Report-Back

INDIGENOUS CONFERENCES, HAWAII, 7-11

SEPTEMBER 2016
Date:
From:
To:

16 October 2016
Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn
Harry Burkhardt, Chair, Ngti Kuri Trust Board

INTRODUCTION
1. In September 2016 I attended the following two indigenous live-streamed1
conferences hosted by Puuhonua Village, Nation of Hawaii, Waimanalo,
Oahu Hawaii2:

7-8 September: Taro is the Ancestor that Nourishes Us - Na ke kalo ko

m kou 'aumakua: Protecting Indigenous Peoples Food Sovereignty,
Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Hawaii and throughout the
Pacific3; and

9-11 September: The 42nd Anniversary International Indian Treaty

Council (IITC) conference4.

1.1 The conference opened with an indigenous traditional dawn ceremony

at nearby Kaiona Beach. Each day thereafter opened with an early
morning indigenous traditional ceremony as well. Simultaneous
translations were provided for English and Spanish speaking members
representing Indigenous Peoples from North, Central, and South
America, the Arctic, Caribbean and the Pacific.
1.2 Resolutions from each conference are attached.5
1.3 This report highlights issues and outcomes from the conferences, and
recommends follow-up action.6
Acknowledgements
1.4 May I take this opportunity to
acknowledge:

The Nation of Hawaii and IITC

conference organizers;

The several other Mori and

Pacific participants at the
conferences (see picture
right), including IITC Vice President Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan (Ngti
Kahungunu, Tauranga Moana); and

5 November 2016 1 | P a g e

With sincere thanks, the 7th Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples7
for enabling my participation in these conferences, and the Ngti
Kuri Trust Board for supporting my application to this Fund.

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY CONFERENCE 7-8 SEPTEMBER DAY 1

Introductions
2. Nation of Hawaii Head of State Bumpy Kanahele began with an overview
of Hawaiis sovereignty issues (including the origins of Puuhonua Village)
and linking it to the vital significance of the taro (known as kalo in
Hawaii). Words of welcome were also offered from IITC Executive Director
Andrea Carmen.
The Story of Taro
3. This session went into more depth regarding the indigenous origin stories,
significance of and different perspectives about taro. Highlights from the
discussion included:
3.1 Any plans to restore food security in Hawaii must include revitalizing
taro.
3.2 Taro was traditionally traded between indigenous peoples throughout
the Pacific. The connections of peruperu and kumara (both potato
species indigenous to Aotearoa) with South America were also
acknowledged. Indigenous local and international trade needs to be
activated again. Indigenous trade will be a featured theme at the world
indigenous festival being planned for 2019, Aotearoa.8
3.3 Aotearoa has our own indigenous taro species. We need to restore that
food source.
3.4 A correlation was observed between the deviation from indigenous
foods and the general decline in spiritual, mental, physical,
environmental, cultural, social, economic and political wellbeing of
indigenous peoples.9
3.5 Local food knowledge and practices should be integrated into education
curriculums.
3.6 Indigenous gardening and harvesting of wild foods helps build and
nurture an empathetic attitude and relationship between people, the
soil, plants and the Earth. It also helps build understanding between the
generations (as elders, adults and children all work together).
Therefore, in a world where people are increasingly desensitized,
spending time gardening is critical.
3.7 We must protect our indigenous seeds, plants and soils against
pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) which are,
among other dangers, causing our children to prematurely reach
puberty.
5 November 2016 2 | P a g e

3.8 Traditional medicine plants must also be protected, and our practices
revived.
3.9 We must protect the mothers right to breast feed. This right is still
coming under attack in Mexico and elsewhere.
3.10 We were warned about the Codex Alimentarius or "Food Code"
established by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the
World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963. Its agenda was supposedly
to harmonize international food standards to help better protect
consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade.10 However,
concerns are that it has become another corporate-controlled
mechanism to facilitate pathological corporate (including GMO
companies) agendas concerning food and water, particularly in terms of
attacking indigenous seeds and medicinal herbs.
3.11 The vast majority of Hawaiis plant life is exotic now. We must all
strive to bring back indigenous species.
3.12 We were reminded to communicate with relevant United Nations (UN)
Special Rapporteurs, particularly on the Right to Food, 11 to help
advocate and protect our rights.
Climate crisis, and Report back from the 21st Conference of the
Parties, Paris, 2015
4.

Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included:

4.1 Reference to the Atitlan Declaration on Food Sovereignty (2002)12 is still

as relevant today as it ever was.13
4.2 The destruction of indigenous food is intimately linked with the
extermination of indigenous culture and the annihilation of entire
indigenous peoples.
4.3 If water is considered the life blood of Mother Earth, then coal is
comparable to her liver. Coal should stay in the ground so she can be
healthy.
4.4 An overview was given on the history and situation of Maluku
(accounting for, among other atrocities, why many Maluku still today
live in exile in Denmark).
4.5 It is anticipated that the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(FCCC) COP21 agreement will become an enforceable Treaty. The
UNFCCC14 invited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) to draft a report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5C above
pre-industrial levels.15 The IPCC is scheduled to produce this report in
September 2018. The IPCC welcomes information from civil society
including indigenous peoples to be considered for input into this report,
and it is noteworthy that Maybe more than in previous IPCC
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assessments, scientific understanding will be challenged, as this report

