August 9th has always been special in my family since it is my mom’s birthday. Recently, it was brought to my attention that August 9th is also a day of worldwide celebration on the occasion of the International Day of World’s Indigenous People.
By the Numbers
The United Nations estimates that there are over 370 million indigenous people living in over 70 countries worldwide. This would equate to 6% of the total world population. However, this includes at least 5000 distinct peoples in over 72 countries. wikipedia.org
UN International Day of World Indigenous People
The United Nations International Day of World’s Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. This day offers global citizens the opportunity to reflection upon the achievements and contributions to our global community made by our indigenous sisters and brothers. Many of us are becoming more familiar with the wealth Indigenous wisdom has to offer us. For example, we are slowly coming to appreciate that land means different things to non-Indigenous and Indigenous people. The latter have a spiritual as well as a cultural, social and cultural connection to it. In our times when we are reminded, almost constantly of the environmental crisis facing our planet we would do well to imitate their wisdom in caring for the earth, our common home.
Setting It Right
On May 10, 2016, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced that Canada is now a full supporter of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This historic move on the part of the Canadian government added noticeable intentionality to their commitment to establish a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Canada’s indigenous partners. Canada has accepted its responsibility and gone on record to implement the principles laid down for the signees in the Un Declaration of on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Carolyn Bennett stated, “Adopting and implementing the Declaration is an important step in the vital work of reconciliation and will be breathing life into Section 35 (Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution found at http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-16.html) of Canada’s Constitution which provides a box full of rights for Indigenous peoples.”
94 Opportunities for Healing
August 9th is a good day to check out the Calls to Action (Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution found at http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-16.html) in the Truth and Reconciliation Report. It has already been a year since its official release. Are there areas you can help implement?
Nancy Wales CSJ