Indigenous peoples make up 5% of the planet’s population, but occupy approximately 22 % of the world’s land, and that land contains 80% of the remaining biological diversity on the planet - the most biologically valuable land on the planet. They have to be allowed to play a much more important role in the decision-making process concerning their lands which have forests, mineral resources, and fossil fuels that are coveted by transnational corporations and governments. Their traditional knowledge and skills should be honored and respected, as they have been good stewards of their lands and territories, having lived sustainably for generations, if not for hundreds of years.

Acknowledgement to contributors to this series of interviews:
Many thanks to Jim Heddle, Mary Beth Brangan, Morgan Peterson of the Ecological Options Network (EON) for their work editing and posting these interviews, and the use of video equipment. Victor Menotti of the International Forum on Globalization for doing some of the interviews. Guitar introduction to some of the videos - Miguel Viscaino of Patzcuaro, Mexico.


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Interview with Leitanthem Umakanta Meitei

Leitanthem Umakanta Meitei is a lawyer and human rights defender in Manipur, a state in NE India that borders Burma (Myanmar). Umakanta is Secretary General of the Threatened Indigenous Peoples Society (TIPS) and the elected spokesperson of Apunba Lup, a coalition of 34 civil society organizations representing the 1.7 million indigenous Meitei people in Manipur.
Umakanta says, “We, the Meitei people of Manipur, are not asking for special treatment. We are merely asking for the same treatment that all other citizens in India have the right to enjoy. We want [martial law] to be repealed and the daily threat of armed conflict in our region be renounced. We want an equal voice in the government of India.”
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