Last month I posted an article about the Chago People, who were banished from their traditional land in 1973 by the British Government… Since then, the People have been struggling to return to their homes, in fact they’ve repeatedly won court cases which affirm their right to return must be respected. But the judgements have all been appealed, and so the Chago’s have not been allowed to return.

The most recent Judgement, once again reaffirming the Chago’s right of return, took it one step further by preventing anyone from …

A couple months ago I promised to post some articles that challenge conventional activism and point to the obvious need for us to do things a bit differently…. I’ve been waiting for the right moment to put them up, and thought now would be a good time.

One thing I would like to contribute (which stixzz reminded me of, on Red Jenny’s blog) is that we have to be careful not to entrap ourselves within absolutes here — insisting that “everyone has to do this”, and that “if we don’t so this exactly as I say, we will fall” …

Here is a story about Tame Iti, a traditional Tuhoe who has for years been working to build a Tuhoe Nation, the Maori of the North East.. Following the article is an hour-long video about the Tuhoe.

From Whenua, Fenua, Enua, Vanua Waitangi Day , and Tame Iti is the manifestation of every Pakeha’s worst nightmare. Sturdily built and proudly bearing an intricate moko covering the entirety of his face, he spits in front of the Governor General, Cath Tizard, before delivering his piece de resistance, a whakapohane, a baring …

Because violence can only breed more violence and suffering, our struggle must be nonviolent and free of Hatred - The Dalai Lama

“For the last half-century, the Tibetan people have endured the brunt of some of the Chinese governments most brutal policies. In the 1990’s, an international activist movement, which attracted a small army of A-list celebrities, brought the Tibetan struggle to the mainstream. But since 9/11, Tibet has all but disappeared from the front page.

September 11th was a tragedy for the American people, but it was a boon for totalitarian regimes around the world. In the pursuit of its so-called …

The Karitiana, a People indigenous to Brazil have recently discovered that blood and DNA collected from them in 1996–under the guise of a reasonable exchange of medicine which the never received–is being sold to scientists around the world for $85 a sample.

The Karitiana now want this stopped, and are demanding compensation for this violation and lack of integrity on part of the scientists.

From the New York Times - “We were duped, lied to and exploited,” Renato Karitiana, the leader of the tribal association, said …

The Lheidli T’enneh Treaty, one of several ‘new treaties’ being pushed forward in British Colombia, is said to be worth about $73 million. Supporters of this treaty allege that, if it went forward, it will provide the Lheidli T’enneh with self-government and secure for them land and ‘rights to resources.’

The reality however, is that this treaty will reduce the Lheidli T’enneh to little more than a token idea, with no land whatsoever. This will be followed by the Lheidli T’enneh having no authority and no ability to self-govern, because …

We are told by Classical Western mythology that a hero is a being of great strength and courage, celebrated for bold exploits, and who is the offspring of no less than a mortal and a god.

Coca-Cola doesn’t quite fit this profile, I know. But if we change a few words–courage to audacity and strength to compulsion– I think we’ll find Coca Cola standing tall and proud. A hero among Men.

From oneworld.net - The Coca-Cola company has been charged with illegally seizing lands communally owned by small farmers and …

There’s been alot going on lately with regard to Land Claims issues, actions among Six Nations, and matters related to the June 29th National Day of Protest.

I’m short on time at the moment, but want to post an overview of what’s been going on:

Railways and June 29th

It seems AFN’s Phil Fontaine has pretty much had a change of heart, finally realizing that taking beaurocratic routing to address indigenous Issues is a complete waste of time. It’s still unfortunate that he keeps talking about money, and suggests that ‘we just want what Canada already has…’ There are some that think …

I don’t normally cover stories like these on IC, but for the sake of relevance I thought I should. First, the commereration, neigh, celebration of Jamestown’s 400th anniversary:

“Fifty years on, we are now in a position to reflect more candidly on the Jamestown legacy”. At this place “Three great civilizations came together for the first time — Western European, native American and African…” or rather the Christians, the Savages, and the indentured servants. Absolutely incredible. Read the Queen’s speech here

From Reuters: “We’re celebrating 400 years of survival in …

From Asia News - Dharamsala (AsiaNews) – Thousands of Tibetan women met yesterday in Dharamsala, shouting that they would never accept Beijing’s “slavery.” They gathered in the Indian city to observe the 48th anniversary of the day when thousands of other Tibetan women rose up against Chinese rule only to be forced into exile by the invading People’s Liberation Army.

The women came from across India to the city that is home to the Tibetan government-in-exile to remember the uprising led by the Dalai Lama on March 11, 1959, which …