Indigenous peoples have always had to fight for their rights. Their organisations have achieved remarkable results over the past years. And yet, very few governments regard them as equal partners. But despite this, the indigenous peoples carry a message that must be heard.
This is not just about enforcing or reinforcing the national and international laws which are supposed to protect them. It is about the vital dialogue that now has to take place between all co-inhabitants of the Earth.
Indigenous peoples are the guardians of invaluable natural and cultural treasures. They are also the bearers of essential wisdom and knowledge. The destruction of their environment, their language and their world affects us all.
The UN Decade for Indigenous Peoples (1995-2004) does not seem to be slowing this down. In order to reverse this tide, the indigenous peoples want to convey, beyond any doubt, the legitimacy of their own - different- realities. But only a truly international indigenous network - enhancing free communication with each other - would enable them to get their message across.
For this, one common language is necessary! Because of the enormous diversity of native languages, the indigenous peoples depend, for their intercultural contacts, to a large extent upon translators and interpreters. This means a considerable loss of time, money, and accuracy. The use of bridge languages (e.g. English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic, etc) only increases the dependency while reinforcing the exclusion of many.
As things stand now, indigenous delegates often only meet with
those able to speak the same bridge language. So, how can we
help? The I.D. project (Indiĝenaj dialogoj) aims to
empower indigenous organisations by enabling them to co-operate
fully and directly with each other. The combination of Esperanto
and state-of-the-art teaching and communication systems can open
the way to quick and sustainable success.
In May 1999, the centennial of the first World Peace Conference will be held in The Hague in Holland. About 30 delegates of indigenous peoples from around the world will attend. They have an important role to play, since the main conference theme will be how international treaties - in the fields of education, health and the protection of the environment - can contribute to a more peaceful world.
In order to make their presence felt and their voice heard, they will spend the three previous weeks together, learning
In 2004, the indigenous peoples could have
One could compare Esperanto to Lego bricks - easy to use and with infinite possibilities. It presents enormous advantages.
For more information on Esperanto: Sylvain Lelarge TEL. 00 31
70 51 77 523 <sylvain.lelarge@usa.net>
as the International Language? This seems a reasonable question, but
Representatives of the following peoples :
a .. Tinglit (Alaska)Many other peoples have expressed their interest, among others, delegates of the following nations :
b .. Yapoek (Siberia)
c .. Aboriginal (Australia)
d .. Mapuche (Argentine and Chile)
e .. Brunka (Costa Rica)
f .. Fante (Ghana)
This is the situation on November 25th 1998. This project is in full expansion. It will already have expanded when you read this.
Who already supports this project ?
a.. UEA (Universala Esperanto Asocio)Initiators of the project:
b.. Narwal Learning & Language Institute
c.. The Dutch Centre for Indigenous Peoples
d.. Institute for Global Education - Richard Schneider
e.. Kris wordt vervolgd information architects
f.. University of Amsterdam
g.. ASN bank
h.. Triodos bank
i.. ..
j..
k.. you?
It certainly is, because it is truly innovative, full of potential and bound to succeed.
You can be part of it
a.. by entering the vision and sharing in itIt would be a sign that times have changed if non indigenous organisations were willing to finance the bulk of this project. The cost of the first step has been estimated at US $ 150,000 of which the Narwal Institute will shoulder 20%.
b.. by introducing us to like-minded individuals and organisations
c.. by having your company sponsor it in a sustainable way
d.. by introducing us to potential sponsors
e.. by adopting one of the participants by covering their tuition costs
for one or more course days
f.. by helping to develop Internet facilities (hardware, software, provider and web site) which will give the network both roots and wings
g.. by sponsoring travel tickets
h.. by..
This information is also available in French, Spanish, Dutch
and Esperanto
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Please contact Bessie Schadee, Project director
Narwal Learning & Language Institute
Oud Clingendaal 7
2245 CH WASSENAAR
THE NETHERLANDS
Tel.: 00 31 (0)70 51 77 523
Fax: 00 31 (0)70 51 766 82
<bessie.schadee@usa.net>