Public Notice: UNPFII 2009

Public Notice: The Eighth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York, from 18-29 May 2009.

The 2009 PFII session will discuss implementation of recommendations of the Permanent Forum on issues such as Economic and social development; Indigenous women; the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People; and Human rights with a focus on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. A dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples and other special rapporteurs, a half-day session on the Arctic, and comprehensive dialogue with six United Nations agencies and funds also form part of the session agenda.

The United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) is facilitating administrative services and activities for delegates planning to participate within the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean (IPCGC) at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 2009. Please inform the UCTP of your planned attendance and desire to participate as part of the Caucus, which is open to representatives of indigenous Caribbean Organizations and communities.

Consistent with the UNPFII procedures, the IPCGC follows an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States whereas the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.

Please send correspondence to the United Confederation of Taino People’s Office of International Relations and Regional Coordination at oirrc@uctp.org.

UCTPPN Issued on 19 March 2009,
UCTP - Office of International Relations
and Regional Coordination

Public Notice: UNPFII 2008

Public Notice: The Seventh Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York, from 21 April to 2 May 2008. The special theme will be "Climate change, bio-cultural diversity and livelihoods: the stewardship role of indigenous peoples and new challenges."

The United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) is facilitating administrative services and activities for delegates planning to participate within the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean (IPCGC) at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 2008. Please inform the UCTP of your planned attendance and desire to participate as part of the Caucus, which is open to representatives of indigenous Caribbean Organizations and communities.

Consistent with the UNPFII procedures, the IPCGC follows an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States whereas the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.

Please send correspondence to the United Confederation of Taino People’s Office of International Relations and Regional Coordination at uctp_ny@yahoo.com

On behalf of the UCTP, we say bo’matum (thank you) in advance for your attention and consideration.

Issued on 21 November 2007,

UCTP Office of International Relations

and Regional Coordination,
Roberto Mucaro Borrero,
President and Chairman

Taino and Other Caribbean Indigenous Peoples Engage the United Nations System

United Nations (UCTP Taino News) - Amid the diverse delegations of Indigenous Peoples highlighting the complex issues associated with “land, territories, and natural resources” at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Caribbean Indigenous Peoples were actively presenting sound advice to Governments and intergovernmental organizations about how to meet their needs for survival. Working together in the form of the Indigenous Caucus of the Greater Caribbean (IPCGC), indigenous representatives from throughout the region presented their collective views on such topics as urban Indigenous Peoples and migration, the Second Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and future work of the Forum.

Read the full story at:
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2007/06/taino-and-other-caribbean-indigenous.html

Indigenous Peoples Address Ways to Ensure Participation

Indigenous Peoples Address Ways to Ensure Participation
Excerpt from United Nations Press Release on 22 May 2007:

MILDRED GANDIA REYES, representing the Indigenous Caucus of the Greater Caribbean, said her organization had submitted recommendations at other sessions, but had received no follow-up. She asked the Forum to urge the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to support the recovery of Caribbean heritage, culture and writings, and, further, to sponsor special regional meetings with indigenous experts as it worked with endangered education.

She pressed States and UNESCO to provide resources to develop language and cultural exchange programmes, in order to support ancient languages that had been virtually wiped out by dominant languages. Further, she encouraged States, including Puerto Rico, to review public education material and remove erroneous historical accounts that had rendered indigenous peoples invisible, or had misrepresented them in any way. She asked Caribbean States, particularly Puerto Rico, to work with indigenous Caribbean islanders to promote indigenous human rights and ensure that Constitutions recognized them, as such. She urged the Association of Caribbean States, the Rio Group and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to establish a special regional fund for indigenous representatives, so they are able to attend Forum events throughout the Second Decade.