is tasked to assess the state of knowledge about complex systems and
projected system changes that go beyond empirical evidence and
historical experience. Thus, scoping meeting participants and report
authors are expected to constantly challenge themselves and the
published literature on underlying assumptions.16 This is an
encouraging sign of increased willingness among the IPCC to recognize
radical ideas, and give indigenous knowledge the acknowledgement it
deserves as critical to climate crisis mitigation/adaptation. On the other
hand, the UNFCCCs stubborn focus on 1.5C is a concern given that
scientific monitoring evidence tells us that weve already we've already
hit the 2C average global warming threshold.17 Other reports are also
scheduled for production by 2019.
4.6 Neo-liberalist capitalist economic operating systems and war are key
drivers of our climate crisis. This needs to be acknowledged and
addressed at the next and 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP) i.e.
COP22 - Marrakech, Morocco, 7-18 November 2016.18
4.7 We have to read between the lines of these COP agreements. Voluntary
State Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reductions open the way for
dangerous geoengineering and weather modification activity19 (also
related to promotion of GMO technology as a solution to our climate
crisis).
4.8 Big donor funding (e.g. from Norway) is reduced for COP22, and this
impedes indigenous peoples participation.
4.9 People need to accept theyll have to make lifestyle sacrifices to create
a viable future for humanity. People need support to change their
entrenched habits (like improving agriculture techniques and eating less
meat, which will reduce GHG emissions). We should be working with our
youth right now to embed the values and behaviours we need for
climate crisis mitigation/adaptation.
Food Sovereignty, water, GMOs, climate change
5.

Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included:

5.1 We have to be flexible in our sovereignty tactics and strategies. E.g.

carrying on our person, and using, our indigenous passports, but take a
State passport just in case! We must conduct ourselves respectfully and
peacefully as much as possible, but at the same time we have to be
forceful lest we let our oppressors walk all over us and our children have
nothing left. That would be the greater tragedy.
5.2 If were demanding accountability from our oppressors, we must
demand the same from our own people. Sadly however, our own people
often themselves contribute to or perpetuate oppression.
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5.3 Consumeristic values are killing us. Thats what has to transform.

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY CONFERENCE 7-8 SEPTEMBER DAY 2

Community-based action
6.

Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included:

6.1 A request was made to include a conference recommendation about the

state of emergency regarding the Standing Rock action to stop the
Dakota oil pipeline.20 The final statement agreed to by the conference
was as follows:
We commit to honor and protect the Sacred Water on which our Food Sovereignty and
all life depends. We stand in solidarity with all Indigenous Peoples who are in struggles
to protect and restore their sacred waters. We support the current struggle by the Lakota
and Dakota Nations at Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North and South Dakota to oppose
the Dakota Access LLC oil pipeline that threatens their main source of water as well as
many sacred sites, and violates the rights affirmed in the 1868 Ft. Laramie Treaty with
the United States.21
6.2 Hawaii traditional taro crops were threatened because through a series
of legal mechanisms, communities access to water became
unaffordable.
6.3 Due to the suppression of traditional food production and supply,
Hawaiians are now eating more unhealthy GMO rice in place of taro.
We must realize: food is used as a weapon. More people die from dietrelated illness than munitions used in war and State conflict. If we want
to sustain our social justice actions, if we want to be strong warriors, we
must be healthy, and that requires eating right.
6.4 Medical practitioners become despondent when clients with diet-related
illness keep returning for treatment, when all they need do is transform
their dietary habits. But bad food is designed to be addictive. So to
change habits, we need to use the same successful methods as dealing
with addicts.
6.5 Children who are brought up eating good food after 10 years are
physically repelled by bad food. This is a strategy we must use. Simply
put: we need to change our lifestyles.
6.6 Traditional food production supports all the traditional culture and
practice that goes with it. Traditional farmers are worth more than gold.
They need our support.
6.7 Microbes are very important for building immunity. This is part of the
idea behind passing around the kava bowl with grandparents spit in it.
Over time, the wooden kava bowel accumulates microbes originating
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from the ancestors that inoculate future generations. Its also very
important for our soils22 but agro-chemical industrial techniques are
killing our soils, hence the nutritional value of our harvested plants has
declined to alarming levels.
6.8 Controlled fire burning around my property kills bad microbes and seeds
of invasive plants.23
6.9 Even hunter-gathering and fishing is a kind of farming you just have a
bigger garden out in the wilderness. Indigenous peoples are facing
incarceration because many of our practices are now illegal. It seems to
be indigenous peoples food security rights are violated first, then
recreational users rights are diminished, but corporations privileges are
the last to be affected. Some indigenous campaigns are
intergenerational: in the short term going to jail for defending your
environment or hunting rights appears to be a wasted effort, but the
next generation can use that historical record to leverage the ongoing
campaign in their time.
6.10 Our people were militant: we had to be to defend against genocide and
ecocide. We really had no choice. But our situation is just as dire today.
Communities can succeed: we just have to figure out a violating
companys or Governments pressure points, and sustain our action.
Other direct action can be taken, like conscious naming of our children
to carry important cultural values, and training to create emotional and
spiritual clarity and fortitude. Thinking about acting isnt enough: you
have to act. We talk of civil disobedience against our oppressors, but to
help rationalize our action (if feeling doubtful) we might consciously
change that idea to civil OBEDIENCE to a law higher than fallible mans
law, i.e. obedience to Mother Natures law, to the Creators law. Our
efforts in the struggle themselves add to much-needed consciousnessraising.
6.11 Desertification is increasing, what water we do have is increasingly
polluted and contaminated, GMOs dont meet our needs and we have
increasing child malnutrition. Small farmers feed 65% of Ecuador, but
1% owns 65% of the water with only 13% reserved for food producers.
Thats very wrong.
6.12 Whether capitalist, socialist or other types of Governments, theyve all
actively violated or passively allowed the violation of indigenous
peoples rights. So our strategies have to transcend just governmental
politics. Indigenous peoples need to share our campaign ideas and
strategies among ourselves more.
Traditional Knowledge
7.

Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included:

5 November 2016 6 | P a g e

7.1 Our indigenous youth need to be more included in strategic planning

and actions. Its good to be supported into higher education, but we
need support also to stay connected with our culture while were there,
lest we become distracted and disconnected.
7.2 Youth need to be shown the compelling case for careers that support
indigenous justice, environmental justice or other priorities (e.g.
traditional gardening). If they feel theyre viable, and provide people
with enough income to live dignified lives, youth will pursue those
careers. Our youth are good at thinking creatively and out of the box, at
combining the old and the new, at marketing products and ideas. Were
underutilizing our youth in campaigning. Indigenous peoples rights
violations have to stop with our generation.
7.3 Tina Ngata (Aotearoa) is operating a first of its kind marae-based
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 4accredited environmental course, starting this year. 24 Because its
tikanga (traditional practices)-based, its unapologetically a highly
politicized course. Gardening, reduction of plastic waste and living an
increasingly sovereign life are definitely political acts. We also make
interventions to environmental and other decision-makers affecting our
rights.
7.4 Cultural camps are successful, where we educate our youth about our
traditional practices and knowledge. Youth need a safe environment to
learn by making mistakes and being compassionately corrected. The
fear of making a mistake and being reprimanded is a turn-off. Teach our
youth courage, and why we must stand strong to our values, and then
how to do that. Distance learning is good too.
7.5 Dumbing down the truth (e.g. calling it climate change when its really
a climate crisis; or calling it upholding corporate rights when really its
ecocide and genocide) just perpetuates ignorance. We must speak the
truth. People deserve to know the truth. We can only make the muchneeded changes in society by promoting and upholding the truth.
7.6 Much indigenous action deliberately flouts unjust laws. Today, while we
still have some way to go, were only able to enjoy many freedoms
because of the political action of those before us. We must continue to
honour those contributions and histories.
Film Evening
8.

We watched the documentary Circle of Poison25 about the international

marketing of restricted pesticides, including effects on indigenous
communities.

5 November 2016 7 | P a g e

42ND IITC
CONFERENCE 9-11
SEPTEMBER DAY 1
9. The conference began
with a powhiri /welcome
ceremony recognizing in
turn each indigenous
peoples nation in
attendance (see image
right). This was followed
by opening words from
our Nation of Hawaii
hosts, and IITC board
members, and the
following conference
presentations:
Genocide,
Decolonization and
Treaties
10. Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included:
10.1 We received an update that the Standing Rock request for the court to
order an injunction against the Dakota oil pipeline had been declined.
That was quite a blow, and raised more disturbing questions about
access to equal justice for indigenous peoples as opposed to protection
of corporate interests in the US.26 However, just minutes later, the US
Department of Justice, the Department of the Army and the Department
of the Interior intervened with an unprecedented joint statement27
requesting "that the pipeline company voluntarily pause all construction
activity within 20 miles east or west of Lake Oahe."28 Our conference
would like to think that our public release of our recommendation
yesterday (see para 6.1 above) helped force these federal Government
agencies to act rightly when the courts had failed to do so. Meanwhile,
the situation has brought a diverse spectrum of First Nations people
together to protect our natural resources, homelands, families and lives.
The indigenous activists brought their dogs from the Reservations. As a
result, the contracted security company and their attack dogs have left
the site.
10.2 Genocide takes many forms: aggressive advocacy of religious and
other ideologies, legal definitions of indigeneity that exclude indigenous
people or environmental destruction, and through technology
(geoengineering, for example, is happening over our forests. Those
engaged in geoengineering are malevolently manipulating our weather
and criminally disrupting natural atmospheric processes).
5 November 2016 8 | P a g e

10.3 Our oppressors are undertaking activities like injecting radioactive

substances into indigenous children without our knowledge, then
monitoring them. This shows many Government agencies and
corporate entities are incapable of caring, and shaming them has no
meaningful effect.
10.4 The International Court of Justice at the Hague29 has possibilities.
There is a 1948 convention on Genocide30 that we could be using more
(especially in our domestic courts). Unfortunately, so far weve found no
UN member State willing to take on the USA. But (another underutilized
procedure) every UN body can seek an advisory opinion which has moral
force.31 As a follow up to a suggestion that genocide be a theme for
study,32 we look forward to the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) reporting on this in the near future.
10.5 There is concern that some indigenous spokespersons who advocate
for our responsibilities and rights at the UN and other international
forums fail to stay connected enough through participating in
indigenous gatherings like these conferences.
10.6 Indigenous Peoples groups need to support one another to achieve
non-State Permanent Observer status at the UN (as Palestine did in
2012,33 after which State recognition of Palestines political status
significantly increased). This was an action indicated in the 2014
Outcome Document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, 34
because while the UN tends to give State-biased opinions, if youre not
at the table youre on the menu! This is why working at the UN
sometimes can be discouraging. But if you can appreciate any short
term wins while keeping your eye on the long game, you can survive in
that space and even make a difference. Were fighting not just for
ourselves, but all of humanity. Fighting under such circumstances takes
faith and courage.
10.7 A group of stolen generations Maluku freedom activists were branded
as terrorists and killed by the Denmark Government at the same time a
friendly Government was appealing to the international community to
support their calls for freedom. Strengthening culture is essential to
achieving indigenous sovereignty so its unethical when Councils of
indigenous elders are being branded as guerilla groups and outlawed
(e.g. as Indonesia has done with respect to West Papuans).
10.8 Following the Apology Act 1993 (where the US admitted violations
against indigenous Hawaiians, and recognizing Hawaiian sovereignty
as at 1893),35 and gratefully assisted by long-time esteemed human
rights advocate Professor Francis Anthony Boyle,36 the Nation of Hawaii
has developed an indigenous governance model, including a
constitution.
5 November 2016 9 | P a g e

