‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous People’ observed

Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), in collaboration with the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), on Wednesday observed the tenth anniversary of UNDRIP and the twenty-fifth anniversary of AIPP, which commemorates the annual International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, under the theme “Reaffirming our Roots, Embracing our Future.”

On the occasion, the NPMHR has underscored the need to be prepared to face the challenges that were inimical to the people. “We are today faced with many challenges which are trying times for our people, which come in the form of new governance systems, militarization, market forces, developmental aggressions, etc,” said NPHMR.

The rights body also stated that the process of alienation was rapidly taking place, which it said include “our cultural systems or indigenous knowledge systems.” Only through the universal right to self-determination, NPMHR said it was possible for indigenous peoples, including Nagas, to assert their rights over their land, over the political, economic, social, traditions, etc. 

Further, NPMHR has called upon each and every Naga to solemnly review and reaffirm where they all began, the very foundation and recognition of Naga peoples as a Nation, and, more importantly, work in unison even as they journey towards the threshold of their political future. 

Meanwhile, Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) in collaboration with district administration SDO (C) Jakhama observed “international day of the world’s indigenous people” at SDO (C) Jakhama on August 9.

Speaking on role and duties of village authorities in government set up, SDO(C) Jakhama, Alemyapang Longchar pointed out that the village council Act 1978 cannot clash with customary law. He explained how VDB should be under the village council, power to exercise loans, maintaining law and order.

Speaking on indigenous and tribal rights, panel lawyer KDLSA, Zekuseto Natso informed that there were various schemes and scholarship for tribals provided by the centre. 

Natso also added that special markings and age relaxation as well as applying for jobs were being given to the SC/ST as backward tribes. Speaking on adoption and beneficiaries’ scheme, legal-cum-probation officer DCPU Kohima, Mego Kielienyü, said that adoption certificate could be obtained for children below the age of 18 years. He also highlighted about the procedures for legal adoption wherein a single/unmarried man cannot adopt a girl child and that documents for adoption/papers were also to be furnished while adopting a child.

Earlier, the invocation was pronounced by VCC Kigwema, Siechalie Yhoshü, while vote of thanks was pronounced by panel lawyer KDLSA, Hisinlo Himb. The programme was chaired by panel lawyer KDLSA, Keduvi Zhotso. This was followed by tree plantation. 

In Dimapur, the North East Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR) commemorated the International Day of World’s Indigenous People on August 9, at NEISSR conference hall. 

Assistant professor, Dr. Toli H. Kiba, highlighted that there were approximately 370 million people who belonged to different indigenous groups. 

She pointed out many of the rich traditional knowledge that existed in Nagaland. “Indigenous people have skills sets and knowledge which are indigenous and well preserved over the past many years”, she said. However, she regretted that many of these traditional knowledge has been obliterated or replaced by the western education. 

While acknowledging the growth and changes that were brought about with the advent of the western education and Christian missionaries, she said that Nagas were also quickly forgetting their roots and the traditional knowledge of forefathers that have always held them in good stead.

She urged the social work trainees to think out of the box and work towards developing models and knowledge of social work which would be suitable in the local context.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. C.P. Anto also urged the students not to be confined by conventional thinking but to have the courage to tread into the rich untrodden treasure trove of indigenous knowledge that each community in Nagaland has to offer.