Parallel and Side Events Contents Page

Results of the indigenous peoples' summit on sustainable development

Presented by TEBTEBBA Foundation (Indigenous Peoples' International Center for Policy Research and Education)

Oren Lyons, Onondaga Nation, noted that the Indigenous Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Kimberley prior to the WSSD, was the culmination of many years’ struggle for recognition of indigenous rights. He reviewed some of the milestones achieved over the past decades, including the Rio Conventions' focus on indigenous peoples, expressed concern that the WSSD would address mainly economic issues, and urged States to employ "longer and broader visions."

Lucy Mulenkei, Indigenous Information Network, noted that over 300 participants attended the Kimberley Conference to produce a clear declaration, and called upon governments to take note of the indigenous peoples' concerns and foster change. Mulenkei expressed hope for full recognition of indigenous rights within the next 10 years.

Jean Burgess, National Khoi-San Consultative Conference, called for recognition of the Khoi-San peoples as the first peoples of South Africa, and of their traditional land rights. He drew attention to the fact that remains of ancient Khoi-San peoples are kept in educational institutions and museums, and noted that 90% of the Khoi-San peoples are unable to speak their mother tongue. Burgess called for recognition of the Khoi-San language as an offical langue in South Africa.

Clayton Thomas, a Cree representative, presented the Declaration agreed upon at the Kimberley Conference, including language on: the right to self-determination; the right to land and sacred sites; free, prior and informed consent; protection and promotion of traditional knowledge; collective intellectual property rights; recognition of indigenous peoples' role in sustainable development; globalization and corporate investment; the role of pastoralism and hunting-gathering; the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues; and principles for partnerships.

Thomas also noted that the declaration calls for a world conference on indigenous peoples and sustainable development. Sergei Kharuchi, Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Far North, presented the indigenous peoples' recommendation for a paragraph in the WSSD Political Declaration reaffirming the vital role of indigenous peoples in sustainable development.

Discussion: Representatives from Denmark, Greenland, Norway, Chile, Palestine, Finland and UNEP expressed support to the indigenous peoples' Declaration and to the recommendation on the WSSD Political Declaration. UNEP offered to host a world conference on indigenous peoples and sustainable development.