Mayo 21, 2003
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Second Session
15th & 16th Meetings (AM & PM)
Summary of Statement by NOELI POCATERRA to the Second Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues during the discussion on Culture.
15th & 16th Meetings (AM & PM)
Summary of Statement by NOELI POCATERRA to the Second Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues during the discussion on Culture.
NOELI
POCATERRA, of the Consejo Nacional Indio de Venezuela, said her culture
and language were the spirit and basis of her identity. It was
important not to destroy the creations of God and expressions of life.
Culture and language were the identity cards of indigenous peoples,
giving them the opportunity to have their own life. Their heritage and
spiritual values had enabled them to resist the colonialism that still
existed today. Indigenous peoples must not give up, but defend their
sacred life on earth.
She recommended prolonging the Decade for indigenous people, and urged United Nations agencies, States and indigenous peoples to set up a policy affirming the value of bilingual education. She also stressed that full value should be given to traditional knowledge, which was the key to the future.
She recommended prolonging the Decade for indigenous people, and urged United Nations agencies, States and indigenous peoples to set up a policy affirming the value of bilingual education. She also stressed that full value should be given to traditional knowledge, which was the key to the future.
