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30-04-2025
- Politics
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GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Waorani people fight for their rights in Ecuador
Deusdedit RuhangariyoSpecial to ICT Around the world: The Waorani people demand the right to decide their future in Ecuador, Indigenous communities in Taiwan battle a new digital threat, an Indigenous river defender in Peru wins the prestigious Goldman prize, Indigenous students in Australia get an inside look at the aviation industry, and a UNESCO report calls for support and funding for Indigenous Waorani continue fight to stop oil extractionIn the heart of Ecuador's Amazon rainforest, the Waorani people are standing firm against a government-backed auction of oil rights on their ancestral lands in a fight that could change the way Indigenous people are consulted around the world, Inside Climate News reported on April INDIGENOUS Ecuadorian government opened the auction of oil rights worth an estimated $700 million after a brief meeting with members of the Indigenous Waorani village of Kiwaro. They arrived by helicopter, spoke in Spanish and not the Waotetero language, made no effort to work the Waorani's pikenani, or tribal leaders, and offered no real explanation of the impact or oil extraction on the land.+The Waorani fought back, however, and in 2019 16 communities and a provincial sued multiple federal ministries, arguing that their right to free, prior, and informed consultation (FPIC) had been rooted in international law and Ecuador's constitution, requires Indigenous communities be consulted before decisions affecting them are made. The underlying legal issue, however, is whether actual consent is required before the project can move forward, Inside Climate News reported.'If you don't have community support, you pay a price for it,' said Pierre Gratton of the Mining Association of Canada, citing conflicts that arise without proper engagement, according to Inside Climate Waorani achieved a major legal victory in 2019, when a provincial court ruled their FPIC rights had been violated. The case is now under review by Ecuador's Constitutional Court, which aims to clarify national consultation laws. Meanwhile, new oil auctions threaten to impact many of the same communities again.'We do not want extractivism,' Waorani leader Luis Enqueri told Inside Climate News. 'We are fighting for the Constitutional Court to say that we alone have the right to decide what happens in our land.' TAIWAN: Indigenous communities battle misinformationIn the age of artificial intelligence, Taiwan's Indigenous communities are facing an unsettling new threat, one that distorts, erases, and reimagines their cultures through the power of digital misinformation, East Asia Forum reported on April Indigenous peoples have long battled marginalization, AI-generated content is now amplifying old injustices in faster and more insidious ways to sow mistrust and deepen political divides, East Asia Forum include a viral post – since debunked by fact-checkers – claiming that Plains Indigenous soldiers had sided with Japan during Taiwan's 228 Incident in 1947. Or a video that appeared to show the Taiwanese government firebombing an Indigenous community but instead showed footage from the Solomon Islands riots of positive-sounding stories can be dangerous when misrepresented. One widely shared video celebrated a Taiwanese Indigenous tap dance troupe set for a global tour — but the troupe featured instead the Hani people of China's Yunnan province, blurring cultural boundaries and eroding the distinctiveness of Taiwan's Indigenous the world, Indigenous communities are raising similar alarms about algorithmic bias and digital colonialism. In Taiwan, speech recognition systems routinely misclassify Indigenous languages as errors, further silencing them AI isn't only a threat — if handled differently, it could become a tool for revival, East Asia Forum reported. In New Zealand, Māori broadcasters teamed up with NVIDIA to build a speech model that accurately transcribes te reo Māori, showing what's possible when Indigenous groups lead the design process Asia Forum concludes that with inclusive frameworks, ethical data practices, and Indigenous-led innovation, AI could become become a tool of cultural resurgence rather than erasure. PERU: Indigenous river defender wins prestigious Goldman prizeAn Indigenous activist and women's leader from Peru's Amazon has won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize after spearheading a legal battle that secured legal personhood for the river her Kukama people call home, The Guardian reported on April Luz Canaquiri Murayari, 57, an Indigenous leader from Shapajila village along the Marañón River, led a historic fight for her people and the environment. As head of the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana women's association and with support from Peru's Legal Defence Institute, Canaquiri spearheaded a legal campaign to protect the Marañ three years, judges in Loreto – Peru's largest Amazonian region – ruled in March 2024 that the river must be recognized as a living entity with the right to remain free-flowing and court in Iquitos found that the Peruvian government had violated the river's inherent rights and ordered immediate action to prevent future oil spills. It also mandated the creation of a protection plan for the river basin and formally recognized the Kukama community as the river's stewards. Although the government appealed, the ruling was upheld in October 2024 — a landmark victory not just for the Kukama, but for Indigenous rights across Peru.'She is the mother of rivers,' Canaquiri said of the Marañon, according to the Guardian. 'She is born in the Andes and becomes the Amazon River.'In Kukama belief, the river is sacred, home to spirits like Puragua, a giant boa that embodies its health and spirit. Yet for more than four decades, the Kukama have suffered the devastation of oil spills — killing fish, poisoning water, and damaging the the legal victory, however, the river remains under threat, The Guardian reported. The fight is now complicated by a newly passed "anti-NGO" law, which prevents civil society organizations from taking legal action or offering legal counsel in cases against the Canaquiri, the struggle is for future generations.'The government must stop killing nature and start protecting it,' she said. 