10.9 To be powerful indigenous freedom activists, we need to decolonize our

own hearts and minds first. There are different levels in and of our
struggle, and we must recognize the value of all efforts: some will take
part in direct action, and some with national and international
diplomacy.
10.10
To be sovereign we need economic freedom, so creating our own
currency independent of the oil-backed US dollar must be a key part of
any plan.37
Cultural Rights, Sacred Sites and Repatriation
11. Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included:
11.1 Powerful direct action that makes others feel uncomfortable shows
whos really willing to stand up and be counted when it comes to
defending our environment, our culture, our families, our communities
and our lives. If were too passive, too nice, too diplomatic, we allow our
oppressors to progressively annihilate us. The choice is really simple if
we see it as a choice between life and death (which it is).
11.2 There is an international ban on all trade of certain animal parts.38
Surely, indigenous peoples are more than animals? So we should use
the animal trade law to support our demand for outlawing trade in
indigenous peoples remains and other sacred items.
11.3 What helps our repatriation efforts is to seek the active assistance from
those indigenous peoples in those countries where our sacred items are
held.
11.4 Many officials (e.g. in museums) who have (temporary) responsibility
for our sacred
objects dont
have the same
cultural beliefs
as we do, so you
cant necessarily
appeal to them
from a spiritual
level. But you
must still have
strong faith in
your work, pray
to the ancestors,
and believe that
you will succeed
in your efforts.
Miracles happen
when you do
5 November 2016 10 | P a g e

this. If this work creates anxiety for you, then its not for you, because
you must be fearless.

42ND IITC CONFERENCE 9-11 SEPTEMBER DAY 2

Environmental Health and Environmental Defenders
12. Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included 39:
12.1 Ecocide activity includes hydro dams, nuclear power plants, resource
extraction and other mega projects, widespread use of pesticides,
industrial pollution of our lands,
Above: Environmental Panelists Catherine
Murupaenga- Ikenn

waters and ecosystems, (Ngti Kuri and Te Rarawa Mori peoples of Aotearoa) is second from
and extermination of our
the left wearing a Go Home Statoil T-shirt.40
wildlife. Even the Grand
Canyon one of the recognized
natural wonders of the world is polluted. This has to stop.
12.2 Providing guidance in acting with spiritual fundamentalism (even if
sometimes we have to compromise on our particular worldly tactics and
actions e.g. 100% peaceful action) is where our elders are most
important. Individuals have specific life purposes and missions, and so
do groups of people.
12.3 We need to take time to do more high-level strategizing, lest we end
up being less effective by simply reacting. Truly, we often face
Governmental and corporate agents of death. So some leaders say if
theyre going to kill me, I may as well give my life for the cause. But
living to fight another day also has value. Each person must decide for
themselves what their level of commitment and contribution will be.
12.4 Legal and policy expert indigenous representatives have their value at
the UN. But sometimes, its best to have an authentic grassroots
indigenous person speak directly to the UN about the effect of their
human rights violations, because their first-hand testimony can be very
moving and sway decision-makers.
12.5 Sometimes, despite how weve been (and continue to be) treated,
partnering with what many might describe as unlikely allies (like
Governments, corporations and some NGOs) can advance our cause.41
But we must remain acutely conscious and vigilant in the relationship so
we can effectively address any violations that might yet occur on their
part (as they often do) whether through their ignorance,42
incompetency, willful blindness or deliberate pathological agendas.
12.6 To effectively defend against corporate harm, we have to think as
corporations think and/ or use their processes and tactics: for example,
working with shareholders to lobby energy company Statoil at their
Annual General Meeting to abandon their oil production activities in our
5 November 2016 11 | P a g e

indigenous territories, and instead transition faster to renewable energy

production.43
12.7 For some time we have been unable to rely on the corporate media
complex for objective reporting on newsworthy subjects. Indigenous
Peoples must strengthen our efforts of crowd-sourced independent
journalism. Every individual who has a pen and paper, camera or
cellphone can be a journalist and help to share the truth about whats
really going on.
12.8 Very few in a resource rich State want to talk about transitioning over
to a renewable energy-powered economy. Were dealing with our own
complicit and Government-financed and corporate-financed indigenous
people as well as Governments and corporations. Some indigenous
villages are living in third world conditions forcing villagers to work for
the corporate oppressor. Companies also infiltrate our Universities
course content and decision-making. Even when Governments appear
to be taking good action, you need to remain vigilant circumspect,
even (e.g. beware false solutions like REDD44).
12.9 Pollution in the sky in one (e.g. warmer) area travels to other (e.g.
cooler) areas and falls down on the indigenous peoples there. Same
with water pollution upstream. Thats why we need to support other
indigenous peoples environmental protection campaigns, because
ultimately theyre about our interests too. Animals are migrating to new
hunting territories, because theyre just following their food sources
which are being forced by climate changes to move. Adaption to these
changes isnt an option for traditional hunters. It means death for us.
Plus, our natural resources are being over-regulated but in the wrong
way. For example, traditional hunting, taking of water for our basic
subsistence needs is all outlawed. We must escalate our efforts to
protect our indigenous rights, because thats critically needed to save
our environment and save humanity. Without that component of
indigenous human rights protection the whole world is doomed.
Human Rights Training Session
13. Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included:
13.1 Internationally-recognized human rights dont necessarily translate
exactly in terms of indigenous peoples responsibilities. But human
rights have value none the less, and are inalienable. 45
13.2 Shadow reports to the UN EMRIP and requests for urgent action to
indigenous human rights violations are very important. For example, in
the face of the New Zealand Government which referred at the time to
The Treaty of Waitangi46 as outdated, Mori appealed to the EMRIP
regarding the foreshore and seabed, helping to force the New Zealand
Government to improve its legislation. But there are other UN
5 November 2016 12 | P a g e

