May 24-26,2017
We invite you to a truly exceptional gathering of diverse Amazonian indigenous leaders whose collective experience and wisdom about sustainability, biodiversity, climate change, cultural and spiritual vitality, language preservation, human rights and sovereignty will no doubt inspire all participants. Six indigenous leaders from the Tiriyo, Xavante, Makushi, Shuar and Kaxinawa Peoples of the Amazon region of Brazil, Guyana and Ecuador discuss how environmental concerns, biodiversity conservation, climate change and natural resource use intersect with indigenous culture, spirituality, development, politics and land rights. Also participating is Dr. Robert Miller, a Brazilian representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP-GEF) with over 25 years experience working with indigenous Amazonians. These experts will present a series of talks, panel discussions, and hold individual and small group meetings from May 24-26 at Stanford University, sponsored by The Native American Cultural Center and the Center For Latin American Studies. Meetings between Native Americans and Amazonian indigenous leaders will occur as a means of seeking solutions to common challenges.
The Speakers
Demetriyo Amisipa TiriyóDemétrio Tiriyó is the former President of Apitikatxi Indigenous Peoples Association, representing the Tiriyó, Kaxuyana, and Txikuyana peoples of the northeastern Amazon region of Brazil. This is one of the most isolated regions of the planet and supports indigenous peoples that continue to refuse contact with the outside world. Demétrio is one of the first individuals of the ethnic groups of this area to attend university. He spearheaded the development of a major socio-economic-conservation project for the region. Although living in an extremely isolated area, he is well versed in the land and environmental issues related to his region and broader Amazonia. He is a tireless advocate for the rights of indigenous people and the protection of the environment.
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Sydney AllicockSidney Allicock has long been a leader in Guyana’s indigenous people’s movement, conservation efforts and development of mitigation efforts for global climate change. He has discussed these issues at numerous forums around the world. He has also been instrumental in helping negotiate indigenous land demarcations, develop conservation areas and devise biodiversity protections. He was also a keen participant in the development of REDD+ strategies for Guyana in collaboration with the government of Norway. He presently serves as the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs for the Government of Guyana.
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Ro'tsitsina Juruna Samantha Ro’otsitsina de C. Juruna (Tsitsina Xavante) is from the Namunkurá community in the indigenous territory of San Marcos, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Trained in social services, she has a Masters in Sustainability for Indigenous Peoples and Territories. She is an avid advocate for indigenous and indigenous women’s rights at the national level. Tsitsina is a member of the Namunkurá Associação Xavante/NAX and the Red de Juventud Indígena (REJUIND – Indigenous Youth Network). |
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Robert Miller
Robert Miller is a former United Nations Development Program (UNDP) consultant and the technical Coordinator of the GATI (Indigenous Environmental and Territorial Management) Project in Brazil. The objective of the project, managed by both UNDP and The Brazilian National Indian Agency (FUNAI), is to strengthen management, sustainable use and conservation of natural resources on indigenous lands ensure the social inclusion of indigenous peoples in these efforts, and consolidate the contribution of Indigenous Lands as essential areas for the conservation of biological and cultural diversity of Brazil. He has worked for more than 30 years on these types of efforts throughout Amazonia. |