Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Connecting Indigenous and Pacific Peoples

Indigenous Knowledge Climate Action Preschool Coming In 2020

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CAYAC Toddler by Jee-Ho Paik

Written by the IISAAK OLAM Foundation

What would pre-school programs look like if they were centred around climate action, reconciliation and place-based learning? Thanks to a grant from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and a partnership between the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership, and Saanich Parks, we’re about to find out!

Climate Action Youth Ambassador Canada (CAYAC) is an existing solutions-focused youth initiative that mobilizes knowledge about Indigenous innovations for climate action. Although CAYAC has been focused primarily on youth ages 16-30, the IISAAK OLAM Foundation wondered what it would look like to immerse even younger children in leadership programs that highlight connections between nature and culture. From this, the seeds of the CAYAC Preschool program were sewn. The life of this program will grow in a purposeful environment that mobilizes knowledge and builds capacity for the conservation of biological and cultural diversity through: conservation, climate action, and reconciliation- the mission of the IISAAK OLAM Foundation.

Starting in January of 2020, four to five kids will be a part of the first cohort of wee ones to join CAYAC Coordinators and Indigenous Elders/knowledge holders in a part-time experiential learning program that involves immersion in nature, Indigenous languages and teachings about the land, and activities based in the natural law of IISAAK: ‘To observe, appreciate, and act accordingly.’ Recent studies show that “children experience profound and diverse benefits through regular contact with nature. Contact with the wild improves children’s wellbeing, motivation and confidence” (Horton, 2019).

CAYAC Preschool will help foster a relationship between young children and nature, encourage intergenerational learning, celebrate cultural diversity, and provide opportunities for parents to explore alternative community-focused education models. CAYAC Preschool will also coincide with Saanich Parks’ ‘Natural Intelligence’ movement which aims to “strengthen the knowledge of nature, parks, and on how to improve the community’s environment” (Saanich Parks). “Natural Intelligence means understanding how to; interpret the natural environment, interact with the natural environment, and integrate our lives with the natural environment” (Saanich Parks). Still curious about the movement? Learn more here!

The program will also connect to other programs such as RedTide Indigenous Youth Climate Connect, coordinated by the Pacific Peoples’ Partnership. The goal of RedTide is to increase climate literacy and inspire agency for Indigenous youth to become the next wave of change makers through clean technology, green entrepreneurship, creative arts, and cultural practice. “The opportunity to support the synergies between RedTide and CAYAC Toddlers is exciting. We are allies working together on a collective vision for the future generations of leaders,” stated April Ingham, Executive Director of the Pacific Peoples’ Partnership.

A ceremonial launch of the program is scheduled for early January, date TBD. More details to come!

Special thanks to our lead donor:

Maunakea as a Kipuka of Hawaiian Resurgence

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Maunakea as viewed from a Hawaiian Ahu (altar), where visitors make offerings to the mauna (J. Corntassel, 2019)

By Dr. Jeff Corntassel

Standing at 33,000 feet when measured from its underwater base, Maunakea is the highest mountain in the world. It is also the piko (umbilical cord, center) for Kanaka Maoli / Native Hawaiians as the sacred meeting place of Earth Mother, Papahānaumoku, and Sky Father, Wākea. As one Kūpuna (Elder) explained to me during my visit, you only go to the summit of Maunakea if you have a spiritual need to do so. This place of reverence is currently the site of the largest Hawaiian mobilization in over one hundred years.

The protocols of kapu aloha practiced at Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu at the base of Maunakea

Following a July 10th, 2019 announcement that construction of a Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) at the summit of Maunakea would begin the following week, Hawaiian kia‘i (guardians or protectors) began to gather at the base of Maunakea to protect it from scheduled construction. The TMT, which is a 1.4 billion dollar project, would be 18 stories high and 5 acres wide, and threatens the integrity and sacred nature of the Maunakea ecosystem. While there are already 13 telescopes constructed on the summit of Maunakea, most of these were built without proper permits and without the consent of Kanaka Maoli people. Acting under a protocol of kapu aloha (governed by love, respect and discipline in accordance with Kanaka Maoli teachings and spiritual practices), Kia’i stood their ground at the base of Maunakea as 38 Kūpuna were arrested on July 17, 2019, by police as construction vehicles were blocked from going onto the mauna.