'Otherwise, what hope will our children have?' AUSTRALIA: Indigenous students get inside look at aviation industryIndigenous students interested in careers in aviation were given a special firsthand look inside an operational aviation facility when they visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service base in Townsville, Australia, National Indigenous Times reported on April part of the Raising Horizons pilot program, an initiative led by Gunggandji Aerospace, students from NRL Cowboys House were given rare access to one of Australia's most critical aviation Joinbee, director of Gunggandji Aerospace, said the goal of Raising Horizons is simple but powerful: to show First Nations youth that "aviation is within their reach.""Through Raising Horizons, we're giving First Nations youth real exposure to the industry, connecting them with role models, and showing them the pathways to get there," he said, according to National Indigenous many students, it was their first time inside an operational facility, given them a chance to see the range of roles that keep the RFDS running — from piloting and nursing to engineering and maintenance. They toured a modified RFDS aircraft used for emergency and remote operations and explored the hangar's cutting-edge Joinbee, director of Gunggandji Aerospace, said the goal of Raising Horizons is simple but powerful: to show First Nations youth that "aviation is within their reach.""Through Raising Horizons, we're giving First Nations youth real exposure to the industry, connecting them with role models, and showing them the pathways to get there," he said, according to National Indigenous Aerospace is Australia's first and only 100 percent Aboriginal-owned aviation company. Joinbee emphasized that the students represent the future of aviation."These students are our future pilots, engineers, and aviation leaders," he said, according to National Indigenous Times. "This pilot program is just the beginning." UNITED NATIONS: Report calls for support, funding for Indigenous mediaShane Taurima – Kaihautū of Whakaata Māori and chair of the World Indigenous Broadcasting Network – returned to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues as UNESCO unveiled a landmark global report calling for support and resources for Indigenous media, Te Ao Maori News reported on April 26.+Taurima last participated at UNPFII two years ago, when the forum officially recognized the vital role Indigenous media play in upholding Indigenous rights and called for a comprehensive global study has now been completed and was formally released, concluding that Indigenous media face severe underfunding and limited access to essential reflected on the findings by speaking from New York with Whakaata Māori journalist Te Aniwaniwa Paterson, who joined a collective of Indigenous reporters covering the forum. ICT was part of the collaboration, organized by UNESCO report found that 73 percent of Indigenous media organizations cite lack of funding as a major hurdle, while 51 percent struggle with the high costs of media equipment. Even more troubling, 19 percent report having no internet access at all.'[Indigenous media] is essential and it's impactful, but it's unfortunately under-resourced, under-funded and often overlooked from a policy perspective and excluded structurally,' Taurima said, according to Te Ao Māori report's findings hit close to home. Last year, it was announced that Whakaata Māori would see a $9.5 million funding cut over three years, a 20 percent reduction in its operating welcomed the report's recommendations, however, which include strengthening legal and institutional protections for Indigenous media, revising outdated media laws to be more inclusive, and upholding Indigenous peoples' rights to freedom of expression and access to communication platforms. My final thoughtsMy final thoughts are in Ecuador, where the story of the Waorani people is one that grabs me deep in the chest. It's not just another land dispute or a courtroom battle, it's a fight for dignity, for life itself. When the Waorani say, 'We do not want extractivism,' they're speaking not just for themselves, but for all of us who depend on forests, clean water, and a livable aren't resisting progress; they are protecting something far more precious: a way of life rooted in respect for the Earth. Their courage, standing up to powerful forces with truth and unity, is nothing short of heroic.I can't help but feel a surge of hope when I think about the Waorani's 2019 victory. Against all odds, they won, a testament to what persistence and collective strength can achieve. It's inspiring to see the Constitutional Court take their case seriously now, knowing that a strong ruling could set a new standard for Indigenous rights across fought not just for land, but for their right to be heard, to decide, to thrive. Their fight reminds us that real change often begins with the voices that are hardest to it's painful and frankly infuriating to see how the government continues to push ahead with new oil auctions. It's as if court rulings, Indigenous rights, and international law mean nothing when weighed against short-term officials offer promises of development while communities still lack clean water and basic services, that's not negotiation, it's coercion. It's colonialism, repackaged for the 21st century. And unless something shifts, we are repeating the same brutal patterns that have devastated Indigenous communities for only way forward is real respect, not just in words, but in action. Ecuador must finally recognize the right of Indigenous peoples to say "no," without fear or manipulation. Land titles must be secured, services provided, and consultations done in ways that honor Indigenous ways of decision-making, not undermine world should be watching, because what happens to the Waorani is a mirror of what's happening everywhere. Their stand is not just for their river, their forest, their future, it's for the future of all of us who believe the Earth is not for Waorani are not just protecting a forest, they are protecting the heartbeat of life itself. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
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02-04-2025
- Politics
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GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Fighting seizures of Indigenous land in Indonesia
Deusdedit RuhangariyoSpecial to ICT Around the world: Indigenous Indonesians demand an end to government land grabs, British Columbia opens new beds for Indigenous women's addiction and mental health, Queensland to build 2032 Olympics stadium on sacred Indigenous land, and Greenland reggae band Sauwestari to perform at Alianait Festival. Hundreds of Indigenous Indonesians and civil groups demand an end to violence, rights violations, and land seizures for government projects, Mongabay reported on March 26. In mid-March, over 250 Indigenous and local community members affected by Indonesia's National Strategic Projects gathered in Merauke, Papua, to share their experiences of displacement, violence and loss of rights. The projects, including roads, dams, plantations and industrial sites, have uprooted communities, often without consent or adequate compensation. The Agrarian Reform Consortium reported 154 National Strategic Projects-related conflicts between 2020 and 2024, impacting 103,000 families and 1 million hectares of land. Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) received 114 complaints in the same period, citing forced evictions, labor abuses, environmental destruction, and attacks on journalists. On March 14, the attendees, facilitated by the NGO Pusaka, issued the "Merauke solidarity declaration," calling for the termination of National Strategic Projects projects. 