Geneva 1981 NGO Conference on Indigenous Populations and the Land

Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo Geneva Conference 1981
(Photo: Dick Bancroft)

 

In 1981, Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo attended the International NGO Conference on Indigenous Populations and the Land in Geneva, Switzerland as one of the delegates from the American Indian Treaty Council.

Prior to that year, she had collected documentation from various reservations regarding the sterilization of Native American women without their consent, sometimes happening during simple visits to the dentist.

This testimony made more clear the responsibility of local communities having control over their own health services.

“The tears fell as I listened to the testimony of the women who experienced sterilizations against their will and it was clear the injustice experienced in the human family through the removal of free choice and mutual respect.

The antidote to ignorance is being watchful and responsible for ourselves and our community’s well-being. Just as the seed of wisdom is within, also are the remedies.  It begins with how we care for one another. The tears of one person are actually the sorrows of the world. Better that we energize the smile that offers and receives remembrance that we are interconnected, sharing in the stream of life.

May we all recall that we are relatives in the dance and manifest our wisdom potential of co-operation and mutual respect.” (Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo)