Report and Pics by Uttam Makaju.
Mississauga: Nepalese Community Organizations, in coordination with Nepalese Janajati Association of Canada (NJAC), observed “28th International Day of World Indigenous Peoples” recently in grand manner.
Delivering the welcome speech, NJAC president Birkaji Gurung praised all the organizations for the active participation to make the program meaningful.
Speaking at the program, environmental and indigenous peoples rights activist Jeannethe Lara shared her experiences with the indigenous peoples in Colombia and Amazonia, how they lost their culture and rights over the years and how they are reviving their rights including through the rise to political power.
Jeannethe also explained how she has been putting voice, in partnership with Ottawa based NGO “Mining Watch Canada”, against the profit oriented mining companies of Canada on the cost of the suffering of local indigenous peoples along with land and environmental deterioration.
A Latin American song writer and singer Fernando Orti, who performed a song in the event, explained his passion to show solidarity to indigenous peoples by performing in the events. Similarly, Indigenous rights activists Amy Smoke, Bangishimo Johnston and Pam Lapenta Stead shared their experiences of struggle and performed their indigenous music and dances.
Another guest , a senior indigenous activist form Nepal and lecturer of Lumbini Buddhist University Mr. Dhyan Bahadur Moktan praised the Nepalese community of Canada for the active involvement in indigenous matter. NJAC advisor Dr. Hari Gurung shed light on how “Discovery Doctrine” campaign seized indigenous peoples land in mid fifteenth century.
Non Residential Nepali Association International Coordinating Council Secretary Chiran Ghimire emphasized on the need of teaching language and culture to children in order to preserve culture, where as Non Resident Nepali Association Canada President Deepak Gautam elucidated that to preserve language and culture of any community is the basic rights.
MPP Hon. Deepak Ananda extolled all the women for their inspirational role in preserving and transforming indigenous skills to upcoming generation. NJAC patron Chandra Rai and Advisor Nabaraj Gurung threw light on the topicality and significance of indigenous skills in present context.
Chief guest women rights activist and ex member of parliament of Nepal Ms. Laxmi Rai urged all to prioritize education to the children as it is the source of allround development.
Ms. Rai further added that dreaming big with dedication will certainly materialize the anticipated mission.
The program was participated by indigenous organizations like: Tamu dhi Canada, Tamang Society of Canada, Kidyuk Sherpa Association, Magar Association of Canada, Hyolmo Society of Canada, Kirat Society of Canada/Kirat Yakthum Chumlung, Toronto, Tharu Society of Canada, Canadian Newa Guthi and their representatives.
At the end of the program each organization presented their ethnic dances, songs, where as guests were served with different ethnic dishes prepared by the organizations. As the event venue was so colorful because of ethnic attires, it looks like Mini-Nepal in Canada. Some of the participants opined that the program must have created increased awareness on indigenous matters.