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/hr4923.doc.htm

2007: IPCGC - Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CAUCUS OF THE GREATER CARIBBEAN (IPCGC)
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Sixth Session - Special theme: “Territories, lands and natural resources”

IPCGC Intervention: Joboshirima Lokono Arawak Community; Caney Quinto Mundo; Presencia Taina; KuKarey Spiritual Circle; United Confederation of Taino People[i]

Tuesday, 22 May 2007 - Item 4 (g) Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People

Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we welcome this opportunity to address the plenary on Item 4 (g) the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People. While we have submitted a majority of these recommendations to previous sessions, we have received no response from any United Nations agencies, including the Permanent Forum, with regard to substantive follow-up or consultations.

With this in mind, and with specific refference to the implementation of the Plan of Action (A/60/270) for the Second Decade, we recommend that the Permanent Forum:

1.) Urge UNESCO to work in collaboration with indigenous Caribbean islanders to promote and support the recovery of their heritage, oral traditions and ancient writings with a view to recognizing them as heritage of humanity under the framework of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage[ii];

2.) Urge UNESCO to sponsor a special regional meeting with representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean as well as other regional initiatives to facilitate their full and effective participation in its work relating to endangered languages, education, literacy, nomination of indigenous sites to the World Heritage List and other relevant programs[iii];

3.) Urge States, UNESCO and other relevant UN agencies to provide the resources, technical, or other assistance necessary to develop language, education and cultural exchange programs to restore and revitalize, and strengthen their languages, especially these ancient languages have been replaced by a dominant language or are not being used as a result of the actions of governments, assimilation and acculturation policies;

4) Urge Caribbean States including the “Free Associated State” of Puerto Rico to work in collaboration with indigenous Caribbean islander organizations to review all public education materials to eliminate any discriminatory and derogatory contents as well as erroneous historical accounts, which continue to render Indigenous Peoples invisible, subject to ridicule, or misrepresents them in any way[iv].

5) Urge the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to include Caribbean Indigenous Islanders, including the Taíno People of Puerto Rico without discrimination, into the future sessions of the Indigenous Fellowship Program[v].

5) Urge Caribbean States including the “Free Associated State” of Puerto Rico to work in collaboration with indigenous Caribbean islanders to further develop national legislation for the protection and promotion of human rights, including means of monitoring and guaranteeing those rights and urge that where it is not already the case, like in the case of Puerto Rico, national constitutions recognize the existence of indigenous peoples, and make explicit reference to them, where relevant[vi].

6) Urge the Rio Group, CARICOM and the Association of Caribbean States to develop policy guidelines in collaboration with the member organizations and communities represented within the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean as well as other regional initiatives with a view to work closely with respective governments to use said guidelines in the implementation of regional agreements and to assist in strengthening fair trade, socio-economic systems, and other potential areas of cooperation among Indigenous Peoples of the region.

7) Urge the Association of Caribbean States, the RIO Group, and CARICOM (including its Associate and Observer members) to establish a special regional fund for representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean and other regional initiatives to attend the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues throughout the remainder of the Second Decade and beyond.

Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we say bo’matum (thank you) for your time and consideration.

Statement Presented by: Mildred Gandia Reyes, UCTP

-------------------------------------------------------

[i] Following an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States, the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region historically and at present.
[ii] Relating to item 15
[iii] In accordance with paragraphs 23 & 16
[iv] Under Item 18
[v] Under item 47
[vi] Under item 56

2007: IPCGC - Urban Indigenous Issues and Migration

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CAUCUS OF THE GREATER CARIBBEAN (IPCGC)

Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Sixth Session - Special theme: “Territories, lands and natural resources”

IPCGC Intervention: Joboshirima Lokono Arawak Community; Caney Quinto Mundo; Presencia Taina; KuKarey Spiritual Circle; United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP)

Monday, 17 May - Item 7: Urban Indigenous Peoples and Migration

Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we welcome this opportunity to address the plenary on Agenda Item 7 - Urban Indigenous Peoples and Migration.

The Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean[1] welcomes the reports submitted to the sixth session by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (HABITAT) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) among others. However, it is of great concern to us that these reports - like so many others submitted here - continue to ignore the unique situation of indigenous Caribbean islanders and our historic and present urban and migratory realities. Indeed, it is well-documented that our ancestral homelands extended throughout circum-Caribbean region even into parts of mainland North and South America. It is also well-documented that we, the descendants of our ancestors continue to exist in our ancestral territories and yet UN agencies mandated to assist Indigenous Peoples of “Latin America and the Caribbean” continue to focus resources only on the mainland.