Kūpuna, some with walkers and wheelchairs, were led one-by-one to police vans as kia’i witnessing the arrests sang and chanted to support the Kūpuna protectors. With the ensuing media coverage of the Kūpuna arrests, over three thousand Kanaka Maoli traveled to Maunakea to demonstrate their support and Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu was created by kia’i as a sanctuary for supporters to protect Maunakea.

Hula on the Ala (road or path) at Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu as part of the daily protcols (J. Corntassel 2019)

In September 2019 I traveled to Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu to express my solidarity as a Cherokee citizen with Kanaka Maoli kia’i. I met some Kanaka Maoli as well as supporters who had lived here since July 15, 2019 and they expressed their Aloha ʻĀina (love of the land) by contributing their talents to make Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu a liveable and safe place grounded in Kapu Aloha. Since the beginning of the struggle, kia’i have followed protocols for the mauna three times per day (8am, 12pm, and 5:30pm), which includes chants, hula, presenting ho’okupu, a mele and finally a recitation of the protocols for living at Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu. This kept our focus on Maunakea and forms the spiritual core of this movement.

In addition to the intake tent, the medic tent, the food tent, the recycling tent, and the arts and crafts center, there is a university. This is not just any university – this is the land-based Pu’uhuluhulu University described as “an actual place of Native Hawaiian learning” and is a Kanaka Maoli innovation. Classes are held on the lava fields and are free of charge. I taught a short course on Indigenous sustainability and it was an amazing discussion and experience. Presley Ke’alaanuhea is the Chancellor of Pu’uhuluhulu University and is also a kumu (teacher) at the University of Hawai’i, Mānoa. As Chancellor, Presley schedules new classes, recruits kumu to teach them and designs the spaces where the teaching takes place. It’s truly a space for ʻĀina-based education and has inspired other grassroots educational opportunities, including the new Hūnānāniho University in Waimanalo. Overall, Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu can be described as a kipuka (an “island” of land or new growth surrounded by one or more younger lava flows) of Hawaiian resurgence. Kanaka Maoli are exercising their self-determining authority to honor and nurture their relational responsibilities to Maunakea and are doing this following protocols of kapu aloha. As one kia’i told me, “we are learning to live in community again.”

Kahala Johnson, one of the kumu at Pu’uhuluhulu University (J. Corntassel, 2019)

Byline: Dr. Jeff Corntassel is Associate Director at the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community Led Engagement (CIRCLE) at University of Victoria, he is also a PPP Board Member and contributing partner to RedTide: International Indigenous Climate Action.

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership Briefs:

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Pacific Peoples’ Partnership Annual General Meeting on December 10th, 2019.  Join us on International Human Rights Day for our AGM on Tuesday December 10th from 5:30 – 8:30 pm.  Business will take place from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.  Be sure to make your annual donation or membership contribution in advance of the meeting to ensure you are qualified to vote… plus we need and welcome your support always!  Renew for a minimum of $15 here.     For more details RSVP your Ticket HERE

West Papua Task Force Created: PPP and friends have initiated a task force to respond to escalating violence and human rights violations in the region. If you are interested to get involved and learn more, check out our recent Call for Action

Paying Respects to Dr. Boutilier on Retirement

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April PPP ED, Jim our President Emeritus, and MP Randall Garrison (Former PPP ED) at Jim’s Retirement Celebration

By Arthur Holbrook

We take pride in honouring Dr. James Boutilier for his many career accomplishments and contributions to Pacific Peoples’ Partnership on the occasion of his retirement from his duties as Special Advisor (Policy) at Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC), the Canadian Navy formation on the West Coast. He joined MARPAC in 1996 and has traveled widely on behalf of the Navy, primarily in Asia.

Jim was instrumental in the establishment of the South Pacific Peoples’ Foundation (SPPF), the forerunner of the Pacific Peoples’ Partnership, in 1975 as SPPF protested the growing threat of nuclear weapons testing in the South Pacific. He served as the president of SPPF for many years during which his knowledge of the South Pacific helped the organization to become Canada’s only non-profit organization devoted to placing Indigenous community knowledge and leadership at the centre of development efforts.

His knowledge of the South Pacific is unparalleled. He studied at Dalhousie University (B.A.), McMaster University (M.A.) and received his PhD from the University of London (UK) in 1969. He taught at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, from 1969 to 1971 before taking up an appointment at Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) in Victoria, British Columbia. Here he established the military and strategic studies program and taught courses on naval history, contemporary Asia, the history of the Pacific, and strategic issues. He served on the staff of RRMC for twenty-four years and was Chairman of the History Department and Dean of Arts until his retirement in 1995.

