Purpose of the Convening

From March 10^th to 13^th 2008 141 Indigenous people living in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico gathered in Palenque, Mexico for the Convening of Indigenous Peoples for the Healing of Mother Earth. We gathered to share the collective wisdom of our peoples with each other and for the benefit of everyone. The Convening’s mission statement captures our commitment:

“We commit ourselves to sharing the collective wisdom of our peoples for the benefit of all, for the healing of Mother Earth and all her children and to provide guidance as to how we can accomplish the healing we seek.”

The Convening Vision expands on the mission statement:

“As caretakers of Mother Earth, speaking with one spirit, one mind, and as one family, while maintaining the principles of inclusiveness and inter-connectedness, reclaiming the original teachings given to the human being by the Creator, we will restore balance and harmony to Mother Earth and all her children.”

The inspiration for the Convening was rooted in the deep spiritual connection that Indigenous peoples have with Mother Earth.  Mother Earth provides us with our spirituality, sustenance, health & wellbeing, culture, language, traditions and economic systems.  From this perspective, Indigenous peoples are natural guides to restore balance and harmony in this world.  One of the central tenets behind the Convening was to acknowledge this wisdom and commit to sharing what is known today, and what was known by our wise ancestors who survived and thrived on our sacred lands since time immemorial.

The Convening provided an opportunity for all who gathered to ground ourselves in the Original Teachings that provide all human beings with the laws for living with and caring for Mother Earth.  Together, we shared our experiences in coping with the wanton destruction of our sacred environments and in caring for and healing Mother Earth.  We also shared ideas, innovations and best practices, working together to inspire and identify solutions.

Through our discussions we developed the Palenque Declaration. With this message we speak in a clear and united voice to all Indigenous communities, our youth, peoples from all continents, and world leaders about the plight of our Mother the Earth and what it is we must do to restore her and our communities and families back to health.