'We demand the complete cessation of National Strategic Projects that sacrifice the people,' the declaration stated. Pusaka director Franky Samperante called it the beginning of stronger resistance. The National Strategic Projects framework, introduced under former president Joko Widodo (2014-2024), enabled the government to seize land for development. His successor, Prabowo Subianto, expanded the program, adding 29 new projects focused on food, energy and mining. Critics argue that National Strategic Projects primarily benefits corporations while fast-tracking approvals and bypassing regulatory safeguards. In Merauke, agribusiness giants have made vast concessions for a food estate project, clearing millions of hectares for rice and sugarcane. Indigenous Papuans, who were not properly consulted, fear for their safety due to military presence and community pressure to sell their land. Vincen Kwipalo, a 67-year-old Indigenous leader, has resisted selling his clan's land. 'We are not selling our customary land. We want to manage it ourselves,' he said. His family has faced intimidation, including machete-wielding attackers threatening him for refusing to sell. His wife, Alowisia Kwerkujai, emphasized, 'This land is for our children and grandchildren.' By January 2025, thousands of hectares of forest had been cleared for the sugarcane and rice projects, despite government claims that no forests were being destroyed. The country's energy minister dismissed concerns, saying the area had only 'eucalyptus, swamps, and savannas.' However, spatial analysis revealed the destruction of the biodiverse Melaleuca swamp forests, which store significant carbon and sustain local ecosystems. During the dialogue, Vincen directly challenged government officials, asking, 'Sir, can you guarantee my safety if I get killed in the forest?' He also made a plea to President Prabowo: 'You see the development, but not that we, Indigenous people, are being forced into conflict – into bloodshed.' Despite growing evidence of rights violations, officials offered no concrete solutions. Experts warn that unchecked National Strategic Projects projects could spark unprecedented social and ecological crises. The Merauke declaration warned of an impending 'socioecological chaos' if Indigenous voices continue to be ignored. The British Columbia Health Minister, Aboriginal Housing Management Association, and Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association have announced new complex-care housing beds for Indigenous women in Surrey. The 10-bedroom home, operated by the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association, will offer 24-hour staffing, medical support, harm reduction, and culturally relevant services. It aims to support women struggling with substance use and mental health challenges by connecting them to counseling and primary care. "We need to stop closing doors and finding a way to open them," said Kyla Painter, Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association's executive director. She highlighted the importance of round-the-clock staffing, ensuring women can access care whenever needed. "The 24/7 staffing, medical support, and primary care is a really exciting and new way of addressing the homeless crisis and supporting people where they're at," she said. Women in the program can stay as long as needed and will have opportunities to reconnect with Indigenous cultural traditions. "We're offering an opportunity to get out and engage in ceremony and to understand their identities and … to connect to their cultural roots," Painter explained. Family reunification is also a priority, helping women reconnect with children or estranged relatives. The 2023 Metro Vancouver homeless count found that 33 percent of homeless individuals identified as Indigenous. Among them, 34 percent were women, compared to 25 percent of non-Indigenous homeless individuals. Aboriginal Housing Management Association CEO Margaret Pfoh stressed the need for Indigenous-led care to address barriers in the health-care system. "Indigenous people have many, many real and perceived barriers to adequate health care, just at a base standard," she said. "Never mind adding in the fact that they might be dealing with addiction, or they might be dealing with brain traumas." She added that her organization had long envisioned such a program. "[It] gives a safe place for people to rest, allows them to actually take a few moments to take care of themselves before they can address whether it's addictions, alcohol, brain injury, or other compounding issues," she said. British Columbia's Ministry of Health will provide $1.8 million annually for operations. "Far too many Indigenous peoples, particularly women, are facing significant barriers to stable housing and care," said Health Minister Josie Osborne. The province allocated $430 million to expand complex-care housing, with an additional 20 beds planned for Surrey. "What's unique about this place is that it's specifically for Indigenous women and Indigenous-led," Osborne said. The new beds are expected to be available in mid-April. The Queensland government's decision to build the 2032 Olympics stadium on Victoria Park, a site of deep Indigenous significance in central Brisbane, has sparked controversy and protests, National Indigenous Television reported on March 26. The $3.8 billion stadium will accommodate 63,000 spectators, but critics argue the development will destroy vital green space and disrespect the area's cultural heritage. Victoria Park, traditionally known as Barrambin, was historically a gathering site for the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples and contains sacred sites, including a Bora ground and a bunyip waterhole. Archaeological evidence, such as stone flints and oyster shells, has been uncovered throughout the park. Yuggera woman Aunty Deb Sandy voiced her concerns, emphasizing the land's deep cultural ties. "It's almost like our history doesn't matter," she said. She described the area as home to many Indigenous people, stressing that development would erase its historical and spiritual significance. Historian Dr. Ray Kerkhove, who has extensively studied Victoria Park, highlights its value as one of the region's most culturally significant sites. Premier David Crisafulli, who previously ruled out Victoria Park as a stadium location during his election campaign, has now approved the project. The announcement has led to a backlash, with groups like Save Victoria Park organizing protests and considering legal action. