Self-Determination and Self-Government

Articles 31-37

31) Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional knowledge.

Traditional knowledge allowed Indigenous communities to live for thousands of years without harming the environment around them. In the Arctic, traditional knowledge works with western science to create environmental assessments in that region. Both knowledge systems can exist and even complement each other.

32) Indigenous peoples have the right to decide how to develop their lands.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance has a well organized plan for the management of their traditional lands. They have  a long term vision for the development and use of their land.

33) Indigenous peoples have the right to self-identification and to identify their own membership.

Indigenous peoples have the right to choose to identify as Indigenous peoples. Governments can not interfere with the community membership process.

34) Indigenous peoples have the right to develop their unique community systems.

The Yanomani Indigenous peoples of South America have a unique community system that has struggled against the pressures of assimilation. They have organized themselves with the Hutukara Association to share information and strategies in dealing with issues that threaten their rights. Their traditional territory is in what is now three different countries (see article #36)

35) Indigenous peoples have the right to decide their own leadership.

The Himba Indigenous peoples of Namibia have their own way of choosing their leader and specific expectations of that leader. They are in conflict with the government of Namibia because the government does not recognize their leadership system.

36) Indigenous peoples have the right to contact with their own peoples when divided by an international border.

Indigenous peoples were on the land before international boarders were made. The case of the Yanomani peoples is like so many other Indigenous peoples who are divided by an international boarder that was made only recently compared to the amount of time that they have inhabited the land.

37) Indigenous peoples have the right to make deals with governments. Governments must respect these deals

Honor the Treaties, is a new organization set up by Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous supporters. It’s mandate is to assert that the American government upholds it’s side of the treaties that were made with Indigenous peoples in the USA. It’s not enough to make a deal with Indigenous peoples, the deal needs to be real and upheld as time goes on.

Reflection and Activities 

1) Who holds traditional knowledge in your community? How did they come to receive this knowledge?

2) Why could it be difficult for those with traditional knowledge to work with western scientists? What strategies could they use to create a good relationship?

3) Why would Indigenous land development be controversial?

4) Where else has governments made deals with Indigenous peoples and then ignored their promises?