mechanisms for all manner of human rights violations which indigenous

peoples ought to make more use of.47 Remember: Concluding
Observations of the different UN Treaty Bodies are legally binding! Know
your UN instruments/mechanisms and their Articles and /or mandate to
hear you concerns; collect testimony to support your claim from the
affected indigenous peoples (crowd sourcing these days is a new tool
that we can use more as well as the conventional ways of doorknocking, phone-calling, etc). And diplomacy only works with the
support of committed people on the ground.
13.3 Forward the decisions of different UN bodies to the offices of different
corporations (in person if need be good for a photo opportunity!) that
are violating our rights.
13.4 UN Human Rights Committees can only be appealed to if your country
has agreed to it. For example, only 57 of 100+ UN member States have
recognized the competency of the Committee on the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination. Anyone can file a claim with these Committees or
mechanisms (you dont have to be a lawyer). But you must follow up
with every mechanism you engage with.
13.5 The DRIP began as grassroots demands taken to the UN. The DRIP is
only of value to the extent that indigenous peoples use it, and part of
using it is proactively telling the UN how to interpret its Articles and
applications in any given situation. The same with all of the Treaty
Bodies and Special Procedures. Dont settle, or sit back and wait, for
States or UN officials bold and liberal interpretation of the DRIP,
because that would mean sharing of their power, and States (and
corporations controlling those States) are not known for relinquishing
power voluntarily. The UN will never resolve our issues: the best it can
do is provide political, legal and moral leverage for them. Indigenous
peoples will always be the strongest advocate of our responsibilities and
rights, not Governments or corporations.
13.6 Diversify your participation in UN politics beyond just the Permanent
Forum on Indigenous Issues48 and the EMRIP. The Working Group on
Business and Human Rights49 is vital to engage with, especially given:
a.

The over-reach of business and industry Life-destroying agendas

into our daily lives; and

b.

A Business and Human Rights Treaty is being developed right now.

13.7 Columbia will hold a plebiscite (referendum) on whether to accept a

peace agreement to end more than five decades of war with Marxist
rebels.50 All are invited to support this initiative.
13.8 The IITC was asked to support the Nation of Hawaii to achieve UN
status as a recognized nation. Hawaii would be a great test case for
this because they have a Treaty history. Such an achievement by one
5 November 2016 13 | P a g e

indigenous nation would have great beneficial value for all indigenous
peoples. If the UN denies us that, then wed seek a lesser goal of
achieving permanent Observer Status at the UN.
13.9 There are UN standards for the protection of individual human rights
defenders, but not so much for collectives of such defenders (like groups
of indigenous people). Mexico and other Governments 51 have
criminalized protest action which violates our right to free speech
(among other things). Mori should file an official complaint regarding
New Zealands Anti-Terrorism law,52 because the definition of terrorism
is relative depending on whether youre the indigenous community
facing genocide or ecocide...or the Government and/or corporation
advocating profit-making privileges.
13.10
There are several international forums dealing with water. But
beware: many of these are convened or controlled by water corporations
who want to legitimize their extraction agendas by having indigenous
peoples representatives participate in their gatherings. It pays to
research the history and/or organizers of such meetings before deciding
to attend. The climate crisis dialogue needs more on water security
solutions.
13.11
The IITC needs more legal experts to help with our campaigns,
and is improving our website including developing mechanisms to
facilitate the production, sharing and access to instruments (like
interventions to UN bodies, support letters for different indigenous
actions).
Commission Sessions
14. The members then organized themselves into the following working
groups (Commissions) and spent the remainder of the day developing
resolutions to propose at the next and final conference day:
14.1 Restoring National Sovereignty and achieving Decolonization;
14.2 Economic Sovereignty;
14.3 Treaties and Treaty Rights: Land, Water, Food, Health, Consent;
14.4 Cultural Rights, Sacred Sites and Repatriation;
14.5 Women and Childrens Rights;
14.6 Food Sovereignty;
14.7 Defending Indigenous Human Rights Defenders; and
14.8 Addressing the Climate Crisis.