This lack of attention to our well-being is not only discriminatory but in violation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It is also contrary to reports and recommendations made by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which state that “all appropriate means must be taken to combat and eliminate” discrimination against indigenous and tribal peoples.

With this in mind, on the issue of urban indigenous peoples, we (IPCGC) recommend that the Permanent Forum:

1) Recommend to States and United Nations agencies that any follow-up on the issue of urban indigenous peoples include Caribbean Indigenous Peoples. This follow-up should also include without discrimination, the full and effective participation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples who reside in non-self governing territories such as the Taíno People of the “free associated state of Puerto Rico.” Adequate funding should be provided for their inclusion.

We would further recommend that the special situation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples who reside outside their traditional homelands also be addressed in relevant follow-up mechanisms on this agenda item.

2) Recommend to States and United Nations agencies that best practices such as the “Multi-Ethnic Center” in Estado Bolivar in Venezuela and the “Amerindian Hostels” in Guyana be highlighted as positive initiatives with regard to the situation of urban indigenous peoples and migration. These initiatives provide services to indigenous peoples in the urban context by providing accommodation opportunities, some educational services, meals etc.

Further, while these projects should be improved to include increased medical facilities, and expanded educational and vocational services, these programs could provide a base model for other countries.

On the issue of migration, we (IPCGC) recommend that the Permanent Forum:

1) Support calls for a 2nd International Border Security Summit that will focus on the human rights of indigenous peoples divided by international borders. This Summit should include Caribbean Indigenous Peoples, including those in non-self governing territories such as the Taíno People of Puerto Rico.

2) Call upon States, and inter-governmental initiatives such as CARICOM and the Association of Caribbean States to create adequate mechanisms in conjunction with the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean to facilitate uninterrupted communications and border crossings between the Arawak, Carib, and Warao Peoples of Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname, the Taíno People of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, as well as the Carib Peoples of Dominica and Trinidad – all of whom share common ancestral heritage.[2]

Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we say bo’matum (thank you) for your time and consideration.


Statement Presented by: Mildred Gandia Reyes, UCTP
________________________________________

[1] Following an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States, the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.

[2] CARICOM has begun to institute a “Common Passport” for the full member states of the Caribbean Community in order to make intra-regional and international travel easier for their citizens. During the July 2006 CARICOM Summit, an agreement was reached on measures to ensure hassle-free movement for visitors to the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Travelers amongst the nine host countries and Dominica were able to use a single CARICOM visa between January 15, 2007 and May 15, 2007. No special provisions for Indigenous Peoples have been discussed with the context of the common passport or visa.

Two-Week Session on Indigenous Issues Opens at United Nations

New York, NY (UCTP News) - As delicate ecosystems supporting millions of lives hang in the balance, indigenous representatives from around the globe began a two-week session of discussions on Monday, May 14 with top United Nations officials, Government representatives and members of civil society to highlight the struggle to defend their rights to access and use the land and natural resources in their territories...

Among the participants attending the meeting, Chief Reginaldo Fredericks of the Joboshirima Lokono Arawak Community of Venezuela noted the importance of meeting stating “it is critical for us as Indigenous Peoples to follow-up on the recommendations made and report on these activities to our peoples.”

Chief Fredericks is a member of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean, which forms annually at the UN meeting to lobby Caribbean indigenous issues...

To see the full story:
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2007/05/two-week-session-on-indigenous-issues.html

Public Notice: UNPFII 2007

Public Notice: The Sixth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from May 14-25 2007.

As in previous sessions, the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) is facilitating activities and administrative services for the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean (IPCGC). Please inform us of your planned attendance and desire to participate as part of the Caucus, which is open to representatives of indigenous Caribbean Organizations and communities.

Consistent with the UNPFII, the IPCGC follows an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States whereas the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.

