The thirteenth session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will take place on 12-23 May with principles of good governance at the forefront of discussions. For indigenous peoples, good governance is grounded in the right to self-determination, which is a pre-condition for the enjoyment of all other rights as it means the right to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development. Good governance is premised on the recognition of … [Read more...]
Indigenous Women in Latin America must Take Action!
May 2013 – Indigenous peoples in Latin America have undergone an unprecedented mobilization in the past 20 years, but political participation, particularly among women, is still low, the United Nations said in a new report released today. Intercultural Citizenship – Contributions from the political participation of indigenous peoples in Latin America, released by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), cites several factors that have helped boost the political participation of indigenous peoples … [Read more...]
Questions about the 13 Grandmothers Virtual Gathering?
Hi - It's Alison Weeks here of The Shift Network. We're excited and deeply honored to be hosting the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers for a 3-Day Virtual Gathering and Prayer Circle - which starts tomorrow! Please visit our course page for more details and to register! Each time we've featured these incredibly wise planetary elders, the response from you has been huge. We see this as a great reflection of the transformative times we're in and the message of hope and healing they're here to … [Read more...]
ADELE BUTLER – Women of Spirit: Grandma and Goliath
Grandma and Goliath Grandmother Takes on Oil Giant ... Recently I read what can only be called a modern day David and Goliath story. The two contenders are an Ecuadorean grandmother whose modest home sits near marshes that are clogged with sticky oil for decades and Chevron. Maria Aguinda helped to bring a landmark judgment against Chevron for polluting the rain forest which she calls home. She spoke out against the US oil giant after it was fined $9.5 billion, among the … [Read more...]