Preliminary Prospectus and Call for Suggestions, Contacts,
Papers and Support:
ARCTIC TO AMAZONIA CONGRESS,1993: SEEDS OF HOPE
Throughout the world, members of the dominant,
industrialized, western, technocratic society are
beginning to profoundly question many of the most basic
operative assumptions of that culture. Based upon
presumptions which require a limitless supply of
resources to fuel constant, unqualified growth; and based
upon conquest of both nature and more nature-oriented
human cultures, the dominant world culture is rapidly
being recognized as having become morally, ethically,
environmentally and economically bankrupt. The multi-
faceted global environmental crisis is a manifestation of
such "wrong-livlihood". At the same time that recognition
of the systemic and pervasive nature of such problems is
increasing, there is a growing awareness of the gulf of
leadership available to help guide the human world back
onto a healthy course.
Meanwhile, the relentless forces of industrial capitalism
grind on, destroying the last remaining healthy ecosystems
on the planet, fouling the collective nest, and forcing non-
industrial peoples to submit to the pressures of
development or die.
Yet, around the world, many traditional Indigenous
cultures are actually growing stronger, and speaking
louder to the rest of humanity. Largely ignored by the
media, cultural resurgence is defying the prevailing
assumptions that non industrialized cultures are doomed
to assimilation and destruction. On Rapa Nui ("Easter
Island") the old dances are being relearned, the stone heads
unearthed and brought back to life within their culture. In
"British" Columbia, the Gitksan Wet'su'weten tribes have
reintroduced sustainable forestry management plans to
their region, based upon traditional Tribal values. In
Amazonia, several Tribal confederations have formed,
addressing needs such as land rights and territorial
demarcation, education, resource management, etc.
Recently, the Union of Indigenous Nations, has formed a
university in Goiana, Brazil, where Indians are teaching
Indians, and traditional agroforestry practices are being
researched and demonstrated to the non-Indian world.
The wave of cultural and physical genocide which has
swept the planet is still very much a reality, and there is
still a pressing need to provide assistance to the many
cultural groups fighting for survival. However, the
cultural resurgence occuring throughout more
sophisticated, Indigenous communities and societies
offers the possibility of renewed hope for all. It is likely
that even as non-Indigenous peoples awaken to the reality
and atrocity of the genocide perpetrated by their own
economic systems, Indigenous peoples offer the most
viable solutions to the global problems largely caused by
operating from an industrial, urban, "western" paradigm.
Based on the solid foundation laid by the first Arctic to
Amazonia Conference: "Industrial Nations' Exploitation of
Tribal Lands" (September 1989, Smith/Dartmouth
Colleges), the second Arctic to Amazonia Congress , "Seeds
of Hope", will focus upon cultural resurgence, global
leadership emerging from Tribal nations, and utilize
concrete examples of successful and sustainable economic
and environmental strategies based upon Tribal paradigms.
Scheduled for late Spring of 1993, the conference will be a
week long series of presentations and workshops by both
Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons. Much attention
will be paid to strategy sessions, skill sharing, and
building stronger coalitions. Ample time will be left open
for informal gathering, socializing, music and dance. The
week long global pow-wow will show the world that
Indigenous cultures are not only alive, but growing
stronger, and offer many sophisticated and progressive
approaches to repairing the planet. Location to be
announced.
For more information, to get involved, to submit
suggestions of projects or groups for inclusion, or to be
placed on the mailing list, send your name, address, phone,
and particular interest to:
Seeds of Hope Congress, 1993
Arctic to Amazonia Alliance
PO Box 73
Strafford, Vermont 05072, USA
Econet: arc2amaz