Organization of American States Summits of the Americas
     
Indigenous Peoples
 

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Indigenous Peoples and the Summits of the Americas
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Click for full-size imageIndigenous peoples are considered one of the principal actors participating in the Summits of the Americas process.

In the five Summits of the Americas held to date (plus the two Special Summits), the heads of State and Governments of the hemisphere have affirmed their commitment to full and equal protection of indigenous peoples in the Hemisphere. They also reasserted and recognized the need to promote a common vision among the countries of the region in order to improve the quality of life of indigenous peoples and facilitate their participation in the Inter-American system. Additionally, strategies have been formulated to increase access of indigenous peoples to health-related benefits, technology and education, among other topics. They have also continued to provide support to the elaboration of the Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In parallel to the decisions of Member States in the Summits of the Americas, the OAS has supported and participated in the organization of the Indigenous Leaders’ Summits of the Americas (ILSA). Three ILSAs have been held to date within the framework of the past three Summits (in Canada, 2001; Argentina, 2005; and Panama - in the framework of the Summit in Trinidad -, in 2009).

Click for full-size imageThe ILSAs have been organized jointly by groups of indigenous leaders, including women leaders as well as youth and elder leaders in the region. This activity is currently considered as complementary to the Presidential Summit. As a result of this participation, their contributions are being considered in the planning and implementation of joint working activities between the OAS and the indigenous peoples of the hemisphere.

Both in the Declarations and Plans of Action, the Heads of State and Government of the Americas have adopted mandates to promote: the value of world visions, usages and customs of indigenous peoples, among others. The Summits have also promoted access to education for women, children and indigenous youth according to their values, customs, traditions and forms of organization as well as supported the organization of hemispheric and national conferences to exchange experiences among indigenous peoples in the implementation of activities to promote their sustainable, cultural, economic and social development, among other fields that have been identified by themselves.

The most recent statement made by the Heads of State of the hemisphere was in the Declaration of Commitments of Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago, April 2009) in paragraph 86:

Click for full-size image“Recognising the diversity and the traditional and ancestral nature of the cultures, histories and demographic, socio-economic and political circumstances of indigenous peoples, we reaffirm our commitment to respect their rights and we will promote the successful conclusion of negotiations on the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples is essential for their existence, welfare and integral development. In accordance with the domestic laws of each State, we will promote the exercise of their rights, their full participation in national activities and the creation of the conditions that allow them to overcome poverty, social exclusion and inequality.”

You can find more information about indigenous peoples in the Summits of the Americas website.

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