Pacific Rim Indigenous Peoples Treaty Conference Concludes After Unanimous
Adoption Of Treaty Expansion And Vision Statement
Kona, Hawaii - Participants at the Pacific Rim Indigenous Peoples Treaty
Conference have unanimously endorsed changes that expand the Pacific
Northwest Treaty of 1994 to allow inclusion of all indigenous peoples.
Adopted on King Kamehameha Day June 11th, the now named Treaty of Indigenous
Peoples International sets principles, common objectives; and mutual
covenants in order to "re-establish political, social and economic relations,
and cooperative control of natural resources essential to the cultural,
spiritual and religious rights of our (indigenous) peoples."
A Vision Statement was also adopted by conference participants as the first
step of expanding the Treaty to involve interested indigenous nations. The
three year old Treaty, has already been signed by more than 70 First Nations;
Tribes; and Aboriginal Clans from British Columbia, the United States, and
Australia, and is intended to bring together indigenous governments in a
cooperative effort to protect the natural resources, environment, economies,
and sovereignty of native people.
The Vision Statement, which was adopted by consensus states that "The vision
and mission of the Treaty of Indigenous Peoples International is to work
together to protect the inherent rights of signatory indigenous peoples
related to self-determination, cultural and economic well being, and
environmental protection."
"This is an historic moment for indigenous nations and peoples across the
Pacific Rim which brings us together to save the spiritual connection we have
with fisheries and aquatic resources. It is a move forward for the survival
of the species in our world?s ecosystem, which we are all part of," stated
Fred Fortier Chairman of the British Columbia Aboriginal Fisheries
Commission.
Terry Williams, Commissioner for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission,
echoed Fortier?s sentiments. "The accomplishments at the Kona Conference
were very profound in connecting tribes and indigenous peoples to ensure
our unity and brotherhood as native peoples in dealing with the enormous
problems facing our natural resources." Williams went on to state that
"This agreement in part leads to ensuring the continued utilization of our
resources through sustained lifestyle and culture."
Mililani Trask of the Ka Lahui Hawai?i people noted that it is appropriate
that the agreement was reached on the birthday of King Kamehameha. "King
Kamehameha was a warrior and a unifier of his people. We must have his
warrior?s strength to deal with the forces who are raping our oceans and his
unifying vision to bring all native peoples together and ensure our ultimate
success in the struggle to preserve our ecosystems and our ways of life," she
said.
Matiu Rei, of the Ngati Toarangatira people of New Zealand felt that the Kona
Conference has been a very rewarding experience for meeting with leaders and
the people of Hawai?i on these important issues. According to Rei, "The
issues discussed at the conference are common to all of us, particularly with
respect to the pervasive and intrusive nature and attitudes of our nation
states. I am hopeful that this treaty will initiate dialogue between all
indigenous peoples of the Pacific Rim."
In his closing comments to the conference, Chief Simon Lucas of the Hesquit
Tribe of the Nuchanuulrh First Nation summed up the feeling of all conference
participants when he said: " It?s quite a feat we have accomplished here.
Our grandfathers would say that we?ve finally entered into the canoe. Let?s
leave here with good feeling, a sense of togetherness, a sense that we will
be together more often."
Hannah Kihalani Springer, Hawai?i Island Trustee for the Office of Hawaiian
Affairs was also gratified by the work of the conference, which included
numerous workshops on the multitude of issues and areas of concern facing all
indigenous peoples today. Springer noted: "The opportunity to share our
mo?olelo - the history of people and our gods; mo?okuauhau - our genealogies;
our concepts of dominion of men - wao kanaka and gods wao akua is profound
and our appreciation deep. Mahalo. E mau kakou I Ke ea o Ka honua I Ka
pono."
The conference also adopted a workplan for dealing with international issues
that will include research, exchange of information and expertise, and a
framework for problem solving; and monitoring and evaluation of international
efforts like the United Nations Conventions on Biological Diversity and the
Law of the Sea.
Next year?s conference is scheduled for May, 1998 at the Tulalip Indian
Reservation in Washington State, USA.
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