Subject: Indigenous Pacific Northwest Treaty PR2
Contact:  Steve Robinson
Phone:=09(360) 438-1181  EXT 317

Pacific Rim Indigenous Peoples Treaty Conference Concludes After Unanimous
Adoption Of Treaty Expansion And Vision Statement

Kona, Hawaii - Participants at the Pacific Rim Indigenous Peoples Treaty
Conference have unanimously endorsed changes that expand the Pacific
Northwest Treaty of 1994 to allow inclusion of all indigenous peoples.
=20
Adopted on King Kamehameha Day June 11th, the now named Treaty of Indigenou=
s
Peoples International sets principles, common objectives; and mutual
covenants in order to "re-establish political, social and economic relation=
s,
and cooperative control of natural resources essential to the cultural,
spiritual and religious rights of our (indigenous) peoples."

A Vision Statement was also adopted by conference participants as the first
step of expanding the Treaty to involve interested indigenous nations.   Th=
e
three year old Treaty, has already been signed by more than 70 First Nation=
s;
Tribes; and Aboriginal Clans from British Columbia, the United States, and
Australia, and is intended to bring together indigenous governments in a
cooperative effort to protect the natural resources, environment, economies=
,
and sovereignty of native people.=20

The Vision Statement, which was adopted by consensus states that "The visio=
n
and mission of the Treaty of Indigenous Peoples International is to work
together to protect the inherent rights of signatory indigenous peoples
related to self-determination, cultural and economic well being, and
environmental protection."

"This is an historic moment for indigenous nations and peoples across the
Pacific Rim which brings us together to save the spiritual connection we ha=
ve
with fisheries and aquatic resources.  It is a move forward for the surviva=
l
of the species in our world=92s ecosystem, which we are all part of,"  stat=
ed
Fred Fortier Chairman of the British Columbia Aboriginal Fisheries
Commission.

Terry Williams, Commissioner for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission,
echoed Fortier=92s sentiments.  "The accomplishments at the Kona Conference
were very profound in connecting tribes and indigenous peoples to ensure=20
our unity and brotherhood as native peoples in dealing with the enormous
problems facing our natural resources."  Williams went on to state that
"This agreement in part leads to ensuring the continued utilization of our
resources through sustained lifestyle and culture." =20

Mililani Trask of the Ka Lahui Hawai=92i people noted that it is appropriat=
e
that the agreement was reached on the birthday of King Kamehameha.  "King
Kamehameha was a warrior and a unifier of his people.  We must have his
warrior=92s strength to deal with the forces who are raping our oceans and =
his
unifying vision to bring all native peoples together and ensure our ultimat=
e
success in the struggle to preserve our ecosystems and our ways of life," s=
he
said.

Matiu Rei, of the Ngati Toarangatira people of New Zealand felt that the Ko=
na
Conference has been a very rewarding experience for meeting with leaders an=
d
the people of Hawai=92i on these important issues.  According to Rei, "The
issues discussed at the conference are common to all of us, particularly wi=
th
respect to the pervasive and intrusive nature and attitudes of our nation
states.  I am hopeful that this treaty will initiate dialogue between all
indigenous peoples of the Pacific Rim." =20

In his closing comments to the conference, Chief Simon Lucas of the Hesquit
Tribe of the Nuchanuulrh First Nation summed up the feeling of all conferen=
ce
participants when he said:  " It=92s quite a feat we have accomplished here=
=2E
Our grandfathers would say that we=92ve finally entered into the canoe.  Le=
t=92s
leave here with good feeling, a sense of togetherness, a sense that we will
be together more often."

Hannah Kihalani Springer, Hawai=92i Island Trustee for the Office of Hawaii=
an
Affairs was also gratified by the work of the conference, which included
numerous workshops on the multitude of issues and areas of concern facing a=
ll
indigenous peoples today.  Springer noted:  "The opportunity to share our
mo=92olelo - the history of people and our gods; mo=92okuauhau - our geneal=
ogies;
our concepts of dominion of men - wao kanaka and gods wao akua is profound
and our appreciation deep.  Mahalo.  E mau kakou I Ke ea o Ka honua I Ka
pono."

The conference also adopted a workplan for dealing with international issue=
s
that will include research, exchange of information and expertise, and a
framework for problem solving; and monitoring and evaluation of internation=
al
efforts like the United Nations Conventions on Biological Diversity and the
Law of the Sea.

Next year=92s conference is scheduled for May, 1998 at the Tulalip Indian
Reservation in Washington State, USA.

-30-















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