Please send all correspondence to the United Confederation of Taino People’s Regional Coordinating Office at uctp_ny@yahoo.com

We say bo’matum (thank you) in advance for your attention and consideration.

2006: 2nd UN Intervention by IPCGC

Intervention by the INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CAUCUS OF THE GREATER CARIBBEAN: Caney Quinto Mundo, Puerto Rico; Guyana Organization of Indigenous Peoples, Guyana; Hoboshirima Arawak Community, Venezuela; United Confederation of Taino People

FIFTH SESSION OF THE UN PERMANENT FORUM ON INDGENOUS ISSUES
25 May 2006

Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates and Indigenous Representative of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we welcome this opportunity to address Agenda Item 4 (g) the Second International Decade, specifically with respect to the implementation of the Plan of Action, the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean* recommends that the Permanent Forum:
1) Under item 15, urge UNESCO to promote and support the recovery of the indigenous heritage, oral tradition and ancient writings of the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean region including Puerto Rico, with a view to recognizing them as heritage of humanity under the framework of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage;

2) In accordance with paragraphs 23 & 16, urge UNESCO to hold a special regional meeting with member organizations and communities of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean and the Caribbean Organization of Indigenous Peoples to facilitate their full and effective participation in its work relating to indigenous Peoples; specifically its programs on endangered languages, education, literacy, nomination of indigenous sites; in the World
Heritage List and other relevant programs;

3) Where ancestral languages of the Greater Caribbean have been replaced by the dominant language or not being used as a result of the actions of governments, assimilation and acculturation policies, the Permanent Forum should urge states, UNESCO and other relevant UN Bodies, to provide the resources, technical, or other assistance necessary to develop in conjunction with them, language, education and cultural exchange programs to restore and revitalize, and strengthen their languages, cultures, traditions and spiritual practices.

4) Under Item 18, urge the Greater Caribbean States, including Puerto Rico, in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples to review all education materials with a view to eliminate any discriminatory and derogatory content and erroneous historical accounts that makes them invisible, subject to ridicule, or in any way misrepresents them and to develop policies and focused programs to reverse these perceptions of indigenous cultures, which are often stereotyped, folklorized and biased.

5) Under item 47, urge that the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean region including Puerto Rico be included in programs of education on the human rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the current Indigenous Fellowship Program of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

6) Under item 56, urge the Governments of the Greater Caribbean including Puerto Rico in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples to further develop national legislation for the protection and promotion of human rights, including means of monitoring and guaranteeing those rights and urge that where it is not already the case, like in the case of Puerto Rico, national constitutions recognize the existence of indigenous peoples, and make explicit reference to them, where relevant.

7) To urge the Rio Group to develop policy guidelines in collaboration with the member organizations and communities of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean and the Caribbean Organization of Indigenous Peoples, and to work closely with the respective governments to use said guidelines in the implementation of their respective regional agreements and to assist in strengthening fair trade and other areas of cooperation among Indigenous Peoples of the region.

8) To invite the Rio Group and the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas to establish and contribute to a special regional fund for Indigenous Peoples Organizations of the Greater Caribbean to attend the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for the Second Decade.

9) To invite CARICOM, the Rio Group, and the Association of Caribbean States to establish a Fund to assist in the implementation of paragraph (95) of the Programme of Action A/60/270.

10) To recommend to the Governments of the Greater Caribbean especially in Guyana to consider paragraph (19) when implementing tourism initiatives.

11) To recommend to UNESCO in considering the women of the Machusi Language Project in the North Rupununi in Guyana, to attend universities to enhance their teaching skills of the different
indigenous languages in paragraphs (27) and (30) of the Programme of Action.

12) To urge Greater Caribbean governments including Puerto Rico to implement paragraph (31) of the Programme of Action in expanding their state budgetary allocations in order to increase the number of scholarships to indigenous persons.

13) To urge Greater Caribbean governments, CARICOM, Association of Caribbean States and the Rio Group to implement paragraph (39) of the Programme of Action as it relates to the indigenous Communities and the peoples.

