World Conference on Indigenous Women

This radio program  is part of a series of programs produced by Indigenous Rights Radio, to commemorate the International Year of Indigenous Languages, 2019. In this program, we showcase the Newar Indigenous Language which is called, Nepal-Bhasa. The Newar are one of the 59 Indigenous Peoples recognized so far by the government of Nepal. They are the original habitants of Kathmandu valley, the capital city of modern Nepal. The Newar people have diversity in terms of religion, rituals and culture, but share one common language. 

Rosie Sula introduces this report with a beautiful chant about the legends of Lake Sebu, an important feature within the traditional territory of the T'boli people of the Philippines.

Indigenous Rights Radio Producer Avexnim Cojtí Ren investigates the movement to repatriate sacred objects, remains, and cultural patrimony taken without consent from Indigenous Peoples by governments, collectors, and individuals. Concepts of ownership, histories of oppression, methods of legal recourse, and recent examples of repatriation attempts all play an important role in the prospects for the return of heritage items to Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Rights Radio producer Shaldon Ferris (KhoiSan) investigates the impacts of fishing regulations on Indigenous groups who have fished as a part of their livelihoods for centuries. The Convention on Biological Diversity, an international agreement which has inspired the implementation of many current fishing regulations, specifically discusses the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities in order to preserve cultural knowledge in the pursuit of ecological preservation.

November 25th is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Cultural Survival remembers Sarah Baartman, a Khoikhoi woman who, under Dutch colonization of her homeland, was taken captive and coerced to participate in public shows and medical examinations which relied on a falsified science of racial difference. We honor her life as a testament to the urgent necessity of having an international day when the world renews its commitment to end violence against women, especially Indigenous women and women of color.

World Conference of Indigenous Women 2013

These indigenous youth leaders from around the world say that everyone has some form of indigenous roots, and if those roots are disconnected, one must communicate with indigenous persons directly in order to begin to understand them. Indigenous people around the world share many common struggles but continue to fight for their rights.

World Conference of Indigenous Women 2013

Indigenous youth leaders from around the world send messages to their elders, stating that the messages passed on to them from their elders affects them greatly.

World Conference of Indigenous Women 2013

Agnes Williams - Seneca 

Native Seneca woman Agnes Williams notices the consequences of climate change and contamination in her community. Changes in temperature have caused the plant-growing season to be shorter, and a nuclear waste plant has leaked into creeks near her reservation. Seneca people and indigenous communities near Williams have been protesting and working to clean up the area.

World Conference of Indigenous Women 2013

These Indigenous youth leaders voice the importance of continuing the fight for Indigenous rights and how it is vital for indigenous persons to understand and embrace the roots of their community.

World Conference of Indigenous Women 2013

Jinumu - Pingtung of Taiwan 

Jinumu, an Indigenous woman from Taiwan, uses the World Conference of Indigenous Women as an opportunity to learn more about the rights of women since indigenous rights and women’s rights are not topics that are often discussed in her home country.