1993 was proclaimed the
“International Year of the World’s Indigenous People”
by the member states of the United Nations.
This lead to the “International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples” (1995-2005).
This was an opportunity for indigenous peoples to forge meaningful partnerships with nations to secure and protect the rights and lands of indigenous and tribal peoples worldwide.
During this time, delegations from around the globe gathered to draft a formal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
After many years of collaboration and debate, the United Nations General Assembly adopted this declaration and
Advanced the recognition of self-determination as a distinct cultural right for indigenous and tribal people worldwide.
We are very excited about the new directions of U.S. policy makers and anticipate the Obama Administration will soon open meaningful dialogues to form the partnerships outlined during the International Decade and address the earnest concerns of indigenous and tribal peoples who remain disenfranchised and unrecognized in our own lands.
The rights of indigenous people are now clearly documented and recognized. It is up to us to nobly exercise these rights to help each other and the planet.
One Love is Law.