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who once supported preserving the park as a public space in 2020, now endorses the stadium plan despite previously acknowledging its Indigenous heritage. His shift has intensified public outcry. Victoria Park's history spans centuries. In the 19th century, it housed up to 1,500 Indigenous people before forced removals sent them to missions. Many later returned in the 20th century when restrictions eased. Aunty Deb Sandy, whose family has long ties to the area, emphasized why the site remains crucial. "It's home," she said", according to National Indigenous Times The Alianait Arts Festival, an annual cultural event in Arctic Canada, recently announced its 2025 dates as June 19-22. Eye on the Arctic reported on March 28. 'We dreamed of hosting this band in Iqaluit since we heard their first single,' said Co-Executive Director Andrew Morrison, according to Eye on the Arctic. 'This is exactly in line with our vision for Alianait – world-class Inuit performers inspiring, collaborating, and sharing their energy and passion. It is contagious, and I have no doubt they'll inspire a new generation of music lovers at Alianait.' Held annually in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, the festival will take place during the summer solstice weekend and coincide with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. Co-Executive Director Jaqqa Petersen emphasized the festival's growing commitment to Inuit representation, not only on stage but also behind the scenes in areas like production, lighting, sound, photography, and stage management. 'We are working hard to create collaborations with different organizations in Iqaluit and across Nunavut to increase Inuit influence on all aspects of the festival,' Petersen said, according to Eye on the Arctic. 'This includes organizing our Inuit Excellence Program, where professional Inuit producers and technical directors train the next generation of young Inuit in Nunavut.' More details on the festival lineup will be shared on the Alianait website and social media in the coming weeks. For over twenty years, Alianait has showcased artists from across the Arctic, welcoming both rising talents and established performers. My final thoughts are in Indonesia where the Indonesian government's National Strategic Projects have systematically dispossessed Indigenous communities, violating their rights and devastating their lands. Under the guise of economic growth, these projects have forcibly evicted families, enabled violence, and destroyed vital ecosystems. The state's use of eminent domain to seize customary lands, often without proper consultation or compensation, is a blatant disregard for human rights and justice. No development should come at the cost of people's dignity, safety and survival. These projects must be stopped immediately to prevent further displacement, social conflict, and environmental destruction. The government's continued expansion of National Strategic Projects, despite widespread reports of rights abuses, reflects a dangerous prioritization of corporate profits over human lives. Ignoring the voices of affected communities will only deepen resentment, escalate tensions, and fuel long-term instability. Infrastructure and economic policies should serve the people, not exploit them. A just and sustainable way forward requires full recognition of Indigenous land rights and the immediate cessation of forced evictions. Development must be community-led, respecting traditional land stewardship and ensuring proper consultation and consent. The government should redirect resources toward empowering local economies, supporting small-scale agriculture, and investing in renewable energy projects that do not displace communities or degrade ecosystems. True progress is not measured by the number of highways, plantations, or industrial zones but by the well-being of the people. The Indonesian government must choose justice over greed, sustainability over destruction, and inclusion over oppression. Only by prioritizing human rights and environmental protection can Indonesia build a future that benefits all its people, not just the privileged few. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
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12-03-2025
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GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Indonesian farmers fight company's eviction attempts
Deusdedit RuhangariyoSpecial to ICT Around the world: North Sumatra farmers fight eviction against palm oil giant, Garden River First Nation student researches fish contamination levels in Canada, and Indigenous artists included in Minderoo funding recipients in Australia. A last-minute court ruling led an Indonesian palm oil company to pause the eviction of several hundred farmers from Aek Kuo subdistrict in North Sumatra, Mongabay reported on March 7. On Feb. 20, a local court authorized the eviction of farmers in Aek Kuo, granting PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology (SMART) permission to convert 83.5 hectares (206 acres) of land into an oil palm plantation. However, the farmers, who have cultivated the land for generations, consider the eviction a violation of their rights. In an effort to prevent their displacement, some traveled to Jakarta to seek support from Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights, known as Komnas HAM. The company carrying out the eviction, SMART, is a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, one of the nation's leading palm oil producers. Originally, SMART planned to remove the farmers on Feb. 28, but the court postponed the action until March 6 after Komnas HAM's mediation chief, Prabianto Mukti Wibowo, intervened. 'We came here to ask Komnas HAM for protection,' said Misno, a fruit and vegetable farmer from Aek Kuo, according to Mongabay. 'We rely on just 83.5 hectares to sustain ourselves,' he added. 'This land is our only means of survival.' After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, many workers took over land left unoccupied by departing European plantation firms. However, land disputes remain prevalent today, with companies often laying claim to areas that local communities have long inhabited. According to the Consortium for Agrarian Reform, a Jakarta-based advocacy group, Indonesia recorded 295 land conflicts in 2024 alone. The Aek Kuo farmers insist they hold legitimate documentation proving their tenure, including a Land Occupation Registration Certificate issued by government authorities in the 1950s. 'This document serves as official recognition by the government of the community's presence,' said Muhammad Syafiq, a researcher at the Agrarian Resource Center, according to Mongabay. Post-independence bureaucratic reforms have frequently created friction with older land titles, contributing to ongoing disputes. The farmers say SMART previously attempted to remove them in both 2012 and 2019. Past legal rulings have favored Sinar Mas, upholding its plantation permit – known as an HGU – over the community's claims. However, in a separate case within the same province, a judicial review sided with local farmers, rejecting a competing claim from state-run plantation company PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV). 