14) To urge the Greater Caribbean governments to implement paragraphs 41 (a,b,c)

15) To request the Guyana Government to put in place the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Toshau Council to implement paragraph (53).

16) To invite the Rio Group, CARICOM and the Association of Caribbean States to work in close collaboration with the Government of Guyana and Indigenous Peoples Organisations to effectively implement paragraph 59 (a,b, c) and paragraph 61.

Bo'Matum (Thank you) for your attention

*The Greater Caribbean is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.

Special Note: This intervention was read to the Assembly by Millie Gandia, UCTP Representative

IPCGC IMPACTS UNPFII SESSION

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Fifth Session
9th & 10th Meetings (AM & PM)

Representatives of indigenous and tribal communities today urged the United Nations panel charged with drawing attention to their plight to press Member States to rapidly adopt a long-negotiated draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples, as the surest way to promote the human rights of 370 million people worldwide and to protect the fragile traditional lands and resources on which they depended for survival...

The speaker for the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean recommended that there be a permanent forum on indigenous issues for several reasons. First, to strengthen cooperation, coordination and capacity-building among indigenous peoples to the greater Caribbean. Second, to facilitate a regional special consultative session to focus on the situation of Caribbean indigenous peoples. Third, to ensure the regional meeting and special consultative session is open to representatives of indigenous organizations from throughout the greater Caribbean region. And finally, to pay particular attention to ensuring access to include equal funding to representatives from the Island of Borike (the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico) to ensure their participation at the regional and special consultative session.

-----------------

News Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2006/hr4894.doc.htm

2006 Intervention of the IPCGC to the UNPFII

Intervention of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 5th Session

Intervention of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean: Caney Quinto Mundo, Puerto Rico; Guyana Organization of Indigenous Peoples, Guyana; Hoboshirima Arawak Community, Venezuela; United Confederation of Taino People

Monday, 22 May 2006
Plenary Session: Ongoing priorities and themes
Agenda Item 4(b)

With regard to Agenda Item 4(b), we welcome this opportunity to address the human rights of Indigenous peoples specifically as it relates to the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean.

With this in mind and in accordance with Item 85 and 86 of the Plan of Action for the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean recommends that Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues:

1) Hold a Caribbean regional meeting on indigenous issues on the Island of Trinidad among existing organizations to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and capacity building among Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean.

2) Facilitate Regional Special Consultative Session to focus on the unique situation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples. Organization and planning of the regional meeting and special consultative session should take place in collaboration with the member organizations and communities represented within the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean and the Caribbean Organization of Indigenous Peoples.

3) Ensure the regional meeting and Special Consultative Session is open to representatives of indigenous organizations from throughout the Greater Caribbean region.

4) Pay particular attention to ensuring access including equal funding to representatives from the Island of Borikén (the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico) to ensure their participation at the Regional and Special Consultative Session. Since Puerto Rico is not a member State of any UN or OAS International Bodies, Agencies or Organizations because of its colonial status, Indigenous Representatives have been denied funding by the UN Voluntary Found for Indigenous Peoples to participate in meetings, conferences, regional specific consultations, capacity building opportunities and conferences in Geneva, the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and elsewhere.

Failure to address the effects of institutionalized colonialism only serves to perpetuate colonialism, and affect our ability to participate effectively within these systems as Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean, which is not the intention of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

5) Encourage the financial contributions and participation of all relevant UN agencies and programs (e.g. UNESCO, UNDP, UNEP, ILO etc.) for the Regional and Special Consultative Session.

6) Invite the Special Rapportuer on the Situation of the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People to the Special Consultative Session to review the particular situation of indigenous Caribbean communities including their claims that;

a. national laws and policies are discriminatory and inconsistent with International Human Rights laws and standards, as in the case of the recent Amerindian Act of Guyana.

b. The legal and judicial systems discriminate against indigenous peoples asserting, claiming and enjoying their rights to their lands, territories and resources as in the recent case of the Taino Peoples Reclamation of Caguana Ceremonial Grounds in Utuado, Puerto Rico.

