August 9th, 2000 marks the annual commemoration of Indigenous Peoples' Day, in keeping with the United Nations General Assembly Declaration establishing “  The International Decade of the World's Indigenous People”   beginning December 10, 1994.  

The United Nations commemoration in New York August 9th - 10th will be coordinated by the office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, in conjunction with other UN agencies and NGO's.  It will open with a traditional Lakota pipe ceremony conducted by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, and will include presentations and workshops on issues vital to the international work of Indigenous Peoples, including the rights of Indigenous children and youth and preparations for the August 2001 Global Conference on Racism and Racial Discrimination.  IITC General Council Alberto Saldamando has been asked to present IITC' s participation in the preparations for the Racism Conference which include addressing critical issues of environmental racism, ongoing denials of religious and cultural rights, and the continued discriminatory position of some states, including the US, regarding the full recognition of Indigenous Peoples'  rights under international law.

A key objective of the General Assembly Declaration for the International Decade was achieved on July 28th, 2000, when the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) voted to implement a Permanent Forum for Indigenous Peoples within the United Nations System.   The Permanent Forum has been an active goal and focal point of the IITC and other Indigenous Peoples organizations at the United Nations since 1993.

Over 20 representatives of Indigenous organizations from around the world, including IITC, were present for the historic vote, after working with ECOSOC members and other state delegations during the week to insure a positive outcome.  The Permanent Forum will address a wide range of issues and will include an equal number of Indigenous Peoples'  and state representatives, an historic step in Indigenous Peoples'  full and equal participation in international discussions and bodies addressing our rights and survival.  

Commemorations of the Day of Indigenous Peoples will also take place in cities and Indigenous communities around the world.   For more information on the international work of Indigenous Peoples, please contact the International Indian Treaty Council.