reflected upon our situation and have concluded that as women we are living in a very important period in history because we have begun to re-<?valuate our indigenous cultures and reclaim our rights to preserve and develop them. In Oaxaca., with the spiritual strength of Centeol (the Com Goddess), and of our ancestors we are reevaluating indigenous philosophy. We undersland and share feeling$ with other communities of the world which are struggling for popular freedom and women's liberation. Sadly, life for women in Oaxaca and Mexico is hard, bitter and tragic, but this does not mean that we indigenous peoples have lost the struggle. In fact, in the last 500 years, we have lost many battles, however we are privileged in that the roots of our community traditions go very deep and are sprouting. It is this spiritual strength which helps men and women to search for our true Iibera· lion. We are concerned that certain Indian leaders, involved with organizations at the international level are not adequately representing our communities. We indig· enous women must avoid supporting representatives which are based on personal interest We propose overhaul· ing these international organizations so that they be of use to our indigenous communities. To conclude, we indigenous women have a long and difficult road to follow, it is a rough path because we are immersed in alien economic and political structures. For the respect to self-determination of indigenous peoples, For the dignity of indigenous women, For the SQ/idarity of indigenous women all over the world. Juana Vasquez Vasquez of the Union of Yololteco Women,Ooxoco, Mexico . Indigenous Women of El Salvador Demand Respect for Human Rights and the Mother Earth (EI Salvador) The following u.zs presented by Rosa Leticia Caceres, the representative fr()tll the National Association of Indigenous People of El Salvador (ANIS) to the First South and Central American Indian Women's Gathering in Peru. We, the indigenous peoples, are suffering most from the lack of justice in our land. Not only is there a failure in the administration of justice, but we are a.lso threatened with guns and with beatings. We believe human rights abuses signify the gnawing away of our rights as established in the Constitution, since these rights are violated day after day, not only by the anny and the government but also by others who limit our ability to defend our most sacred individual rights. We continue to demand that the govemrnent and the FMlN observe the rights of each and every one of us and respect the rights of indigenous peoples as human beings. We, the Nahuat, Lenca and Mayan indigenous peoples, demand respect from the anny, the goverrunent and all other sectors of our society since we are the ones who nurture and cultivate the earth; we work the land with our own hands, and as women, we are the ones who carry our products to the markets to be sold. The social problems we confront today began for Indian people in 1492, with the Spanish invasion. They came to divide us, to rob us of our culture and our beliefs; they created borders when they had no right to do so because the land belongs to us, the Indians, now and forever. They divided us and imposed their own habits and life-styles. ' It is the indigendus people who carry the burden of the economic crisis that our counll)' is experiencing. We know that all aid has been spent on bullets and ammunition and that a large part of the national budget is invested in the anned forces instead of being directed towards helping the poorest of the poor· namely, the indigenous people of the country. We are also concerned by the increase in the price of basic grains and other general goods as a result of the devaluation of our currency. We are struggling for the respect, conservation and protection of natural resources. 'This arises from an attitude of respect for nature such as that which we, the indigenous peoples, hold. Instead of destroying nature, we respect it. The year 1492 for us marks the beginning of our persecution as Indians, the beginning of the invasion of our culture and of our Mother Earth. In response, we say: an end to the repression against the indigenous people of I;l Salvador! 500 years of death represent 500 years of resistance, and today we, the indigenous peoples, are here with greater presence and strength. Vol6 Nos 1&2 41 � 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. 6, nos. 1&amp;2 (spring/summer 1991) 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 Indigenous Women of El Salvador Demand Respect for Human Rights and Mother Earth Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 1991 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Indigenous Women of El Salvador Demand Respect for Human Rights and Mother Earth Item Type Journal Article Volume 6 Issue 1,2 Pages 41 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Summer 1991 Language English Abstract Note excerpt from a letter written adressing problems faced by the indigenous peoples Attachment Title abyayala_v06n01_02_p041.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] El Salvador Women http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/08bd175c0c6442596cabd8ea5eb8b8d3.pdf 310cae2ab0a6ab98493aedf7d9888d15 PDF Text Text STRUGGLE I N ARGENTI NA: After a week of protesiS, President Carlos Menem stated be would meet with tbe Wichi representatives in one month. However, due to lhe public pressure tbat ensued, tbe President agreed to a sooner date. He also assured the prolesters tbat be would speed up the legal process for the proposal of land adjudication which has been approved by Congress but bas remained shelved for a year. The Wiclti also requested that the Governor "mediate a dialogue between the criollos (non-Indigenous) and Indigenous communities so that tbe appropriation ofland could bedonewithout conflict." The Wicbi, Iyojwaja, Nivacleand K Lee Nations have been om • fighting for rightful ownership since 1946; the first year they came n September 16, 1993 a delegation beaded by Octorina to the nation's Capil<ll to reclaim land titles. ·:zamora, president of the Wiclti Ka Puce Hi Cooperative launched a week long hunger strike to protest their lack of source: Agencia el Tribuno, Buenos Aires panicipation in a government Land Commission relegated to partition lands in Argentina. TJtis is the second hunger strike initiated by the Wichi community of lot 55 since last year. The territory in question spans 15,000 hectares and is located witbin the vast terrain of the San Manin de Tabacal sugar plantation. 