He was also an adjunct professor of Pacific Studies at the University of Victoria during his time at RRMC and, as the Canadian Forces consolidated their cadet officer training program and moved operations to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, he was influential in the establishment of Royal Roads University.

Jim is recognized internationally as an expert on Indo-Pacific defence and security. He has written extensively on maritime and security concerns. He has lectured nationally and internationally on political, economic, and security developments in the Indo-Pacific region. Jim has worked with multiple Defence Ministers and Chiefs of Defence Staff at global engagements and has been a fixture at the NATO Defense College in Rome, the Canadian Forces College, and the Conference of Defence Associations.

At his recent retirement dinner, Jim’s peers spoke about his exemplary work as an educator, a statesman and informal Canadian ambassador. His legacy is extraordinary. We know he will be sorely missed by his associates in the Canadian military and we can only hope that he will grace Pacific Peoples’ Partnership with his wisdom, perceptions and good humour in the years to come.

AND a gracious addendum

Dear PACIFIC PEOPLES’ PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATION,

We are pleased to inform you that on November 19, 2019 11:14:18 AM, one of your supporters made a one-time donation of $1,056.20 to your charity in support of the following fund: 1. Give Where We Need It Most – With this support we can leverage other funding!. Donor’s message to charity: Dear April, Please accept this donation in the name of Dr. Jim Boutilier. The funds came from the balance remaining from his retirement dinner. It comes with every good wish. Sincerely, David Collins.

Post Note: PPP’s upcoming AGM will feature a short presentation by our President Emeritus Dr. Boutilier, who will present on China’s Expansion into the South Pacific.

Story Prepared By Arthur Holbrook, an author, filmmaker and PPP Board Member based in Victoria, BC.

PPP Puts out a Canadian Call for Action on Violence in West Papua

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Papuan protesters laying prone under guard.

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership Media Release – Victoria, BC, October 7, 2019.

As Indonesian state violence mounts against protesters in West Papua, concerned Canadians are calling for pressure on the Indonesian government to halt repression and take steps against racism in the Pacific island territory.

West Papua was slated for independence until Indonesia took over in the 1960s and annexed it. Independence protests continue in this island, home to some of the world’s largest remaining rain forests and richest biological and cultural diversity.

In recent months, Indonesia’s treatment of West Papuans has deteriorated to the worst it has been in the last two decades, sparked by racist attacks on Papuans who have been called “monkeys”. In late September, at least 27 Papuans were killed by Indonesian government forces in response to West Papuans calling for their rights and at least 70 people have been injured. The Indonesian government has deployed over 1,000 security personnel to West Papua, cut internet access and banned journalists and human rights organizations from entering the area. Scores of peaceful protesters have been arrested. More than 22 are facing prosecution for Makar (treason) for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.  They are considered ‘prisoners of conscience’ by Amnesty International.

“International pressure needs to be applied against Indonesia now to safeguard the lives and rights of West Papuans,” said April Ingham, Executive Director of Pacific Peoples’ Partnership, a Victoria-based advocacy organization with more than 40 years of experience working for human rights and the environment in Canada and the South Pacific. “Canada, which claims a strong tradition as an advocate of human rights, should take a stand in support of West Papuans and pressure the Indonesian government to allow for freedom of expression, association and assembly and the right of self-determination for West Papuan peoples.”

Recommendations:

  • Pressure the Indonesian government to allow for freedom of expression, association and assembly and the right to self-determination for West Papuans;
  • Pressure the Indonesian government to immediately release the 22 prisoners’ of conscience and drop the Makar charges;
  • Pressure the Indonesian government to allow for access to West Papua for journalists and human rights organizations, and
  • Pressure the Indonesian government to investigate military and police engaging in human rights abuses.

For more information Contact:

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership

#407 620 View St., Victoria BC, V8W 1J6, Canada / 250-381-4131 director@archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org  archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org

Post Note: PPP has sent letters to MP Freeland and other Canadian Government leaders concerning the escalating violence in West Papua urging our intervention.

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West Papua Backgrounder

Indonesia maintains control over West Papua, using military might to silence demands for self-determination and denying the Indigenous people their fundamental human rights. Since its invasion in 1963, an estimated 100,000 Papuans (about 15% of the population) have been killed by Indonesian armed forces and militias.

In 2019, West Papua burst back into the headlines after Indonesians in Surabaya attacked and called Papuan students “monkeys”. A wave of anti-racist protest erupted and revived independence sentiments throughout West Papua. The Indonesian army has escalated its repressive measures in response. Racism, rights, resources and rainforests intersect in this complex conflict.

