> Could anyone on the net confirm whether the 4th world indigenous
> youth conference planned for June 1996 in Sweden is still going to
> happen...
The Web page for the 4th World Indigenous Youth Conference is
maintained by Nancy Thomas:
http://www.cris.com/~Nlthomas/lists/4wiyc.html
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Comments from NativeNet listowner, Gary Trujillo (gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us):
Just to make things easier for everyone, here's the content of that page:
- FOURTH WORLD INDIGENOUS YOUTH CONFERENCE -
13-20 JUNE 1996, SPMI, SWEDEN
"4 W I Y C"
mg17945@gaia.swipnet.se
The Saami Youth (the indigenous people of Sweden, Norway, Finland and the
Kola Peninsula, Russia) are glad to be hosting The Fourth World indigenous
Youth Conference in June 1996.
The First Indigenous Youth Conference was arranged by Cree nation in Quebec,
Canada in 1992. At the Second World Indigenous Youth Conference in Darwin,
Australia 1993, a decision was taken that Ecuadorian youth would arrange the
Third Conference and Saami youth would arrange the Fourth Conference.
The Third Conference took place in Sucua, Ecuador at the end of June 1995.
Apart from the representatives of different indigenous groups of Ecuador and
other Latin American indigenous representatives, a delegation from the Cree
nation, the Saami delegation and one delegate from Australia were present as
international representatives.
Where?
The Fourth Conference will take place in V l dalen, in the Swedish part of
southern Spmi (Saamiland) in the mountains. We will be staying in a camp of
traditional Saami tents. It will be possible to stay in hotels or cabins for
delegates that have a special need for that.
When?
13- 20 June 1996.
Who?
The Conference is arranged by indigenous youth for indigenous youth in the
age group of 14-35 years. Delegates 16 or under must have one person over 18
years old responsible for her/him during the stay in Sweden.
Contents of the Conference
There has so far been a continuity regarding the themes and content of the
previous conferences. We wish to maintain this continuity. The conference
will therefore focus around topics that concern indigenous peoplesb rights,
equality, education, social and environmental questions.
We will however put our main focus on environment and cultural identity. The
environmental theme will imbue the whole conference. The current and
important subject of cultural identity and how to keep traditional values in
a time of great influence from the modern society, will be treated.
We have not yet agreed on a title for the main theme. We are open to, and
grateful for any suggestions you might have about the content, practical
workshops, guest speakers etc. Please don't hesitate to contribute with your
own ideas.
Cultural Exchange
As important as uniting for discussions of specific topics and resolutions
is the actual cultural exchange. During the conference, the delegates will
be given the opportunity to show and share various expressions of their
respective cultures.
There will be both informal and more organized concerts and performances
during the conference. Delegates should be prepared to share their music,
dances or drama. If you want to bring along a somewhat more professional
group of dancers, musicians or actors, please let us know and we might be
able to find some fundings for their costs.
Exhibitions
There will be arts and craft exhibitions on the site. In addition to the
presentation of Saami handicraft, we strongly encourage the international
delegates to bring along their own art and handicraft to make presentations
or displays at the Arts or Crafts Expo.
Film
If you have suggestions on films or videofilms that could either be used as
inspiration for discussions or as entertainment, please write and let us
know.
Workshops
The workshops during the conference will be both of a practical nature and
function as a forum for group discussions. Workshops where we share our
handicraft, music, art and dances will be an important part of the
conference. Therefore there will be a need for group leaders; preferably
youth, but also elders who can share their knowledge and experience.
Outdoor Activities
The natural surroundings of the conference site offers the delegates the
opportunity to experience and take part of the mountains, the drinkable
water and fresh air. Time will be put aside for excursions and outdoor
activities. The summer nights of Spmi never really get dark and therefore
activities are possible both day and night!
Activities for Children
Delegates who themselves are parents have the possibility to bring their
children (between 4 and 12 years old). Field trips, painting, handicraft,
theatre and other activities will allow children to be creative and play an
active part of the conference. NB! This only applies to youthbs or youth
leaderbs children due to scanty resources!
Mentor Programme
Saami youth from different areas will function as mentors or hosts for the
international delegates. Even if your participation at the conference is not
yet decided, please let us know if you are interested as soon as possible
and you will be put in contact with your dhostsd right away.
Registration fee
The registration fee is not finally decided. At the moment the fee seems to
end up at a cost of approximately 200-250 USD. This includes food,
accomodation, conference material and local transportation. If You have no
possibility of paying your fee or travels, let us know and we will do what
we can to find fundings for your participation.
How to contact us
This is the address and phone numbers for the 4WIYC-office.
4WIYC (Sminuorra)
Solidaritetshuset
Barnaengsgatan 23
S-116 41 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone: +46 8 714 86 56
Telefax: +46 8 641 11 35
e-mail: 4wiyc@mbox200.swipnet.se
If you have an e-mail address - please let us know!
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Please, pass this information on! A broad representation of the indigenous
youth of the world is of great importance. We therefore ask everyone to pass
this information on to youth organizations in Your area and to others You
may be in contact with.