THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DECLARATION

ON ASSERTING TRIBAL GOVERNANCE

April 23, 2004 Davao City
We, Indigenous Peoples representing twenty-two (22) tribes in Mindanao, stand united in affirming
and strengthening our assertion for Self-Governance in accordance with our lifeways, culture and
traditions.
We affirm that our customary laws, indigenous culture and traditions serve as the pathway of our
ancestors and elders to ensure that our communities continue to survive amid pervading threats of
all forms of colonization, oppression and exploitation.
We affirm that our tribes have long practiced a system of governance of its own even prior to the
intrusion of foreign ideologies, western culture and religions in the island of Mindanao.
We affirm that our tribes have their own ways of conflict settlement (both internal and external to
the tribes) and peacebuilding processes in accordance with indigenous concepts of justice and
peace as taught by our ancestors and elders.
We affirm that at present, we are still deprived of our rights over our Ancestral Domain as land
grabbing and other forms of threats continue to persist as an expression of harassment and
deprivation not only to our economic lives but for Indigenous Peoples to exist with dignity.
Therefore, we, the twenty-two (22) tribes in Mindanao, muster courage as peoples to reaffirm the
assertion of our rights and positions on Self-Governance. Hence, we strongly declare :
1.

Our indigenous spirituality and customary laws considered to be sacred form the
bedrock of our self-determination as Indigenous Peoples. Such is the wellspring of
indigenous wisdom and knowledge, traditional structure, and socio-cultural
practice.

2.

To continue the struggle for others to fully recognize, respect and support our
rights over our Ancestral Domain and Tribal Governance in accordance with
indigenous concepts, systems and structure.

3.

To assert, strengthen, develop and support indigenous ways of defending our

territories and our peoples.

4.

To strengthen ways of teaching our youth to love, internalize and practice the
culture, languages and traditions of our race as Indigenous Peoples.

5.

That the Philippine Government, corporations, AFP/PNP, rebel groups, church,

NGOs and other sectors should respect, recognize and protect our inherent right to
govern our own territories.

6.

That sanctions will be immediately enforced on those who grossly violate our
customary laws and existing laws supportive of our rights over our Native Titles
and Ancestral Domains.
We demand to put a halt to both reported and
undocumented land grabbing cases lodged by Indigenous Peoples against
individuals, private groups and companies.
That unjust entry of projects within our territories that cause division among our
people will be put to a halt especially those that fail to undergo community
protocols not only enshrined in the provision of Free, Prior and Informed Consent
(FPIC) of the IPRA Law but inherently being enforced as a process of indigenous
governance.

7.

8.

That we demand full respect, recognition and support to the regeneration of our
customary laws especially our justice system and indigenous conflict resolution
mechanisms so that our concepts of justice and peace will continue to persist in
our communities.

We humbly but firmly address this declaration to the Philippine Government, its agencies and
instrumentalities, local government units, religious institutions, AFP/PNP, rebel groups, business
corporations, NGOs and other peoples (non-IPs) to continue to learn our lifeways as a people. We
urge them to consistently be aware and strive to find more effective ways in relating with
Indigenous Peoples in order to understand deeper our concepts and positions on Self-Governance
as a people.
This declaration of principles and positions is a glaring challenge confronting us for many years
already---a challenge to advance, heighten and deepen the practice of indigenous knowledge
systems and culture since this is the "repository of power" of our governance in realizing our SelfDetermination as Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao.
Therefore, we strongly affirm this declaration which is only a speck in our Gantangan Palaviyan,
Bungkatol Ha Bulawan Nangka Tasa Ho Lana, Gantangan Timbangan, Batasan Sinadahan Gawi
Pinabiluhan, Addat, Kitab and other customary laws of our tribes since we, as a people, stand
firmly on the brown earth sown with the ashes of our ancestors. We strongly commit ourselves to
this declaration with the blessing and guidance of Magbabaya who is the most powerful above all.
Signed by the various tribes in Mindanao who attended the "Tribal Governance
Conference", April 21-23, 2004, REND Convention Center, Vales Beach Resort, Daliao, Toril,
Davao City.
Central Mindanao

Northwestern Mindanao

Southeastern Mindanao

Arumanen-Manobo
Blaan
Dulangan-Manobo
Matigsalog-Manobo
Pulangion
Tboli

Bukidnon
Kerinteken-Manobo
Higaonon
Subanen
Tagolwanon
Talaandig
Umayamnon

Agusanon-Manobo
Ata-Manobo
Dibabawon
Langilan-Manobo
Mansaka
Sama
Tagabawa
Tagakaolo
Ubo-Manobo