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<TITLE>FW: Iwi (Maori) Sign International Treaty on Indigenous Rights</TITLE>
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Iwi Sign International Treaty on Indigenous Rights Press Release: Ngati Awa<BR>
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Iwi sign international treaty on Indigenous Rights<BR>
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23 iwi, hap&#363; and hap&#363; collectives have today ratified the United <BR>
League of Indigenous Nations Treaty at a hui in Whakatane.<BR>
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The treaty, which has already been signed by indigenous nations from Canada, <BR>
United States, Australia and New Zealand, establishes an international <BR>
political and economic alliance. The treaty seeks to advance the common <BR>
interests of indigenous nations on the impacts of climate change on their <BR>
homelands, promotes trade and commerce among Indigenous Nations, brings <BR>
cultural properties under the protection of the laws of Indigenous Nations, <BR>
protects the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and asserts traditional <BR>
rights to cross international borders.<BR>
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The hui was hosted by Te Hono o Mataatua (The Mataatua Assembly), which <BR>
represents the interests of the iwi of Mataatua and sent a representative to <BR>
the original signing ceremony.<BR>
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Dr Hirini Mead, Chairman of Te Hono o Mataatua and Te R&#363;nanga o <BR>
Ng&#257;ti Awa, one of the original signatories to the treaty, said, “Today <BR>
marks an important step in the promotion and enhancement of the rights of <BR>
indigenous nations. It is clear from the failure of the New Zealand <BR>
Government to endorse the United Nations’ Declaration on Indigenous Rights <BR>
that we have to take action to ensure we protect our rights.”<BR>
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Dr Mead also noted, “By signing this treaty we create a strong statement <BR>
between a wide range of indigenous nations across the world that we need to <BR>
work together and have a common voice to advance the interests of indigenous <BR>
peoples and protect our cultures.”<BR>
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Dr Mead said that he expected more iwi to sign once they had the chance to <BR>
discuss the treaty among themselves.<BR>
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The signing was witnessed by representatives of the Sucker Creek Cree Nation <BR>
on behalf of the original signatories.<BR>
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28 November 2007 <a href="http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00452.htm">http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00452.htm</a><BR>
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