'We continue to seek an amicable solution as a sign of the company's goodwill,' said Sinar Mas spokesperson Stephan Sinisuka, according to Mongabay. A graduate student from Garden River First Nation is working to enhance the safety testing of fish in her community, CBC News reported on March 9. Jessica Pauze is conducting research by sampling inland lakes throughout Garden River First Nation's traditional territory, working to create a custom fish consumption advisory chart tailored to her community. While Ontario has been testing fish for contaminants since the 1970s, the province's approach is limited, as it cannot sample all of its 250,000 lakes. Furthermore, many fishers in Garden River don't consult provincial advisories because they are not easily accessible, and Pauze notes that the provincial method for assessing fish safety does not align with the needs of First Nation harvesters. 'From the Ontario guideline perspective, those values are based only on the fish filet, with the skin removed,' Pauze explained, according to CBC News. 'But we know that Indigenous communities often consume other parts of the fish that aren't considered in government advisories.' This highlights a significant gap in the current government approach to fish safety. Pauze is addressing this gap by testing fish from a wider range of body parts, including strips from the muscle to the belly, as well as examining fish stomachs for microplastics. Her research is ongoing year-round to determine whether contamination levels change with the seasons, as government research is only conducted during the summer and fall. Last summer, Pauze conducted preliminary research in Echo Lake and is now analyzing over 85 fish she collected, with a quarter of the testing completed for heavy metals and some stomach samples already showing microplastics. For her consumption guide, Pauze plans to test at least 15 fish per species per lake and is increasing community outreach to engage more local fishers. A few have already volunteered to help with sampling. 'Our project is based on community-based sampling, so it benefits Garden River directly. The samples we test come from the community's harvesters and the fish they eat,' Pauze said, according to CBC News. This community-centered approach fosters greater transparency and trust in the data. Having grown up with a strong connection to water and fishing, Pauze sees her work as a continuation of the knowledge passed down by her family, seeking to combine Indigenous wisdom with academic research for the benefit of her community. Nine artists from Western Australia will launch bold new projects with the help of the Minderoo Artist Fund, which offers grants and residencies to mid-career creatives, National Indigenous Times reported on March 7. The Minderoo Artist Fund has announced its 2025 recipients, supporting nine Western Australian artists with grants and residencies to develop new projects. Among the recipients are Indigenous artists Gary Hamaguchi and Mark Coles Smith. Hamaguchi, a Jaru/Noongar/Japanese filmmaker, will create 'Kodj,' a sci-fi film about a Noongar father teaching his son traditional survival knowledge to combat an alien invasion. Coles Smith, a Nyikina musician, will produce 'Kalaji 2,' an electronic music album focused on cultural resilience. Hamaguchi shared that his partner's grandfather, who possessed deep knowledge of traditional customs, once taught him how to make a kodj (axe). "He knows all the knowledge about how to build tools … as an adult, he actually took me out and told me how to make a kodj," he explained, according to National Indigenous Times. Expressing gratitude for the funding, Hamaguchi said, "Being a freelance filmmaker with a young fella and a family, it's hard sometimes. … This funding helps with that and lets me work on the project." Established in 2020, the Minderoo Artist Fund supports mid-career creatives, including dance artists, musicians, writers, visual artists, and theatre-makers. Each recipient will receive a $35,000 grant or a six-week residency at Forrest Hall in Perth. The fund aims to nurture vibrant communities through investment in the arts. Minderoo Foundation co-chair Nicola Forrest AO expressed excitement about the impact of this year's cohort, which reflects the diverse range of artistic talent in WA. Other recipients include: Laura Boynes (dance), Alan Fyfe (literature), Sarah Nelson (theatre), Elise Reitze-Swensen (music composition), and Fleur Schell (visual arts & community engagement). Residency recipients include: Emma Fishwick (dance) and Hiroshi Kobayashi (visual arts). The event also recognized WA author Holden Sheppard with the Minderoo Artist Award, a $50,000 grant to support his work on the sequel to Invisible Boys, addressing themes of discrimination and masculinity in Australian Rules football. My final thoughts are in Indonesia where the eviction of farmers in Aek Kuo exposes the persistent injustice faced by Indigenous and local communities. These farmers have cultivated this land for generations, yet they are being forced out by powerful palm oil corporations. The court's decision disregards their historical ties and documented land rights, favoring corporate interests over human rights. Such actions reflect a troubling pattern where legal loopholes and bureaucratic inefficiencies enable land grabs that displace vulnerable communities. Granting Indigenous communities authority over their land is essential for protecting their livelihoods, culture and economic stability. When people are removed from their ancestral lands, they lose not just their homes but also their primary source of income and cultural identity. Research shows that Indigenous land stewardship promotes environmental conservation, preventing deforestation and biodiversity loss. Stripping them of land rights not only deepens economic inequality but also accelerates environmental destruction. To ensure justice, Indonesia must strengthen land tenure policies that prioritize community claims over corporate expansion. The government should conduct transparent reviews of historical land ownership and recognize verifiable claims like those of the Aek Kuo farmers. Independent human rights bodies such as Komnas HAM must be empowered to mediate conflicts and hold corporations accountable for unlawful land seizures. Legal frameworks should also be reformed to close loopholes that companies exploit to justify evictions. A sustainable way forward requires legal recognition of Indigenous land rights, stronger policy protections, and corporate accountability. The government must balance development with social justice, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of vulnerable communities. Companies like SMART and Sinar Mas should engage in fair negotiations rather than resorting to forced evictions. Recognizing and respecting community land rights is key to achieving both social equity and sustainable land management in Indonesia. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
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GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Fighting uranium exploration in Canada
