Indigenous Rights Cultural Survival Benjamin Lim Sheng Hui Cai Yang Bill Edwin Chew Chong Shi Cheng Ai Lingfeng

“Affirming that indigenous peoples are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the right of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different, and to be respected as such.” United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

Introduction Founded in the 1960s In response to the opening up of Amazonian and South American hinterlands Drastic effects on the indigenous population Worked with indigenous communities internationally Asia, Africa, South America, North America & Australia Leading US-based organisation defending indigenous people’s rights Prominent Board of Directors Includes some of the world’s most well-known indigenous leaders, as well as anthropologists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, with its executive director being a renowned human rights lawyer

Overview Partners with indigenous communities to defend their rights and sustain their cultures. Every Cultural Survival program is designed to become self-sustaining and run entirely by the indigenous community. Programmes include: Guatemala Radio Project Endangered Native American Language Programme

Need Out of 6,900 remaining languages, 2,500 are at imminent risk of extinction, a 300% increase from the number just eight years ago In the United States, where government programs have pushed some 70 Native American languages to the point where they will go extinct in 10 years. Vulnerability of indigenous people to abusive treatment. Violence and mistreatment of these people often go unnoticed and uncared for.

General Problems Faced Lack of support from non- indigenous communities, from non-indigenous people who care about indigenous cultures and people. Funding is lacking, which is necessary in order to provide expert legal representation for mistreated indigenous people.

Introduction...15 different languages represented radio stations......More than 1800 volunteers......Over One Million Listeners...

What do they do?

Why do they do it? Guatemala’s indigenous population (principally Mayan) speaks 25 different languages

Why do they do it? Community radio stations provide a vital and reliable source of news and information about health, human rights, development, the environment, and other issues critical to Guatemala’s indigenous populace.

What do they do? Native Language Revitalization Campaigns Grassroots Core programs: Immersion Schools+ Master- Apprentice *showcase local successes Federal Promote adequate funding for immersion and master- apprentice programs Internation al Ensures that the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is fulfilled Education EmpowermentMonitoring

The Problem: “America's first languages are on the brink of extinction. Unless we act now, in the next 10 years, as many as 70 Native American languages will fall silent, erasing a wealth of human knowledge, silencing timeless ceremonies, and severing indigenous peoples from sacred spiritual links to their lands. By 2050, scholars estimate that as few as 20 of America’s first languages will still be spoken.”

Why they do it

Why do they do it? These languages were lost as a result of deliberate government programs, and the country has an obligation to restore them. Students who learn to speak more than one language perform substantially better academically, including on standardized tests across subject areas.. Language revitalization projects bring vital intergenerational healing and renewed pride to Native communities There are dedicated, heroic people in many tribes trying to save their languages with too little money, too little support, and too little training and resources.

Case Study

End of Presentation. Questions & Discussion.