25 Feb 2018

UNPFII 17 Indigenous Peoples’ Collective Rights to Lands, Territories and Resources

UNPFII

The seventeenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 16 to 27 April 2018. The theme is “Indigenous peoples’ collective rights to lands, territories and resources”. To view live or recorded events at the United Nations go to webtv.un.org/.

Quotations

Wisdom, a stream ever flowing, a sense of our oneness with all beings, an understanding that that which crawls, walks, flies, or swims is some relative to each of us. In recognizing that stream in ourselves, there is a sense of wonder and respect for life as it manifests in every part of the stream. (p. 113)

Voices of Our Ancestors

Just as our organ systems are supported by Mother Earth’s compassion, she [Mother Earth] is supported by our caretaking. To return to Earth appreciation and caretaking of her waters, mountains, and atmosphere is the responsibility of her children [human beings]. That is our song in this time. (pg. 117)

Voices of Our Ancestors

To still conflict within ourselves, to make peace within our own minds and hearts, what effect will that have on the planetary mind? May that be the necessary impetus for the nations to put away the instruments of war. (p.201)

Voices of Our Ancestors

The common factors that unite human beings are the desire for security, peace, abundance, and ease for our children and grandchildren. Parents all around the world have the same concerns. The cause of imagined separation is ignorance of the means by which we are all interrelated. We are connected by the air we breathe and the Earth we share. (p.140)

Voices of Our Ancestors

By observing the emotions and patterns of their arising, one may respond without being carried away. Emotions of fear, anger, envy, are seen as ripples on the stream, caused by winds of confusion. Mind dedicated to beneficial actions calms winds of confusion. (p.118)

Voices of Our Ancestors

Pacifying the emotions of confusion is done thorough forgiving oneself and others for what might have been, could have been, should have been and allowing the charge of emotions unexpressed to be carried away in the water-mind of forgiving. (p.118)

Voices of Our Ancestors

In Tsalagi [Cherokee], water is ama, consciousness, like mama, and when we awaken to the cleansing properties of water, then we may wash away the obstacles to good relationship with self, others, the Earth. (p.117)

Voices of Our Ancestors

Practice Generosity