7) Specific mention should be made in the fifth session report of the inclusion of the Indigenous Taino Peoples of Borikén (the "free" associated state of Puerto Rico).

8) Call upon States to create adequate mechanisms in conjunction with the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean to facilitate uninterrupted communication and border crossings between the Arawak, Carib and Warao Peoples of Venezuela, Guyana, and Surinam, the Taino Peoples of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Dominican Republic, and the Carib Peoples of Dominica and Trinidad who all share common ancestral heritages.

Justification: The Greater Caribbean is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.

Public Notice: UNPFII 2006

Public Notice: The Fifth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 15 to 26 May 2006.

As in previous sessions, the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) is facilitating activities and administrative services for the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean (IPCGC). Please inform us of your planned attendance and desire to participate as part of the Caucus, which is open to representatives of indigenous Caribbean Organizations and communities.

Consistent with the UNPFII, the IPCGC follows an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States whereas the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.

Please send all correspondence to the United Confederation of Taino People’s Regional Coordinating Office at uctp_ny@yahoo.com

We say bo’matum (thank you) in advance for your attention and consideration.

IPCGC: 2005 - AGENDA ITEM 5 – FUTURE WORK OF THE PERMANENT FORUM

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CAUCUS OF THE GREATER CARIBBEAN (IPCGC)

AGENDA ITEM 5 – FUTURE WORK OF THE PERMANENT FORUM

Madam Chair, we welcome the Second Decade and we extend thanks the UN General Assembly for proclaiming the Second Decade.

We encourage the Permanent Forum to focus on the recommendations previously made from the 1st to the 4th Sessions. The Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean makes the following recommendations:

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. We call on the Permanent Forum to request ECOSOC to recommend the expansion of the membership of the Permanent Forum to include a direct Caribbean presence in the Forum.

2. That some of the Expert Members of the Permanent Forum visit the Caribbean region, including CARICOM, to have a first hand knowledge on the situation of the Indigenous Peoples.

3. To urge the UN Agencies, Programmes, Funds, and other donors to allocate funding for meetings in the Caribbean relating to Indigenous Issues including the proposed meetings that the Expert members will be participating in.

4. We urge the Permanent Forum to ensure the effective participation of Caribbean Indigenous Women to be reflected in the work of the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples. We also urge the Permanent Forum to request ECOSOC to urge the Governments to recognize and respect Indigenous Women's Groups and their recommendations particularly with regard to the MDGs and the Goals of the Second Decade.

5. To establish National and Regional Offices of the Permanent Forum in the Caribbean and to request the UN to provide adequate funding for these offices.


SECOND DECADE

1. We call on the Permanent Forum to urge ECOSOC to recommend that governments in the Caribbean Region establish National Committees to deal with the activities of the Second Decade. The establishment of the Committees must include the effective and full participation of the Indigenous Peoples including Indigenous Peoples Organisations. The Committees must participate in the evaluation of the second decade in achieving its goals.

2. We call on the Permanent Forum to assist in securing adequate funding for the region for th implementation of the Programme of Activities and the Plan of Action of the Second Decade for the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean.

3. Implementation of MDGs should be monitored by developing an defectively using human rights impact assessment methods which are sensitive to the realities of indigenous peoples

4. To call on governments to support an encourage the building of alliances among Indigenous peoples including those separated by borders to revitalize an strengthen their culture

5. We support the call for the preservation of Sacred species be one of the goals of the Second decade.

Thank you madam Chair.

Public Notice: Establishment of IPCGC Web Log

Public Notice: As per the request of Chief Mary Valenzuela of the Guyanese Organization of Indigenous Peoples, and in accordance with the UCTP Resolution Concerning the Participation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples in the International System (3/2005), the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) has established this web log to document the statements made by the IPCGC at the annual sessions of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

Further, this service project will also seek to post relevant announcements, highlight public policy and emerging issues from throughout the region that will assist indigenous Caribbean delegates to the UNPFII formulate statements as well as input into any follow-up mechanisms.