Untitled Document
NEW MOON UPDATE
July 2006
UPDATES FROM THE SOUTH
Shuar Progress in Titling Ancestral Territory
One of the major programs of Pachamama in Ecuador is to work with our indigenous partner organizations to help secure legal title to their ancestral lands. Recently, during a workshop in the Amazon, there have been a couple of major advances with the Shuar governing federation FIPSE.
Before the land titling process can proceed, the political organizations of Ecuadorian indigenous groups must be properly registered for ‘legal personhood’ with CODENPE (Council for the Development of the Nationalities and Pueblos of Ecuador), the government body which oversees indigenous affairs. Only created in 1998, CODENPE requires that things be done a bit differently than the older process of political registration under direction of the Ministry of Social Welfare. In the case of FIPSE, there are 10 ‘associations’ of communities which comprise the Federation. Each of these associations must be officially registered before the land titling process can begin. During the recent workshop, all 10 associations carefully reviewed their current status and started taking the necessary steps to officially register with CODENPE.
Another important step in the land titling process is the actual demarcation of the ancestral lands of the indigenous groups. Also at the recent workshop, Pachamama staff worked with the FIPSE communities to carry out community mapping of their territories. Securing legal title through demarcation of territorial boundaries can be a complicated process. In the case of the FIPSE associations, pieces of the land within the boundaries of one particular association might currently be titled to a smaller group called an agricultural cooperative (part of the old way that indigenous communities obtained land title), to the local school or church, and in some cases to individuals. Before the new titling process can move forward with the demarcation of any association’s territory, an agreement must be reached not only about where the boundaries of their territory lie, but also about how current legal titles will be turned over to the association’s single, all-inclusive territorial title. This is an ongoing process, but recent advances show much promise that the Shuar associations of FIPSE are well on their way to gaining legal title to their ancestral lands.
Achuar and Shuar Proactive in Preserving Land and Culture
Another one of Pachamama’s major programs is to strengthen the capacity and the capabilities of our indigenous partners to speak for and represent their own rights. A recent advance from the field is a good example. The Interfederational Committee— an organized body comprised of the Achuar nation (NAE) and the two Shuar federations (FIPSE and FICSH) for the purpose of defending their common interests in the Southern Amazon of Ecuador—recently met, along with staff from Pachamama, to work out a plan to investigate the nature of relationships between extractive industries (logging, mining and oil), the State and Armed Forces, and their own communities.
The communities want to understand the strategies that each of these actors uses in their interactions with the Shuar and Achuar communities and document the effects that these strategies have on their communities—especially their social and environmental impacts and the way they might violate their collective rights. During the meeting, the representatives to the Interfederational Committee created as detailed methodology and a step-by-step plan of work to carry out their investigation including: who would be interviewed, the format and questions of the interviews, the way that the data collected would be analyzed, how it would be presented to the communities, and how it would used to inform political decisions of NAE, FIPSE, and FICSH as members of the Committee. The ultimate goal of this new process is for the indigenous communities to be better able to assert their rights to not just be consulted about activities within their territories, but to be able to actually decide what is going to happen on their land and thus their future.
UPDATE FROM THE NORTH
Boston Pachamama Luncheon Demonstrates Growing Movement
Boston’s 2nd Annual Rainforest Luncheon on June 13th attracted nearly 500 people to come together to be informed and inspired by the scope, vision and effectiveness of the work of The Pachamama Alliance. The Boston area’s Pachamama contingent, while relatively new, is rapidly growing into a vital community of conscious and committed people who are deeply connected and committed to being partners in this work.
After being warmly welcomed by Miriam Hawley and Dr. Barry Taylor, event hosts, State Senator Sue Tucker welcomed people and introduced Pachamama Executive Director David Tucker. Participants enjoyed each other’s company over lunch, and then heard from Lynne Twist, co-founder, about the origins of the work of The Pachamama Alliance. Pachamama’s President and Co-founder Bill Twist gave an update on our critical work with our indigenous partners in protecting their culture and their pristine rainforest home. Specifically, he updated the audience on the newest initiative, the development of a Green Plan for the country of Ecuador. As was the case in November in San Francisco, no Achuar leader was able to join us. Instead, we were all transported by video to the rainforest, where we saw the leaders of the Achuar federation, and heard from former President Milton Callera. Speaking on behalf of his people, Milton expressed his gratitude for the support of the members of the Alliance, and explained why he was unable to be with us in person. The reason was twofold: first, the US government is now making it virtually impossible for activist indigenous leaders, especially those working on issues of oil development, to obtain visas to visit the United States, and second, the pressure of impending oil development had reached a critical stage and the leaders were needed to focus their efforts in the territory.
