[nativestudies-l] Iwi (Maori) Sign International Treaty on Indigenous Rights

[jkauanui at wesleyan.edu]

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Iwi [tribe] Sign International Treaty on Indigenous Rights Press Release:
Ngati Awa [specific tribe]

Iwi sign international treaty on Indigenous Rights

23 iwi [tribe] and hapu [subtribe] collectives have today ratified the
United League of Indigenous Nations Treaty at a hui [tribal gathering] in
Whakatane.

The treaty, which has already been signed by indigenous nations from Canada,
United States, Australia and New Zealand, establishes an international
political and economic alliance. The treaty seeks to advance the common
interests of indigenous nations on the impacts of climate change on their
homelands, promotes trade and commerce among Indigenous Nations, brings
cultural properties under the protection of the laws of Indigenous Nations,
protects the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and asserts traditional
rights to cross international borders.

The hui [gathering] was hosted by Te Hono o Mataatua (The Mataatua
Assembly), which represents the interests of the iwi of Mataatua and sent
a representative to the original signing ceremony.

Dr Hirini Mead, Chairman of Te Hono o Mataatua and Te Rūnanga o
Ngāti Awa, one of the original signatories to the treaty, said, �Today
marks an important step in the promotion and enhancement of the rights of
indigenous nations. It is clear from the failure of the New Zealand
Government to endorse the United Nations� Declaration on Indigenous Rights
that we have to take action to ensure we protect our rights.�

Dr Mead also noted, �By signing this treaty we create a strong statement
between a wide range of indigenous nations across the world that we need to
work together and have a common voice to advance the interests of indigenous
peoples and protect our cultures.�

Dr Mead said that he expected more iwi to sign once they had the chance to
discuss the treaty among themselves.

The signing was witnessed by representatives of the Sucker Creek Cree Nation
on behalf of the original signatories.

28 November 2007 http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00452.htm


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