42ND IITC CONFERENCE 9-11 SEPTEMBER DAY 3

5 November 2016 14 | P a g e

15. The agenda for the final conference day was IITC General Assembly.
Highlights of the panel presentations and ensuing discussion included:
15.1 The UN needs more teeth, and indigenous peoples are the teeth. We
must use it, or lose it. Theres UN funding for indigenous peoples
participation,53 and CAGI (the Geneva Welcome Centre54) provides
accommodation grants in Geneva for those participating in UN
meetings.55
15.2 Indigenous groups are encouraged to affiliate with IITC to facilitate
access to IITCs technical and financial assistance with progressing their
peoples human rights issues and priorities.
16. The conference resolutions developed from the previous days
commission workshops were tabled, by open discussion amended where
necessary, and adopted.56
17. Requests for new IITC affiliates were presented and approved; and the
next two IITC hosts were confirmed: Sioux Nation, at Standing Rock 57 for
2018; and Aotearoa (c/o Hinewirangi Morgan) for 2020. Lastly, were
words of thanks and the closing ceremony.

UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE PACIFIC PARTICIPATION

18. During the conference breaks, Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn and other
participating members from the Pacific58 progressed a number of Pacific
regional matters concerning our regions participation in the UN FCCCs
COP22, Marrakesh.
18.1 Our Pacific members developed a process for the selection of a Pacific
representative to the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate
Changes (IIPFCCs59) Global Steering Committee (GSC). The GSC was
established to assist indigenous peoples follow-up from, and
preparation for participation at, the COPs.
18.2 Following notification of this process, Catherine was also supported to
be one of three Panel Members to oversee the selection process. The
Pacific has since completed that selection process, and is now working
to support our GSC representative, Samson Viulu (Samoa), and Alternate
GSC representative Lisa Te Heuheu, to undertake their duties including
coordinating the drafting of a Pacific declaration as the basis for their
advocacy work at COP22. The Boards Chair has endorsed Catherine to
lead Ngti Kuris contribution and inputs into this process. A copy of the
latest draft60 of the Pacific declaration is attached.

RECOMMENDATIONS
19. As conference follow-up action, it is recommended that the Board:
5 November 2016 15 | P a g e

19.1 Notes the IITCs kaupapa/ purpose;

19.2 Requests IITC affiliation for the Board;
19.3 Notes both the Food Sovereignty and IITC Treaty conferences:
a.

Discussion highlights, including:

i. The proposal, sponsored by IITC Vice President Hinewirangi Kohu,
that Aotearoa hosts the IITCs 2020 conference; and
ii. That a world indigenous festival is being planned to be held in
Aotearoa in 2019; and

b.

Resolutions (attached);

19.4 Supports the revitalization of indigenous taro and other indigenous

food species in Aotearoa;
19.5 Continues to advocate for the integration of local food knowledge and
practices into education curriculums and our communities;
19.6 Proposes a Mori nation-wide campaign to demand an international
ban on all trade of indigenous peoples remains and other sacred items
and/or supports other indigenous peoples campaigns for the same;
19.7 Increases its support for Ngti Kuri traditional knowledge and wellbeing
wnanga, with a particular emphasis on:
a.

Generating effective strategies and follow-up action to create

environmental, social, cultural, spiritual, economic and political
security for Ngti Kuri; and

b.

Participation of our rangatahi;

19.8 Increases its support for awareness-raising initiatives regarding the

true gravity of our climate crisis and the mitigation/adaption
implications for Ngti Kuri, Te Hiku and New Zealand society;
19.9 Increases its participation in and support for indigenous journalism
including through local media and crowd-sourcing, and regarding
issues of importance to Ngti Kuri;
19.10
Investigates the proposition for implementing a form of Mori
cryptocurrency as a component of strengthening hap and iwi
sovereignty;
19.11
Considers how it can support expanded Mori participation in
different UN mechanisms, including:
a.

Continuing to support representative participation in the National

Iwi Chairs Forum UN DRIP Monitoring Mechanism;

b.

Encouraging applications to the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous

Populations to assist with UN participation;
5 November 2016 16 | P a g e

c.

Filing an official complaint with the appropriate UN mechanism

regarding New Zealands Anti-Terrorism law as an attack on
environmental and human rights defenders;

d.

Given (a) the huge impact of industry and corporate interests on

Mori wellbeing, and (b) that a Business and Human Rights Treaty is
currently being developed, engagement with the UN Working Group
on Business and Human Rights;

e.

Contributing information to the IIPC drafting process for its report

on the impacts of global warming of 1.5C above pre-industrial
levels; and

f.

Supporting the Nation of Hawaiis campaign to achieve UN status

as a recognized nation and, failing that, the goal of achieving
permanent Observer Status at the UN;

19.12

Notes that:

a.

The International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Changes

Global Steering Committee (GSC) was established to assist
indigenous peoples follow-up from, and preparation for
participation at, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCC) Conferences of the Parties (COPs);

b.

The next COP (COP22) will be in Marrakech, Morocco, 7-18

November 2016; and

c.

With endorsement of the Boards Chair, Catherine MurupaengaIkenn is leading Ngti Kuris contribution and inputs into the process
of supporting the Pacifics GSC representative, Samson Viulu, to
undertake his COP22 duties including coordinating the drafting of
a Pacific declaration as the basis for his advocacy work at
Marrakech.

