Dimapur, August 9 (MExN): A group of like-minded individuals gathered today at Hiyo Cafe in Dimapur to observe International Day of The World’s Indigenous Peoples on the theme: “Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices”. Unlike other events, the programme started off with a Sumi folk song, performed by the owner of the cafe Betoka and his friend.
Speaking on the occasion, senior Advocate Chanmayo J Aier, who is also a Human Rights Activist, said the issues related to indigenous peoples should be highlighted and everyone should play a part in letting people know about it since United Nations had already given the platform, stating that “our issues are buried.”
Stressing on the theme, she said everyone should make use of the media “vibrantly”, adding that media need not be necessarily the print and broadcast media but the mediums through which we send out information - photographs, banners, leaflets, SMS etc. “...use whatever we have so that we may be able to empower and let the voice of the indigenous peoples be heard.”
Concerning other indigenous peoples around the word, she said: “...like us many are oppressed.” She also went on saying that many indigenous peoples were murdered and the surviving ones are victims of genocide and oppression.
On the same subject, Susan Lotha said people should protect their identity and culture. “A lot of times we blame others but it is our responsibility to protect our culture and identity.” She said people are too careless that they overlook and give chance to others to destroy them.'
Earlier, Alobo Naga presented two of his projects on indigenous music. The young artiste had skilfully blended different folk tunes and created two compositions, which was received very well by the audience. The two compositions are He-lo he (The Harvest Song) and E-u heh-heh (Naga War Song). Also, a Sumi love song was performed by one Jepeto.
About International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
• It was proclaimed by the General Assembly in December 1994
• The focus of this year’s International Day is “Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices”. The theme aims to highlight the importance of indigenous media in challenging stereotypes, forging indigenous peoples’ identities, communicating with the outside world, and influencing the social and political agenda.
Inputs from UN website
