AIM-WEST to conduct side-event at UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues!

AIM-WEST to conduct side-event at UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues! AIM-WEST is slated to conduct a side-event, or workshop, at the 10th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UN PFII), May 16-27, 2011, held in New York. The side-event is scheduled for May 19th.

The UN PFII side-event by AIM-WEST will discuss in general terms, how Indigenous peoples are currently involved in participatory democracy i.e. the right to vote, civic duty/responsibility, registration and establishing a political party, and perspectives on traditional vs western style of one man, one vote. The workshop will also include speakers such as Ms. Rigoberta Menchu Tum, who recently established a political party, WINAQ www.winaq.org in Guatemala (and how you can help!). “WINAQ takes on the challenge of directing the state towards fulfilling its constitutional obligations. Changing the country requires intercultural dialogue, in which collective participation and diversity become a true exercise of peace and democracy”. Another UN side-event speaker with AIM-WEST invited to attend is the newly elected FMLN Indigenous Mayor of Izalco, El Salvador.

FREEDOM FOR LEONARD PELTIER! NOW!