Nagaland, on Tuesday joined the world in celebrating “International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples” on the theme, “the role of indigenous women in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge”. According to the United Nations (UN), on this day, people from around the world are encouraged to spread the UN’s message on protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples. The event also recognises the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
NEZCC assures to promote, preserve rich cultures of NE
North East Zonal Cultural Centre (NEZCC) Diphupar ‘A’ Chümoukedima, director Dr Prashanna Gogoi on Tuesday, assured that NEZCC was ready to provide any assistance to promote and preserve the rich culture and traditions of the North East region.
He was speaking at the International Day of world indigenous peoples was observed at Don Bosco Institute of Development for Leadership ((DBIDL), organised by Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), IWFNEI and Network of Indigenous Women in Asia (NIWA). The event was held in partnership with the Karbi Human rights watch, Naga Peoples movement for human rights, Zo Indigenous Forum and Borok Indigenous/Tribal People’s Development Centre.
Assuring to extend support to IWFNEI, Dr Prashanna said out of five/six hundred tribes in India, more than 272 tribes were from the North Eastern region. He highlighted the documentation project provided by NEZCC of the cultural heritage and asked for interested applicants to apply for the same.
Dr Prashanna also informed about schemes and scholarship provided by the ministry of Culture to promote and preserve cultures and encouraged the elders to provide a platform, to guide and encourage the younger generation on the importance of cultures and traditions.
In his message, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal said that such occasions were important as certain agendas could be discussed for the growth of the indigenous communities.
Describing Dimapur as a place with different communities living in peaceful coexistence, he said the term “mini and micro India” fits in Dimapur as it showed the beauty of the place and how the communities have been coexisting.
On this year’s theme, DC said the role of women in environment protection has become important as the guards of the community assets were women and pointed out that such traditional knowledge needs to cater to the future generation.
According to DC, the biggest challenge for the indigenous people was “concentrating in one’s own comfort zone”, rather than exploring the diverse areas within the state itself.
In this regard, urged upon all to encourage the younger generation to go back to their roots by visiting, exploring, interacting and learning the lifestyle of their villages which would help preserve the rich culture. He also spoke on the importance of documentation of languages, which if not interpreted, transferred and documented would soon disappear.
Short messages were delivered by AIPP secretary general Gam A Shimray, AIPP deputy secretary general Shree Kumar Mahajan. Solidarity messages were delivered by Borok Indigenous/Tribal Peoples Development Centre, Karbi Human Rights Watch and Nagaland Peoples Movement of Human Rights.
Highlights of the event include folk blues by Guru Rewben Mashangva, chicken dance and Tati folk song by Chakhesang Zuve cultural club, Naga united village and solidarity message video presentation by Network of Indigenous Women in Asia (NIWA).
The statement of IWFNEI calling the states to recognise the importance of implementing the UN declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples was read out by Borok Women Forum Tripura (BWFT) Anima Debbarma and declaration of indigenous people of North East India was also read out.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by IWFNEI convener Komoli Mosang and vote of thanks was proposed by IWFNEI advisor Khesheli Chishi. (Staff Reporter)
‘Nagaland must seriously consider proposed RIIN’
Kohima Law College (KLC) assistant professor, advocate Kezhokhoto Savi stated that the original inhabitants in Nagaland must “seriously consider” the proposed Registered Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
KLC media cell informed that he was speaking at the programme on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples organised by KLC at the college premises, Kezhokhoto said the rights of Naga indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland should not be affected and that it was important to take serious measures not to register the same to others.
Naga people should never allow any mechanism to exploit the rights of the indigenous inhabitants of the land, Kezhokhoto asserted.
He also reminded students to acknowledge the day by recognising the rights of Naga inhabitants where Article 371A of the constitution of India was considered a special right.
Kezhokhoto said many indigenous peoples faced discrimination because of their distinct cultures, identities and ways of life and that many were disproportionately affected by poverty and marginalisation.
He ended his speech by pointing out that the United Nations had “seriously discussed” indigenous issues with regard to culture, economic and social development, education, environment, health and human rights.
AIDA organises skill training to commemorate IDWIP
ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) – Don Bosco, implementing SBI Gram Seva programme observed International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by organising a skill training on different types of detergent making for the 13 Self Help Groups (SHGs) at community hall, Diezephe Village.
In a press release, AIDA informed that the objective of the skill training was to stress on the importance of the dignity of work and to promote learning skills.
As part of AIDA-SBI Gram Seva programme, a demonstration on making different types of detergents such as car wash, hand wash, dish wash and Phenyl was done to encourage people to engage in income-generating activities.
Nagaland observes ‘International Day of World Indigenous Peoples’
