CRY OF THE EARTH: THE LEGACY OF FIRST NATIONS
THE PROPHESIES OF TURTLE ISLAND
November 22, 1993
United Nations, New York City
A conference for the presentation of traditional prophesies and
Earth-based value in accordance with the United Nations Resolution
45/164 declaring 1993 the Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples
In accordance with United Nations Resolution 45/164, declaring 1993
as the Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples, and in accordance
with the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, especially
with reference to Principle 22, stating "Indigenous peoples and
their communities, and other local communities, have a vital role
in environmental management and development because of their
knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and
duly support their identity, culture and interests and enable their
effective participating in the achievement of sustainable
development." The Cry of the Earth Conference will seek to provide a
forum where holders of ancient traditions, and innovators in
sustainable development can meet in a spirit of mutual interchange
and cooperation, seeking to foster a greater understanding of
shared concerns pertaining to our common future.
The Cry of the Earth Conference is a response to an initiative by
several traditional indigenous councils who have felt that it is
imperative that their concerns and traditional prophesies relating
to the Earth be heard at the United Nations during the Year for the
Indigenous Peoples. It is hoped that this conference will be a
first step towards a continuing dialogue between traditional
indigenous wisdom keepers and the United Nations and
representatives of its member states.
As Chapter 26 of Agenda 21 states, indigenous peoples "have
developed over many generations a holistic traditional scientific
knowledge of their lands, natural resources and environment...In
view of the interrelationship between the natural environment and
its sustainable development and the cultural, social, economic and
physical well-being of indigenous people, and the national and
international efforts to implement environmentally sound and
sustainable development should recognize, accommodate, promote and
strengthen the role of indigenous people and their communities."
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Proposed Conference Schedule
Day 1 November 20, 1993 - The Giving of Thanks observance
celebrating the Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples
at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, New York City
2:00 PM - Children's Program
6:00 PM - Giving of Thanks
Both programs are open to the public with reservation.
Preferred seating available: $35-$55, call 212-768-1430
Day 2 November 21, 1993 - Tree of Peace planting ceremony in
Central Park.
1:15 PM - Processional from the steps of the
Cathedral of St. John to the park.
* Everyone welcome.
Cathedral Information 212-662-2133
Day 3 November 22, 1993 - Cry of the Earth: The Legacy of the
First Nations --The Turtle Islanders-- A presentation at
the United Nations by the traditional spiritual elders
of the Four Directions on the prophesies and their
knowledge regarding the Earth and the environment.
*Open ONLY for accredited U.N. and N.G.O. delegates and
representatives*
Day 4 November 23, 1993 - Cry of the Earth: Meetings and
discussions on the implications of the traditional
knowledge relating to policy and sustainable
development.
*Open ONLY to accredited U.N. and N.G.O. delegates and
representatives*
6:00 PM - Presentation of the Hopi Prophesies
NY University Law School Auditorium
Open to the public with reservations.
Call 212-439-8027
[We welcome one-page statements from grass-roots indigenous organizations
on issues and events that have happened during the 1993 Year of
the Indigenous Peoples (i.e. environmental, cultural, human
rights issues and events) that might be dealt with through
international agencies. In order for statements to be
distributed, 30 copies must be received by Betsy Stang, c/o Cry
of the Earth, 10 W. 66 St., NY, NY 10023, no later than Nov. 15, 1993]
By necessity, at this time we are focusing on North American
(Canada, United States, Mexico) for this event. It is envisioned
that this gathering will lead to a wider global conference of
indigenous leaders in 1994, and will facilitate further
representation by indigenous representatives in forums such as the
General Assembly.
Co-ordinating Organizations
Wittenberg Center for Alternative Resources - Betsy Stang
Cresenterra - Corina Courtright
Endorsing Organizations
*American Indian Institute *National Museum of the American Indian
*American Indian Ritual *Natural Resource Defense Council
Object Repatriation *Temple of Understanding
Foundation *Tree of Peace Society
*Cathedral of St. John *UNICEF
the Divine *United Nations Centre for Human
*Earth Circle Foundation Rights
*Giving of Thanks to the *United National Development Programme
First Peoples *United Nations Environment Programme
*Fund of the Four *World Uranium Hearing
Directions *International Labour Organization
*Instituto Nacional
Indigenista
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October 22, 1993
Much time and energy has been dedicated to the realization of the
dream of having the prophesies of Turtle Island (North America) be
told at the United Nations during 1993 - The Year of the Indigenous
Peoples.
Now this dream seems like it will be a reality but we need your
help. Our expenses toward creating this conference are mounting,
and we cannot divert our energies from the organizing process at
this time. Will you send us your contribution of $50, $100 or
whatever you can? Please, we cannot do this alone.
Contributions are needed to cover travel and expenses in New York
for representatives of the indigenous nations and peoples.
We need your prayers, as well, that the Cry of the Earth be truly
heard at the United Nations this year and that we might affect
healing of the Mother Earth.
Please, take a moment from your busy day and respond now. The
future depends on all of us.
Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to:
The Wittenberg Center for Alternative Resources
188 Wittenberg Road, Bearsville, NY 12409
(marked Cry of the Earth)
Thank you for your support.
[For additional details and information, please, contact me,
Michele Lord via e-mail or call me at Alpha Institute,
303-343-4114. Thank you]
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"When we walk upon Mother Earth, we always plant our feet carefully
because we know the faces of our future generations are looking
up at us from beneath the ground. We never forget them."
-Oren Lyons, Onondaga Nation
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milo@scicom.alphacdc.com Michele Lord Alpha Institute
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