Deusdedit RuhangariyoSpecial to ICT Around the world: Canada's Supreme Court allows Métis Nation-Saskatchewan to challenge uranium permits, micro-hydro power generates electricity for remote villages in the Philippines, Indigenous celebrities speak up for road safety in Australia, and Thailand deports 40 Uyghurs to China CANADA: Supreme Court allows uranium permit challenge Canada's Supreme Court has ruled that the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan may proceed with its challenge against three provincial uranium exploration permits, APTN News reported on Feb. 28. SUPPORT INDIGENOUS JOURNALISM.. In a unanimous ruling, the court rejected Saskatchewan's challenge to a lawsuit claiming the Métis Nation was not consulted before uranium exploration permits were granted. The decision allows the Métis Nation to move forward with legal proceedings against the province after three permits were issued in northwest Saskatchewan near Patterson Lake three years ago. The legal battle dates back to 1994, when the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan took the province to court, seeking recognition of its Aboriginal title and commercial harvesting rights in Saskatchewan's northwest. The Métis Nation filed the lawsuit in 2021, asserting that it holds Aboriginal title and rights over the land in question and that Saskatchewan 'refused to consult' before approving the uranium permits. A Court of King's Bench judge initially sided with Saskatchewan, striking parts of the lawsuit concerning those claims. However, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan appealed the decision and successfully had the entire case reinstated. PHILIPPINES: Micro-hydro power brings electricity to remote villages Micro-hydro initiatives have flourished in the Philippines, bringing electricity for the first time to remote villages in Indigenous communities, Mongabay reported on Feb. 27. Although an estimated 3.6 million Philippine households remain off the grid, work by communities and civic groups have helped build small-scale hydroelectric generators that can be used in remote areas. The first time 52-year-old Juliana Balweg-Baawa switched on the light in her home, she jumped for joy. 'My children can study at night!' she said. Until her village, Mataragan, was electrified in 2003, she relied on gas lamps. Electricity changed everything—her children finished high school, and she started selling frozen meat and cold drinks. Mataragan now has two micro-hydro generators — one for homes and another for irrigating rice fields and processing crops. Across the Cordillera mountains, Indigenous villages have embraced micro-hydro as an alternative to large dams, which often displace communities. In 2002, Bubot Bagwan and neighbors from Pangued, a village near Mataragan, trekked for a week carrying cement and machine parts on horseback to build their own generator. 'The micro-hydro got here before any car or road did,' said Bagwan, according to Mongabay. Today, Pangued remains without a paved road, but it has steady electricity. Still, electrification remains a challenge in isolated areas. The government aims for 100 percent electrification by 2028, but funding falls short. Ernesto Silvano, Jr., of the National Electrification Administration, admits that many remote areas are 'too isolated' for grid expansion. Instead, the government offers a Solar Home System alternative, but budget constraints limit its reach. Communities handle construction and maintenance, keeping costs low. But the government's push for grid expansion could mean higher costs for residents. Micro-hydro users pay 5-7 pesos per kilowatt-hour, while the grid costs up to 17.6 pesos. AUSTRALIA: Indigenous voices unite for road safety Two celebrities in Australia have joined forces to encourage communities to improve their driving habits in support of the Australian government's Safer Driving Starts with You campaign, National Indigenous Times reported Feb. 28. Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung musician Troy Cassar-Daley and former professional rugby star Scott Prince, who is Kalkadoon, shared their personal experiences with dangers on the roadway. The campaign comes as the national road toll reaches its highest point in over a decade, with Indigenous Australians facing a road fatality rate more than three times higher than the rest of the population. Cassar-Daley shares that his years of touring have given him firsthand experience with reckless drivers. "I've seen worse behaviour on the roads than at any concert – and often from very experienced drivers," he said. He urged motorists to stay focused, control their emotions, and consider the consequences of their actions. "You wouldn't do dumb or inconsiderate things outside of a car, so why do them in one?" he added, according to National Indigenous Times. Prince recalled the devastating loss of his father in an accident just weeks after his 21st birthday. "I think about him every day," he said, according to National Indigenous Times. 'None of us think it can happen to us, but you just never know." The campaign message — "Don't let a car change who you are – Safer driving starts with you" — urges all road users to take responsibility behind the wheel. Indigenous Australians are 30 percent more likely to be hospitalized due to road crashes, highlighting the urgent need for safer driving practices. THAILAND: Uyghurs deported to China Four ethnic Uyghurs detained in a Thai prison broke down in tears upon hearing that 40 of their friends had been deported to China after spending more than a decade in a Thai immigration facility, a friend of the men said after a visit, Radio Free Asia reported on Feb. 28. Thailand sent 40 Uyghurs back to China on Thursday, Feb. 27, disregarding warnings from the U.S., the United Nations and human rights groups that they could face torture upon their return to Xinjiang, the region they fled more than 10 years ago. 'They were devastated,' said the friend, who gave her name only as Marzeryya while speaking to Radio Free Asia affiliate BenarNews. 'They cried, something I had never seen them do before, because they are deeply worried about their friends.' Five Uyghurs remain behind bars at Bangkok's Klong Prem prison, where they were placed after an escape attempt. Marzeryya, who visited four of them on Friday, said it remains unclear why they were not sent back to China along with the others. Defending the deportations, Thai officials said they were acting on an 'official request' from China and had been given high-level assurances regarding the men's well-being. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, addressing concerns that the move could strain diplomatic ties with the U.S., denied that Thailand had sent the men back in exchange for economic favors from China. 'This is about people, not goods. People are not merchandise. We definitely did not trade them,' she told reporters, according to Radio Free Asia. Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group in China's Xinjiang region, have faced serious allegations of human rights abuses, including mass detentions in large internment camps. While Beijing denies these accusations, U.N. experts warned on Jan. 21 that the Uyghurs detained in Thailand would likely face torture if sent back and urged Thai authorities to halt their deportation. My final thoughts My final thoughts are in Canada where the Supreme Court's decision to let the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan move forward with its legal challenge is a big win for Indigenous rights. By rejecting Saskatchewan's attempt to shut down the case, the court made clear that governments can't hand out resource permits without consulting the people whose land is at stake. This ruling sends a strong message: Indigenous voices matter, and their rights deserve legal protection. The duty to consult isn't just a formality — it's a crucial safeguard against governments and corporations making decisions that could harm Indigenous communities. The Supreme Court's ruling reinforces that Indigenous groups have a right to be heard when projects like uranium exploration threaten their land and way of life. Ignoring this not only disregards legal obligations but also deepens historical injustices. Looking ahead, courts need to take Indigenous legal traditions seriously. Indigenous laws and governance systems should be respected alongside Canadian law, ensuring a fairer approach to land disputes. When Indigenous perspectives are included in legal decisions, it strengthens reconciliation efforts and acknowledges their long-standing connection to the land. Fighting for land rights shouldn't be an uphill battle. Indigenous communities deserve better access to legal support so they can navigate the court system without unnecessary obstacles. Financial barriers, legal red tape, and lengthy court delays often make justice feel out of reach. By addressing these issues, courts can help create a system where Indigenous people have a real chance to protect their land and their future. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Yahoo
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: A New Zealand mountain now a person, legally
Deusdedit RuhangariyoSpecial to ICT Around the world: Taranaki Maunga, a mountain in New Zealand, has been granted legal personhood, Rwanda initiates Heritage Forest project safeguarding ancient native trees, Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles runway returns in 2025, and a renowned Uyghur historian receives a 17-year prison sentence. New Zealand has officially conferred legal personhood on a mountain for the first time, honoring its cultural significance to Māori tribes and establishing a precedent for enhanced environmental protection, Mongabay reported on February 20. In January, a new law redefined Taranaki mountain on New Zealand's North Island. It will be known by its Māori name, Taranaki Maunga (maunga meaning mountain), replacing the colonial Mount Egmont. Likewise, Egmont National Park becomes Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. The law also designates Taranaki Maunga and its adjacent peaks as a legal person, 'Te Kāhui Tupua,' with 'all the rights, powers, duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of a legal person.' New Zealand has recently extended legal personhood to natural entities, including a rainforest, a river, as well as whales and dolphins. Environmental economist Viktoria Kahui of the University of Otago emailed Mongabay that while mountains like Mauna Kea in Hawaii – granted stewardship authority – and Mount Zizuma in Colombia – deemed sacred – enjoy legal status, these differ from full legal personhood. For Taranaki's Māori, Taranaki Maunga is more than a mountain; it is an ancestor, 'a source of physical, cultural, and spiritual sustenance, and a final resting place.' In the 19th century, the British Crown purchased and confiscated land in Taranaki without Māori consent, prompting efforts to reclaim ancestral lands. Kahui remarked that the law is 'a real testament to Māori in Taranaki who resisted and struggled against the wrongdoing of the Crown for well over [a] hundred years.' Beyond its cultural value, the law provides a 'blueprint' for environmental protection by empowering Indigenous communities, as it 'acknowledges the special relationship between the Indigenous people of Taranaki and the Maunga.' Although Te Kāhui Tupua is a nonhuman legal entity – similar to a legally recognized organization that can own property, enter contracts, and sue – Kahui noted, 'They do not have the same rights as human beings.' The bill mandates that Te Tōpuni Kōkōrangi, a legal body comprising four local Māori iwi members and four individuals appointed by the minister of conservation, will represent Te Kāhui Tupua. Through this body, the mountain 'has a voice' and its interests are legally defended, with Kahui adding, 'That's unique.' Amid global biodiversity loss driven by economic pressures, environmental legal personhood has empowered Indigenous tribes and local communities in places like New Zealand and Colombia to gain control over environmental stewardship. Rwanda's legacy tree project, launched February 20 by Rwanda Forestry Authority and University of Rwanda's CoEB, aims to document, protect, and celebrate the nation's oldest, largest, and significant trees, Earth Rwanda reported on February 20. Amidst Rwanda's rolling hills and expanding cities, many of the nation's oldest trees still stand – witnesses to generations of change. These legacy trees are vital for carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and preserving Rwanda's cultural heritage. Yet, with urbanization and agriculture on the rise, these ancient giants face growing threats. 'The Legacy Tree Project is a crucial step in protecting Rwanda's remaining native trees,' said Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of RFA, according to Earth Rwanda. 'By documenting these trees and recognizing their ecological and cultural value, we are ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from their presence.' This initiative goes beyond merely identifying trees – it's about sharing their stories. Conservationists and researchers will record the histories of these trees, involve local communities in their care, and even launch a Legacy Tree Tour. Managed by community members, this tour will promote eco-tourism while providing income to local households. According to Beth Kaplin, Senior Researcher at CoEB, science and tradition must work together for success. 'By combining scientific research with traditional knowledge, the Legacy Tree Project will not only protect biodiversity but also strengthen the connection between people and nature,' she explained. 