i n t he new s Spain: Indigenous Voices Argue Against Carbon Market at COP25 December
At COP25, held in Madrid, Spain, last December, the main focus of discussion was the global carbon market proposed under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Many Indigenous people argue against this idea, as carbon markets can lead to the privatization and dispossession of Indigenous lands.
India: Protests Arise Against New Citizenship Amendment Bill December
Violent protests erupted throughout India in December following the passage of a Citizenship Amendment Bill, as the new legislation could make many Indigenous people a minority in their homelands. Protesters took to the streets in opposition to the bill, which could wipe away Indigenous history, culture, land rights, and language.
Global: International Decade of Indigenous Languages Declared December
On December 18, 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that includes the proclamation of 2022–2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. According to UNESCO, as many as 3,000 Indigenous languages may disappear by the end of the century if action is not taken.
Mexico: Zapatistas Defend Mother Earth January
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation announced a series of three days in February where actions will be taken by the Mexican people to protect Mother Earth. The Zapatista recognize the deaths of people who have been murdered for opposing the war against their land and water, and are calling for an anti-capitalist, anti-patriarchal defense of human life and Mother Earth.
2 • www. cs. org
Indigenous delegates at COP25 in Madrid, Spain, demand climate action. Photo by John Englart.
U.S.: Tribe Protests Construction on Native Burial Ground
Peru: Historic Legal Victory for Indigenous Communities
January
A court in Loreto, Peru ordered the suspension of all extractive activities in the territories that form the requested Indigenous reserves of Yavari Tapiche and Sierra del Divisor Occidental. Peru will establish a protection zone around nearly 98 percent of the Indigenous land in the northern part of the Amazon that borders Brazil.
The Shinnecock Nation of New York State has been fighting to preserve what remains of undeveloped land believed to contain ancient Native burial grounds. Members of the Nation learned that a parcel of land in Shinnecock Hills, known as Sugar Loaf, had been sold and approved for the construction of a new home without the Tribe’s prior consent. Shinnecock tribal members began holding protests on December 30, a day after developers broke ground on the proposed construction site.
U.S.: Eastern Woodland Tribes to Set Record Straight in 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Landing January
A year-long series of exhibitions, performances, and community events are planned in Plymouth, MA to mark the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower. The Wampanoag Nation and other Eastern Woodland Tribes will be heavily involved in the anniversary to recognize and remember the brutal diseases, enslavement, and massacres inflicted by colonists upon the local Indigenous Peoples.
January
Sweden: Sami Win Historic Court Battle January
On January 23, the Sami village of Girjas won a historic court battle against the Swedish government cementing their exclusive hunting and fishing rights over a 19-mile stretch of land between Norway and the Baltic Sea. The case sets a precedent both in Sweden and internationally for the protection of Indigenous land rights. Unfortunately, the plaintiffs are now facing threats and backlash.
–ori Director U.S: Ma Wins Oscar February
Taika Waititi became the first Ma–ori filmmaker to receive an Oscar at the 92nd Academy Awards, winning for best adapted screenplay for Jojo Rabbit. “I want to dedicate this to all the Indigenous kids in the world who want to do art and dance and write stories. We are the original storytellers,” Waititi said.