Naku noa,
Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn
(Kaitautoko/ Policy Support)

5 November 2016 17 | P a g e

Links were posted at the International Indian Treaty Council Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/treatycouncil/?fref=ts.
2
For more information on both conferences see http://www.iitc.org/conferences-events/treatyconference/.
3
Food conference agenda available at http://www.iitc.org/wpcontent/uploads/AgendaTaroConferenceHIwithspeakersFINALFINAL.pdf.
4
IITC conference agenda available at http://www.iitc.org/wpcontent/uploads/TreatyConferenceAgendawithSpeakersEnglishFINALrev1.pdf. Links to more IITC
information are available from its home page at http://www.iitc.org/, including its Mission
statement, Guiding Principles and Affiliates (including seven from Aotearoa).
5
These are also available here: http://www.iitc.org/2016-treaty-conference-resolutions/.
6
Note: this is not an official record, it is just notes of my observations.
7
Specifically through the Travelling Song Initiative Grant: see http://7genfund.org/grantapplication for more information.
8
See Editorial: Demand to increase for Northland festivals (5 July 2016), at
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/opinion/news/article.cfm?
c_id=1503447&objectid=11669035.
9
We were also reminded of the importance of a balanced diet generally for good intestinal
bacterial levels, and for regulating behaviour, e.g. Omega-3, junk food and the link between
violence and what we eat (17 October 2006), at
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/oct/17/prisonsandprobation.ukcrime.
10

For more information, see http://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/.

11

For more information, see http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Food/Pages/FoodIndex.aspx.

12
At http://iitc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/FINAL_Atitlan-Declaration-FoodSecurity_Apr25_ENGL.pdf.
13
For example, see Backgrounder: The Rights of Indigenous Peoples to Food and Food
Sovereignty (Eleventh session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 14 May 2012),
at http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/2012/News%20and%20Media/EN%20Fact
%20Sheet_Right%20to%20Food.pdf.
14
See homepage at http://newsroom.unfccc.int/.
15
For more information, including the specific topics and scientific questions to be answered by the
report and report drafting milestones, see http://ipcc.ch/report/sr15/.
16
P6, at http://ipcc.ch/report/sr15/pdf/sr15_scoping_background_doc.pdf.
17
Earth sets terrifying temperature record (14 March 2016) at
http://thenewdaily.com.au/life/2016/03/14/february-record-temperature/ - "Shocking new data from
NASA shows the temperature of Earth surged in January and February to the temperature targets
set for the year 2100. The planet is now two degrees Celsius above the normal mark the point
at which climate change becomes dangerous to planets inhabitants....An implication of the
trend, according to Professor Pitman and others, was that the goal adopted by 195 nations at the
Paris climate conference of no warming above 1.5 degrees was unachievable."; The mercury
doesnt lie: Weve hit a troubling climate change milestone (5 March 2016) at
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2016/03/04/why-degree-temperature-jump-more-importantthan-trump-hands/lCyz5MHZkH8aD0HIDJrcYJ/story.html: Across the northern hemisphere, the
temperature, if only for a few hours, apparently crossed a line: it was more than two degrees
Celsius above normal for the first time in recorded history.
18
See conference hub page at http://newsroom.unfccc.int/cop22marrakechinformationhub/.
19
For more information, see documentary "Why in the World are They Spraying?" (2012), at

http://transcriptvids.com/v/mEfJO0-cTis.html; and material on notices of pending legal

action (dated 25 July 2016) by 29 USA citizens sent to potential defendants concerning
geoengineering and weather modification occurring without legal permits, scientific
justification, or public comment or debate and in violation of state and federal
environmental and other laws, rules, and regulations:
http://www.geoengineeringwatch.org/documents/LASG%2060-Day%20Notice%20%20web%20version.pdf.
20

For more on the Standing Rock situation at the time, see for example Democracy Now! coverage
at http://www.democracynow.org/2016/9/9/in_rare_move_doj_army_interior.
21
For the complete set of food conference recommendations, see n5 above.

22

E.g. see Gil A. Carandang, Indigenous Microorganisms: Grow Your Own Beneficial Indigenous
Microorganisms and Bionutrients In Natural Farming (2003) at http://hkpi.webs.com/Indigenous
%20Micro-organism(Phil).pdf.
23
See also the benefits of biochar production at http://www.motherearthnews.com/organicgardening/making-biochar-improve-soil-zmaz09fmzraw.
24
See Course will look at environmental issues for hap (18 January 2016) at
http://gisborneherald.co.nz/environment/2124643-135/course-will-look-at-environmental-issues.
25
See website at http://www.circleofpoisonfilm.com/.
26
Judge Boasberg found that the corporations had complied with the law in approving permits for
the pipeline and that the tribe had not demonstrated that irreparable harm will ensure. Ref
Federal government moves to halt oil pipeline construction near Standing Rock Sioux tribal land
(9 September 2016), at https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/09/federaljudge-denies-standing-rock-sioux-tribes-request-to-stop-work-on-four-state-oil-pipeline/?
utm_term=.4c8c651c8f1d.
27
Ref Federal government moves to halt oil pipeline construction near Standing Rock Sioux tribal
land, above at n20.
28
Ref President Obama Tells Standing Rock Demonstrators: 'You're Making Your Voice Heard' (26
September 2016), at http://abcnews.go.com/US/president-obama-tells-standing-rockdemonstrators-youre-making/story?id=42361295.
29
Website at http://www.icj-cij.org/court/index.php?p1=1.
30
See https://www.ushmm.org/confront-genocide/justice-and-accountability/introduction-to-thedefinition-of-genocide.
31
See http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/index.php?p1=3&p2=4.
32
E.g. see Report of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on its eighth
session, Geneva, 20-24 July 24July 2015 (19 August 2015), at https://documents-ddsny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G15/185/66/PDF/G1518566.pdf?OpenElement.
33
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_resolution_67/19.
34
The Outcome Document at paragraph 33 committed States to considering ways to enable the
participation of indigenous peoples representatives and institutions in meetings of relevant United
Nations bodies on issues affecting them, including any specific proposals made by the SecretaryGeneral in response to the request made in paragraph 40 below. And paragraph 40 requested
the Secretary-General taking into account the views expressed by indigenous peoples, to
submit through the Economic and Social Council, recommendations regarding how to use,
modify and improve existing United Nations mechanisms to achieve the ends of the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ways to enhance a coherent, system-wide
approach to achieving the ends of the Declaration and specific proposals to enable the
participation of indigenous peoples representatives and institutions, building on his report on
ways and means of promoting participation at the United Nations of indigenous peoples
representatives on the issues affecting them.7: see http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?
symbol=A/RES/69/2.
35
See http://www.hawaii-nation.org/publawsum.html.
36
For Professor Boyles profile, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Boyle.
37
See for example What is Cryptocurrency? (16 September 2014) at
https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/cryptocurrency/. The Nation of Hawaii already has a
successfully operating cryptocurrency called Aloha Coin: for more information, see
http://alohacoin.info/. The Nation of Hawaii is collaborating with Japan in the creation of
cryptocurrency. In November 2016, Japan will also begin enabling its citizens to pay for their utility
bills using bitcoin: see Bitcoin Accepted! Japanese Users can Soon Pay Utility Bills with the
Cryptocurrency (26 September 2016) at https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/bitcoin-acceptedjapanese-users-can-soon-pay-utility-bills/. One concern that needs to be addressed, however, is
how to mitigate the threat of hacking: see Cryptocurrency exchanges under attack, risking repeat
of Mt. Gox debacle (31 August 2016), at
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/31/business/financial-markets/cryptocurrencyexchanges-attack-risking-repeat-mt-gox-debacle/#.V-yIkMnwqQA.
38
See Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1973)
at https://www.cites.org/eng/disc/text.php.
39
Note a change to the Panel: Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn stood in for Tui Shortland.

