March 10, 2005
Assembly of First Nations Appears Before United Nations Tsunami Task Force: AFN Reports on its Fact-Finding Mission to Indonesia After Meeting with Indigenous Peoples Affected by Tsunami
A small delegation from the Assembly of First Nations recently returned from a fact-finding mission to Indonesia where the group conducted a “rapid needs assessment” for Indigenous peoples affected by the tsunami that struck the region in December. The goal of the delegation was to work directly with Indigenous peoples and organizations to determine how the AFN can assist Indigenous peoples in the region in the short-, medium- and long-term.
The AFN made a joint presentation yesterday with the Director of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the United Nations in New York City. The meeting was closed to the public, but the AFN’s report can be obtained by contacting the AFN.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, who appointed the delegation, stated: “First Nations face many priorities here in Canada, yet we recognize the urgent needs of others in times like these, as we are part of a global Indigenous community. The AFN has been active internationally and at the United Nations for many years, and we believe we must work with the other Indigenous peoples and organizations to share our strength and expertise in the international arena.”
The AFN delegation was led by the AFN’s British Columbia Regional Chief A-in-chut Shawn Atleo. The delegation traveled to Indonesia to meet directly with Indigenous peoples affected by the tsunami, as well as the national Indigenous organization AMAN (Aliansi Masyarakat Adat Nusantara – “Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago”) and the regional organization JKMA (Jaringan Masyarakat Adat Aceh – “Indigenous Community Network of Aceh”).
The AFN delegation traveled mainly to Aceh Province in northern Indonesia, where approximately 30 Indigenous communities were severely affected by the tsunami disaster.
“I am amazed by the resiliency and strength of the Indigenous peoples in Indonesia as they work to re-build their communities and their lives,” said AFN BC Regional Chief Atleo. “All of us in the delegation brought back images and memories we will never forget, some tragic but some that speak to the triumph of the human spirit. We are inspired by their example to do all that we can to assist in the on-going relief efforts.”
Based on the findings of the delegation, the AFN will focus on three areas for immediate follow-up work:
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On-going awareness of the plight of Indigenous peoples in the region to ensure assistance efforts continue domestically and internationally. This will include working with the World Bank to ensure Indigenous peoples are involved in the relief and re-building efforts;
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Fund-raising efforts, including events hosted by and coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations. Funds raised by the AFN will go directly to Indigenous organizations in the region;
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Volunteer coordination – there is a critical need for volunteers in the region who can assist in the re-building efforts. Currently, some financial resources are available but human resources are required to do the actual work. The AFN will investigate the possibility of facilitating and coordinating volunteer efforts in any way that would be of assistance.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
Contacts:
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 320 or cell 613-292-2787
Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789 ext. 336 or cell 613-859-4335
Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief
613-241-6789 ext. 243 or cell 613-298-6382
