As the crisis of capitalism and climate deepens, Indigenous people are leading the way in the defense of Mother Earth and humanity. Through the Global Movements Program, WhyHunger works to support the protagonism of Indigenous people in their demands for sovereignty, defense of life and wellbeing.
Some things we know to be true from our accompaniment of Indigenous led formations struggling for food sovereignty:
- Indigenous global social movements and grassroots organizations that are committed to the defense of local territories are under-resourced. There is a systematic lack of funds for organizing at territorial (families and communities), regional and global levels. Oftentimes, Indigenous organizations are dependent on funding for specific programs, but not for political education and organizing.
- The global non-profit industrial complex has played a critical role in undermining the political autonomy of Indigenous organizations and their organizing.
- Indigenous people are often seen as a people of the past. Their protagonism is often invisibilized or seen as a threat.
- Land grabbing, market speculation, and extractive industries are also a common threat to Indigenous peoples worldwide.
- Indigenous communities and organizations are often co-opted and undermined by corporations, international environmental non-profits, governments and environmental conservation projects.
Who are the Indigenous partners we accompany?
Globally, WhyHunger has established relationships with the following Indigenous-led organizations and formations:
- The Women’s Association for the Development of Sacatepéquez (AFEDES) of Guatemala, a member of the World March of Women
- The Kuna Youth Movement (MJK) of Panama, member of the International Indian Treaty Council and the Latin American Food Sovereignty Alliance
- The Coordination of Indigenous Peasant of Honduras, COPINH (Lenca indigenous people) and the Black Fraternal Organization of Honduras (Garifuna Afro-descendent-indigenous people)
- The Union of Organizations of the Sierra Juarez of Oaxaca (UNOSJO) of Mexico affiliated to National Network Sin Maiz, No hay Pais
- The Peasant Unity Committee (CUC) of Guatemala and the National Coordination of Indigenous and Peasant Women (CONAMURI) of Paraguay, members of the Latin American Coordination of Rural Organizations (CLOC/La Via Campesina)
- The Movement in Defense of Territories and Ecosystems of Bocas del Toro Archipelago MODETEAB (Panama)
- Eastern Woodlands Rematriation Collective (Northeast, Turtle Island)
- I-Collective (Turtle Island)
- Dzil Yijiin Food Sovereignty Project (Dine/Navajo)
- Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture Institute
- Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance
Photo Credit: Capire
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