Long Term Survival

We the Indigenous Nations, Peoples, tribes, pueblos, communities, villages, situated within the geopolitical boundaries claimed by the nation-states of Mexico, Canada, and the United States hereby make this declaration and urgent message to the world on the basis of our spirituality and the natural biological Laws of Life on Mother Earth, the Sacred Life-Giver. It is our inherent birthright and responsibility as the original free and independent Peoples of Turtle Island to care for Mother Earth in keeping with our Original Instructions from Creation.

“The conquerors, who didn’t know it at the time, came here to learn from us”

“When Europeans landed on our shores they came from a land of great cities and progress. They didn’t know that our culture was advanced as well”

Participants brought official convening discussions to a close by considering long-term survival and beginning to define a path forward. They talked about the need for Indigenous people to take the lead in teaching all how to care for and heal Mother Earth.

“All three countries have a responsibility to heal Mother Earth.”

“Despite colonization by the Spaniards we still have our Traditional Knowledge”

“Traditional knowledge systems hold answers for the entire world”

“We have to decolonize ourselves and practice Indigenous ways of thinking”

Participants identified the centrality of their Traditional Knowledge in shaping this path forward.  Through-out all discussions the importance of spirituality and ceremony were important themes.  Participants called on each other to continue practicing their culture and ceremonies and to support each other in this good work.  They stated that while the healing task is big, it is also an easy thing to enact, day to day, with small actions. 

“We keep our ceremonies alive by practicing them. We lead by example. We tell the truth even when it hurts.”

Above all else, participants stated that this work is for today’s young people and for future generations, and that all must work together to achieve healing.

“Our work is for future generations who aren’t yet born – this is a big task.”

“As Indigenous Women we must work together alongside Indigenous men.”

“Respect and honour the young people. Respect their strength and encourage them.”