'These trees are living testaments to Rwanda's history, and through this initiative, we will ensure their stories are told and their benefits sustained.' The project also aims to improve access to native seeds for forest restoration, enhance research and policy advocacy for tree conservation, raise public awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of legacy trees, and engage youth in hands-on stewardship programs. One exciting aspect is its community-driven approach. Rwandans are encouraged to help identify and document legacy trees in their districts. If you come across an exceptionally large native tree – so immense that you can't wrap your arms around it – it might be a legacy tree. You can submit details online, contact a local District Forest or Environment Officer, or send an SMS with the tree's location. Experts will then verify its status, record its details, and ensure its protection. Through the combined efforts of scientists, conservationists, and local communities, the Legacy Tree Project is set to become a cornerstone of Rwanda's commitment to sustainability and biodiversity conservation. It's not just about saving trees – it's about preserving a natural and cultural legacy for future generations. The Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art runway makes a comeback on June 1, highlighting the growing excitement and participation in textile and fashion innovations across Western Australia and throughout the nation, National Indigenous Times reported on February 20. The Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts event has been a source of inspiration for Kimberley textile printers, fashion makers, designers, and creatives in performance and photography. Answering the call from local art professionals and regional communities for homegrown opportunities in the creative and fashion industries, Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts established a platform for local talents to develop and showcase their innovations in fashion and textiles. "KAFTA (Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts) is back in 2025 to celebrate Kimberley Aboriginal fashion, textiles and creative industries over the June long weekend! Designers and artists, an EOI call out for collections and stalls is coming. Can't wait to see what everyone is creating for this year's runway," the Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts team announced in a statement this week, according to National Indigenous Times. Returning on Sunday, June 1, the Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts runway will feature a fresh lineup of Kimberley Aboriginal fashion, textiles, and live performances. On Monday, June 2, the Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts Pop Up Fashion Fair will give consumers the opportunity to purchase directly from Kimberley creatives in Broome. Details on participating designers and art canters are yet to be announced. Brodie George, founder of Jalayimiya Swim and a proud First Nations fashion designer who participated in the 2024 runway, emphasized the event's positive impact on both the community and its designers. "I was very emotional on the day and the days leading up to it watching all the prep. KAFTA (Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts) has such a great impact on our community and this event will definitely be a highlight of the year for all involved," she said. Part of the Broome Fringe Festival, Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts events have showcased Kimberley community-led experiences by presenting 13 clothing collections, featuring work by 53 artists, engaging 78 young Indigenous models, and including 52 Indigenous performers. Remarkably, Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Arts is entirely Kimberley-run, relying on local businesses for equipment and event services. A renowned Uyghur historian and expert in Uyghur toponyms is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence due to his writings, according to sources familiar with the matter, Radio Free Asia reported on February 21. Ghojaniyaz Yollugh Tekin, 59, previously an educator at the Aksu Education Institute in China's far-western Xinjiang region, focused his research and publications on Uyghur toponymy – the linguistic evolution of place names and the historical and geographical reasons for them. A police officer from Tekin's village in Aksu prefecture's Uchturpan county informed Radio Free Asia that Tekin had been sentenced to 17 years and is serving his sentence in Hotan, approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Aksu city. Tekin was detained in 2017 during the Chinese government's mass roundup of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples in Xinjiang, according to a list of imprisoned Uyghur intellectuals compiled by Norway-based researcher Abduweli Ayup. Tekin received his prison sentence in late 2018 for his research, writings, and views that Uyghurs are part of the Turkic world – and not Chinese – according to Ayup's data. Among the estimated 1.8 million Uyghurs, including intellectuals, teachers, cultural figures, and prominent businesspeople, who were forced into re-education camps, Tekin was notable for his influential historical research and writings. He actively participated in intellectual gatherings and debates in Uyghur society, said his friend Tuyghun Abduweli, an activist now living in Canada. Chinese state security agents often harassed Tekin after he gained significant recognition for his writings on sensitive historical topics concerning Uyghurs' connection with the Turkic world, Abduweli said. My final thoughts are in New Zealand where a decision to recognize Taranaki Maunga as a legal person is nothing short of inspiring. By renaming this cherished mountain with its original Māori name and establishing it as Te Kāhui Tupua – with 'all the rights, powers, duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of a legal person' – the law beautifully honors the deep-rooted connection between the Māori people and their ancestral land. This gesture not only reclaims the mountain's true identity after a long history of colonial imposition but also serves as a powerful symbol of resistance. It stands as a heartfelt tribute to a community's resilience and a reminder of the enduring value of indigenous wisdom. What makes this initiative even more remarkable is its forward-thinking approach to environmental protection. This not only paves the way for better environmental stewardship but also empowers Indigenous communities to take an active role in protecting their natural heritage. In a world facing growing environmental challenges and biodiversity loss, New Zealand's model offers a refreshing and transformative blueprint. Other nations should take note: Integrating indigenous perspectives and granting legal personhood to natural entities can help address historical injustices while fostering sustainable relationships with our environment. Embracing this innovative approach is more than just a legal reform – it's a commitment to honoring cultural heritage and preserving nature for future generations. Let New Zealand's example inspire a global movement toward environmental justice and cultural reconciliation. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter!