40

For a video link to part of Catherines presentation, see

https://www.facebook.com/damon.corrie/videos/10153657304121566/ (for Part one) and
https://www.facebook.com/damon.corrie/videos/10153657296941566/ (for Part two).
41
Example, the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary, New Zealand (for information, see
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/1_Kermadec_Ocean_Sanctuary_information
%20booklet.pdf). Note, however, that the Government has made no mention of the indigenous
peoples of this territory (Ngti Kuri). Just one example of how indigenous peoples must constantly
remind States of their obligations of respectful treatment towards us.
42
Although, with the UN General Assemblys adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples in 2007 (downloadable from
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf), the excuse of pleading ignorance
about indigenous rights is really no longer available to States.
43
For more information, see https://www.scribd.com/document/290596744/Video-Notes-StatoilAGM-2015, and indigenous radio interview at https://tehiku.nz/te-hiku-radio/kuakamarangaranga/463/catherine-murupaenga-ikenn.
44
This stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing
Countries: see http://www.un-redd.org/. But note the significant indigenous peoples criticisms of
REDD, for example Is REDD the New Green? Indigenous Groups Resist Carbon Market-Based
Forestry Scheme to Offset Emissions (9 December 2010) at
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/9/is_redd_the_new_green_injustices; and
Indigenous People Explore Many Shades Of REDD (5 June 2015) at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/forest-trends/indigenous-people-explore_b_7520046.html.
45
I.e. you have them by virtue of being born onto this Earth no-one can rightly claim to have
granted them to you. And equally, no-one can rightly take them from you.
46
The 1840 Treaty between Mori chiefs and the British Crown, and better recognized by the
indigenous Mori peoples as Te Tiriti o Waitangi: see http://www.treaty2u.govt.nz/the-treaty-upclose/treaty-of-waitangi/.
47
For all UN Human Rights Bodies, see
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/Pages/HumanRightsBodies.aspx.
48
See https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/unpfii-sessions-2.html.
49
See
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Business/Pages/WGHRandtransnationalcorporationsandotherbusine
ss.aspx.
50
See Colombia's Santos calls peace plebiscite in Oct., reveals question (31 August 2016), at
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/colombia-s-santos-calls-peace-plebiscite-in-octreveals-questi/3086984.html.
51
Including New Zealand banning protest action within 500 metres of any drilling operation at sea
for "safety reasons": see for example The art of protest in New Zealand (8 April 2013) at
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/blogs/in-our-nature/8520224/The-art-of-protest-in-New-Zealand.
52
See and the Terrorist Suppression Act 2002 see the Act at
http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0034/latest/DLM151491.html?search=ts_act%40bill
%40regulation%40deemedreg_terrorism_resel_25_a&p=1#DLM152400, and The Terrorism
Suppression Act And Criminalisation Of National Liberation Groups (August 2014), at
http://www.converge.org.nz/abc/pr/47/pr47-006.html.
53
See http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/IPeoplesFund/Pages/IPeoplesFundIndex.aspx. Note
that Dr Claire Charters (Ngti Whakaue, Ng Puhi, Ngti Twharetoa and Tainui, Aotearoa) is a UN
Voluntary Fund Board member (until December 2017).
54
See http://www.cagi.ch/en/home/about-us.php.
55
See http://www.cagi.ch/en/delegates-welcome/accommodation-for-delegates.php.
56
For all conference resolutions, see n5 above.
57
For example, see http://standingrock.org/history/.
58
In consultation with other Pacific members who were attending the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conference at a different Hawaii location.
59
See homepage at http://www.iipfcc.org/.
60
I.e. the draft as at the date of this report.