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.


Friday, December 17, 2010

Interview with Ofelia Rivas

Dec. 10, 2010: Indigenous Perspectives - Bing Gong interviews Ofelia Rivas of the O'odham Nation on the border of Southwesterrn Arizona and Northern Sonora, Mexico. Ofelia talks about a proposed project of the Department of Homeland Security / Border Patrol to build a permanent wall across the Arizona/Mexico border - a wall that will bisect the traditional O'odham lands and severely limit the rights of ancestral passage.
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