'WI CHI HUNGER STRIKE FOR LAND RIGHTS O ccording to the Iodianist Missionary Council (CJMI), six teen Guarani Indians have committed suicide tltis year, continuing the cycle of deaths in the State of Malo Grosso do Sui, in the Center-West region of Brazil (22 suicides were reponed in 1992 and 17 in 1991). Out of tbe 16, six were under twenty years of age. Deprived of their land and unable to Jive according to their traditional culture, despair and alienation run rampant within the Guarani P,Opulation. Many communities bave been expelled from tbeir territories leading 10 mass migrations and overpopulation. In tbe Dourados Indian Area, where most of the suicides have OO· curred, close to 9,000 people have been forced onto 3,530 hectares. Until land issues are resolved, the sense of helplessness that pervades throughout Indigenous communities will simply worsen. A 8 Abya Y a la N e ws � 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. 7, nos. 3-4 (Fall/Winter 1993) 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 Wave of Guarani Suicides Continues Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall and Winter 1993 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Wave of Guarani Suicides Continues Item Type Journal Article Volume 7 Issue 3,4 Pages 8 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Fall and Winter 1993 Language English Abstract Note The suicides of sixteen Guarani Indians in 1993 linked to displacement and land deprivation of the Guarani population in Brazil. Attachment Title Wave_of_Guarani_Suicides_Continues.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Guarani suicide http://saiic.nativeweb.org/ayn/files/original/3189218151b9285e763054c80eae35c8.pdf 469ed299fb27643c401b83eb71247f34 PDF Text Text 0HGA:".'IZATIO:".' & COMMUNICATION. SEEKING UNITY IN GUERRERO epresentatives from Nahuatl, Mixtooo llapanooo and Amuzgo communities attende<l tbe First Congress of Indigenous representatives of Guerrero from September 23 to 26 !993. This conference was a big Slep forward in tbe unification of Indigenous Communities of Guerrero and their struggle to estahlisb autonomy. The rights of Indigenous communities, including land rights and perspectives regarding culture and development, were among the themes addressed during the conference. ill terms of Indigenous rights, the need for the recognition of individual rights as well as traditional forms of enforcing justice was expressed. The election of commissioners within municipalities and the partitioning of Indigenous land by the Dcpattment of Agriculture was denounced as going againSt tbc traditional communal land structure. Propo6als in relation to these issues were tal<en to the National Consultation Forum of lnd.igenous Nations, where land issues and the enforcement of Article 169 are dealt with. In addition, a propo6al for the passage of a law entitled Indigenous Electoral of the Sixth District, which would allow for Indigenous representation R within the Chamber of Deputies, was put fonb. The need for direct patticipation in development programs taking place throughout the region was discussed. In this contex~ a format (or devising solutions to problems of education, unwieldy infrastructure of services, the sustainable use of natural resources and the financing of agricultura.l production was designed. In order to implement the solutions and projects, the creation of a government fund for tbe economic development of Guerrero's Indigenous communitics, to be managed by tbe communities themselves, was suggested. In order to preserve their traditional cultures, the representatives pcoposcd the creationof educational programs in which children could learn the music, dance and language of their people. The Second Conferenoc will be taking place March 15, 1994. e lnteramerican Encounter on lndig enous Rights and Common Law took place from June 16-19 at the beadquarters of the Alliance for Development in Guatemala. The event was organized by MayaOdtureCenter(CECMA). Representalives from different Indigenous organizations from throughout the continent pattieipated, including: National Indigenous Organization T: Vol. 7 NO. 3&4 of Colombia (ONIC), The Honduran FederationoftheXieaqueofYoroTribes(FETRIXJ), the General Guayami Congress and Kunas United for Napguana both from Panama, Sejekto of CoSia Rica, the Council of Mayan Organizat.ions of Guatemala, representatives of the Autonomous University of Mexico as well as representatives from SAUC in the United States. 35 � 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. 7, nos. 3-4 (Fall/Winter 1993) 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 Seeking Unity in Guerrero Type The nature or genre of the resource Journal Article Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall and Winter 1993 Language A language of the resource English English Zotero Title Seeking Unity in Guerrero Item Type Journal Article Volume 7 Issue 3,4 Pages 35 Publication Title Abya Yala News: Journal of the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) ISSN 1071-3182 Date Fall and Winter 1993 Language English Abstract Note Issues of land rights and culture development of indigenous communities was discussed on September 23-26, 1993 at the first meeting of the congress of indigenous representatives from Guerrero. Attachment Title Seeking_Unity_In_Guerrero.pdf Attachment URL [No URL] Educational Programs Guerrero Indigenous Peoples land rights