NATIVE HAWAIIANS SPEAK AT UNITED NATIONS
Pacific Region Influence Grows At Third Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues
New York, NY - Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Region Indigenous Peoples gather this week and next at the United Nations for the third annual Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
The Koani Foundation, a Kaua’i based unity organization, is participating with other Native Hawaiians in articulating and addressing human rights, environmental, economic and social issues before the international assembly.
“We are outcasts in our own homeland,” remarked Koani Foundation board member Kai’opua Fyfe. ”However, our Nation survives today despite more than a century of belligerent occupation, forced assimilation, and cultural oppression”.
The Permanent Forum has designated “Indigenous Women” as the theme for this year’s gathering. “Our women are critical to the perpetuation of our culture and the improvement of our future. We are deeply concerned with the health and well-being of our mothers, sisters and wives,” Fyfe observed.
In addition to Polynesian Triangle members Hawai’i, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Rapa Nui (Easter Island), other Pacific Region participants include representatives from Australia, Fiji, Papua, Melanesia and Micronesia
“We support our indigenous brothers and sisters,” declared Fyfe. “We recognize that their struggle is ours. We share the same history and unity is the key to our future.”
The forum, which runs for two weeks through May 21st, was established in 2000 at the recommendation of the UN Commission on Human Rights.
For more information, contact the Koani Foundation at (808) 822-7643 or freehawaii@earthlink.net.