Bill Twist then introduced the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Program, explaining how it addresses “the single most important moral, ethical and spiritual issue of our time.” David Tucker provided an update on the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium, bringing it alive through video clips of respected environmental and social justice experts, short film segments, and an inspiring, thorough program overview. Luncheon guests were deeply moved and clearly saw the connection between this new program and Pachamama’s work in the Amazon. He provided an overview of the rapid expansion of this Symposium, from when it was launched in March 2005, to now, with several thousand people having gone through a Symposium and 100 people trained as facilitators.
Clearly, the luncheon served as a galvanizing point for a strong Pachamama community in Boston, one that will grow and flourish in the coming months and years ahead.
UPCOMING EVENTS
As a follow-up to May ’s Pachamama gathering, the following workshop is being held on July 6th
The Common Ground Approach - Transforming Our Approach To Conflict
July 6th, 6 - 9pm, Sausalito, CA: Our ability to find creative solutions to personal, national and international issues depends on our capacity to handle conflict. Search for Common Ground (SFGG) is offering a new workshop to teach universal principles and practices of responding to conflict in new ways that are applicable to everyone, regardless of issue or scope. Understand the parallel between personal and global interactions. Training led by Susan Collins Marks, Exec. Vice Pres. of SFCG and world-renowned expert in conflict resolution and peace building. For more information, contact Susie Dillon - sdillon@sfcg.org, 202-777-2231. $50 registration fee. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Outrageous Ideas That Work In Life - How To Be Happy, No Matter What Happens
Tuesday, July 11- San Francisco: Join us at our Monthly Gathering for a very
unique presentation as Warren Wertheimer provides a different perspective on
what to do about the serious issues humanity is facing. He will share some "outrageous" ideas that can lead to life-changing results for both the
planet, and your personal life. Warren is a successful businessman, former
Harvard lawyer, intuitive, firewalker, Stewardship Circle member, longtime student
of A Course in Miracles and author.
An introduction to The Pachamama Alliance will begin the evening at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner (no host) and the evening's presentation. This month's venue is Pena Pachamama, located at 1630 Powell Street, in North Beach, San Francisco, CA. To rsvp, click here...
Pachamama Fundraising Dinner in Philadelphia
Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 6:30-10:00 pm: Join us for an intimate dinner with Lynne Twist, Co-Founder of The Pachamama Alliance and hear about Pachamama’s expanding work. Be part of funding the creation of a human presence on the planet that is environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just. Space is limited. For more information, contact Lee or Les Traband, 856-853-1600, ltraband@igc.org.
An Evening of Music, Dance and Vision in Half Moon Bay
Friday, July 28, 7:30-10:00pm: Ted Adcock Community Center, 535 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay: Enjoy fabulous World Fusion music with The James Robinson Group, experience the exotic Peruvian dance performances of El Tunante, sample scrumptious South American food and wine, explore fair trade art, crafts, botanicals, teas and more. Hear an update from The Pachamama Alliance. Advance tickets $10 adult, $5 child (door $15 adult $8 child). Proceeds benefit The Pachamama Alliance. Call 650-560-0200.
NEW MOON ACTION
Support the Clean EDGE Initiative for Energy Independence
The need to change our energy consumption patterns has never been more real. Our demand for oil leads to skewed foreign policy and global warming is a grave and growing threat. Action must take place now. Senator Cantwell of Washington - along with 24 co-sponsors - has introduced the Clean EDGE Act, which is designed to increase America's energy security while lessening our dependence on oil. For more information on this Act and what you can do, click here...
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pachamama Wish List
One way that you can support the work of Pachamama is by donating useful
items that the organization has a need for. Our list includes: Mac computers
(OS 10), portable printers, frequent flyer miles, portable
speakers, flip chart easel (heavy duty), conference and director chairs, and
music stands. To make a donation, please contact Rhiannon Gillespie at
415-561-4522 x101 or email...
RELATED NEWS
The World After Oil Peaks
By Lester R. Brown: Peak oil is described as the point where oil production stops rising and begins its inevitable long-term decline. In the face of fast-growing demand, this means rising oil prices. But even if oil production growth simply slows or plateaus, the resulting tightening in supplies will still drive the price of oil upward, albeit less rapidly.
For the full story, click here...
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