Rights of Mother Earth Conference: Time for the Condor & the Eagle to Unite

Rhonda LeValdo in Native Currents. Discussion »

LAWRENCE, KANSAS –

“It is time for the condor and the eagle to unite”

Marlin Santi-Quichuan

remarked Marlon Santi, Quichuan of Ecuador, as he spoke about Indigenous people working together at the Rights of Mother Earth conference.

The conference held at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas met for three days and ended yesterday.

“to seek implementation of a new global paradigm of jurisprudence that treats Nature/Mother Earth as a fundamental, rights bearing entity and not as a mere property to be exploited.”

Presenter Allanah Hurley, Yupik, spoke of the effects of climate change and drilling on her homelands in Alaska.

Delegation from Ecuador

"Our villages are falling into the ocean; our graves are falling into the ocean. It's sad to see people so disconnected with the earth, it's frustrating and challenging. We are glad this gathering is taking place. I really wanted to come because I really want to broaden my perspective and learn about ensuring that things we hold true. That those values as Indigenous people are upheld and how we can share that with western society. I am very lucky that our tribes in Alaska are banning against unsustainable development."

During the morning sessions panelists spoke of the issues affecting their homelands. From the drilling in Alaska, to the Keystone XL pipeline issues in Canada and to how the Wakarusa wetlands in Kansas are being endangered. In the afternoon, all the conference participants broke up into groups to define the rights of Mother Earth and how it could be used in their own communities. Each group then presented their ideas to all the other participants.

Santi, explained that he does not travel much but felt the conference was important to attend for these reasons.

“We have ideas we need to share with each other, by participating we can do something, we all need to work together.”

Haskell faculty Dr. Dan Wildcat explained

“Gatherings like this were imperative in making sure that our lands are intact for our next generation.”

The conference was webcast for those who could not attend. The archives of the sessions can be found below.

Rhonda LeValdo, Acoma Pueblo, is a current faculty member in Media Communications at Haskell Indian Nations University, and the President of the Native American Journalists Association.

posted April 7, 2012 8:30 am edt