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NEW MOON UPDATE
December 2006
UPDATES FROM THE SOUTH
Shuar People Set to Win Recognition for Ancestral Lands
The Shuar Federation (FIPSE) is soon to be granted communal land titles to six multi-village associations--a major victory for indigenous land rights and environmental conservation in the region. During the last week of October, an Ecuadorian governmental inspection team was sent to Shuar territory to verify FIPSE's claims to over 130,000 acres of land along the mega-diverse Kutuku mountain range in the southern Ecuadorian Amazon. Upon the successful completion of the inspection, the government will grant communal titles to this land, partially culminating FIPSE's 8-year struggle to win recognition for its territory.
During this time, the indigenous federation has been obligated to muster all of its energy to overcome labyrinth-like government bureaucracy, aggressive divide-and-conquer campaigns from international oil companies, and a host of logistical difficulties due to its remote and inaccessible location. Although Ecuador's Constitution incorporated sweeping land rights for indigenous people in 1998, including the State's obligation to issue land titles formalizing indigenous tenure over their ancestral lands, FIPSE had been unable to win recognition for any of its lands over the last ten years. During the same time span, the Ecuadorian government has granted an oil concession in a declared protected forest and signed a contract to build a road through Shuar lands with little or no consideration of the local inhabitants.
The story of FIPSE's historical demands for its land rights is a vivid example of the obstacles confronting the survival of indigenous peoples in the Amazon. Unfortunately it is also a story that is far from uncommon throughout the Ecuadorian Amazon where millions of acres of indigenous lands under extreme threat remain without legal recognition. Pachamama's territory program supports the Achuar, Shiwiar, and Shuar peoples as they fight to defend their territories by combining GPS demarcation and community mapping with strong grassroots organizing and innovative legal strategies.
UPDATE FROM THE NORTH
Pachamama Annual Fundraising Luncheon Takes Alliance to the Next Level
This year's Annual Fundraising Luncheon displayed the work and vision of the Pachamama Alliance in a whole new way that deeply resounded with people and had them recognize that Pachamama is actively and effectively addressing the critical global issues of our time.
The cavernous Festival Pavilion in Fort Mason, San Francisco was transformed by Events for Change and 110 volunteers into a colorful, vibrant room alive with Ecuadorian influences, providing the space for a riveting experience. As people entered the facility, they were greeted to the Andean sounds of Sukay, a musical group from Bolivia. After they were seated, two young children greeted guests on behalf of all the children of future generations, of all species--in both Spanish and English. David Tucker, Executive Director, welcomed the audience of 1240 people, honoring them for showing up, acknowledging the phenomenal support received by individuals and companies in making the event happen and declaring that we are in a time of great transition and change. Lynne Twist, co-Founder, added to the welcome and called upon best-selling author and global activist, John Perkins, who was instrumental in the formation of the Alliance. Together they led a traditional blessing for the organic and locally grown lunch served by Back to Earth Organic Catering.
After lunch, Lynne provided context for the origins of The Pachamama Alliance and introduced Bill Twist, co-Founder, who spoke powerfully about the big picture of the work. A brand new film was created for this event to highlight the work of Pachamama both in South America and with the Awakening The Dreamer Initiative in the North. Through stunning visual images and interviews with key leaders, the context, scope and overview of our work was presented in a way that clearly articulated how our work in Ecuador and our work with Awakening The Dreamer are, in fact, critical components of one mission.
The event was special this year with the visit of both the President and Vice President of the Achuar Federation, NAE, Chuim Tanchim and Kistupa Peas, whose very presence was a testimonial to the importance of the work being done. Having just arrived from the rainforest two days early, the two leaders spoke about the strength of our partnership and the commitment the Achuar have to preserving their land and culture for future generations.
The Awakening The Dreamer Initiative was highlighted through powerful multi-media images of the Symposium, and through updates from Jon Love, Initiative Director, and Tracy Apple, Board member. Their overview of the progress made in the past 12 months and the demand and vision for the future, made it clear that this Initiative is expanding faster than Pachamama can keep up.
Feedback from the luncheon has been overwhelmingly positive. To see a video of the event, click here.... If you were not able to attend and would like to make a donation, click here...
The luncheon was graciously sponsored by Men's Wearhouse, Whole Foods Market, Paul Dolan Vineyards and Supercuts Dallas Market. In addition, numerous companies provided significant in-kind contributions that enabled us to put on a first-class event. The event was completely green, and its carbon footprint was offset by 3 Phases Energy Services.
Pachamama Alliance Featured in Utne Magazine
Eagles & Condors: Living a different dream in the Amazon Rainforest
By Nina Utne:Nina Utne recently traveled with the Pachamama Alliance to the heart of the Achuar territory in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador. Her experience had a powerful effect on her, which she editorialized in the latest issue of Utne. To read the complete editorial, click here...
UPCOMING EVENTS
Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium
Saturday, December 9, 2006 - 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM San Francisco: The Symposium explores the link between three of humanity's most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment - allowing participants to gain new insight into the very nature of our time and the opportunity we have to shape and impact the direction of our world. To register for the December 9th, Symposium, click here... For more information about the Symposium, click here...
Waking the Global Heart: Humanity's Rite of Passage from the Love of Power to the Power of Love
Tuesday, December 12 - San Francisco: Join us for a special monthly gathering as Dr. Anodea Judith offers a compelling audio visual presentation that provides a new myth for our time. She looks at the essential questions that must be answered in order for this to happen: Who are we? How did we get into this mess? Where are we going? Likening our current stage of cultural evolution to an adolescent about to be initiated into adulthood by our impending environmental and social crises, Dr. Judith looks at the historical precedents that have led to the current powers of domination and control and shows how these structures are maturing into values of peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability. For more information click here...
To RSVP, click here...
NEW MOON ACTION
Participate in Buy Nothing Day - this Friday, November 24
Did you know that since 1970, world production of goods and services has multiplied sevenfold, and that the Earth lost a third of its natural resources over the same period? Perhaps the largest consumption day of the year is November 24, also deemed Buy Nothing Day. This day provides an opportunity to think about the social, economic, and ecological impact of our consumption and to also reflect on what is truly important to us. For more information on Buy Nothing Day, click here...
RELATED NEWS
Peruvian Achuar Win Landmark Agreement to Stop Contamination
By Amazon Watch: The Achuar of Peru recently celebrated an historic indigenous triumph over the oil industry after blockading Peru's largest oil facility in protest over the devastating toxic contamination of their Amazon rainforest homelands.
For the full story,
click here...
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