Where is it? West Papua, located to the north of Australia, is blanketed with tropical rainforests. These are rich in biodiversity and represent the largest remaining untouched rainforests in Asia. But more than three quarters of the 40 million hectares of forest have been designated for logging or mining. Resource revenues support continued military oppression.

A History of Betrayal

1945- The Dutch East Indies, excluding Papua, becomes the Republic of Indonesia. 1961– Papuans celebrate their “Independence Day” by raising the Morning Star flag. 1963– Indonesian troops take over Papua. 1969– Indonesia holds a “popular consultation” over Papua’s future. 1,000 representatives are forced to vote openly in front of armed soldiers, and told they would be shot unless the vote supported integration with Indonesia. 2001– An autonomy deal grants Papua increased control of its resources and the freedom to express its cultural identity. 2003– The Indonesian army begins a campaign of terror in the highlands, burning villages and torturing detainees. Indonesia bans all foreign journalists in Papua. 2005– After the Government of Indonesia fails to implement the autonomy agreement, the People’s Assembly of Papua formally returns it to Jakarta demanding a real solution be negotiated. 2014– At a meeting in Vanuatu, Papuan independence groups unite to form the United Liberation Movement of West Papua and start to gain support from Pacific Island states. 2019– Racial tensions flare into the open and the largest pro-independence protests to date are met with force and arrests of activists.

50 Years of Racism

The Indigenous peoples of West Papua are Melanesians, related to the people of Papua New Guinea and many Pacific island countries. Their independence claims have often rested on being a Pacific, not an Indonesian, people. Papuans have been victims of racism and other forms of discrimination for more than half a century, and dismissed as “Stone Age” peoples who are “ignorant” and need to be “civilized.” Racism is the daily lived reality for many Papuans. In 2019, Papuan students continue their demand for racism to end.

Human Rights Abuses and Injustice

  • The Indonesian government has relocated thousands of Indonesians to Papua through the “transmigration” program, initially supported by the World Bank and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Over 40% of Papua’s two million people are settlers from Indonesia. West Papua’s Indigenous cultures and 274 distinct languages are at risk.
  • Indonesian security forces regularly use torture, extra-judicial killings and forced detention to block Papuans from protecting their lands and expressing their right to self-determination.
  • Human rights defenders and community leaders are routinely harassed, and intimidated or murdered.
  • Despite ample evidence of atrocities, only once has a military official been charged for human rights violations committed against Papuan people.
  • Papuan women are often sexually assaulted by the military and are denied access to health services, resulting in Papua having the highest HIV rates in Indonesia.
  • The territory is mostly closed to outsiders, and in 2019 the government shut down the Internet. The UN Commissioner for Human Rights is the most recent to express concern.

Environmental Destruction

West Papua is home to some of the largest remaining rainforest in Southeast Asia. It is rich in natural resources including natural gas, oil and minerals. The military is directly involved, engaging in illegal logging and acting as security for mining companies. Papua is home to the highest concentration of illegal logging operations in Asia.

Widespread logging and mining have had a serious impact on the livelihood and traditions of the Papuan people who rely on the land for survival. Traditional land is continually being cleared, creating conflict among Indigenous people, foreign companies and Indonesian security forces. Forest is being cleared to make way for mono-crop agriculture in an effort to gain environmental certification, without regard to Indigenous peoples or the negative effect on old-growth forests.

Take Action

Write to Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland to ask her to put pressure on the Indonesian government to stop the killings, torture and arrests, and support freedom of choice in West Papua. 125 Sussex Drive (no stamp necessary), Ottawa ON, K1A 0A6, Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca

Join a Canadian based working committee to learn more about this ongoing human rights crisis and get involved in advocacy and solutions based responses.  Email:info@archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org

Donate to, or get involved with the Pacific Peoples’ Partnership, the main Canadian organization working on Papuan Indigenous rights. https://archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org

 About Pacific Peoples’ Partnership

For over forty four years, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership has supported the aspirations of South Pacific Islanders and Indigenous peoples for peace, environmental sustainability, social justice and community development.

Based on Lekwungen territories in Victoria BC, Canada, we are Canada’s only non-profit organization and registered charity focused specifically on the island nations of the South Pacific.

archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org

 

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For 45 years, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership has supported the aspirations of South Pacific Islanders and Indigenous peoples for peace, environmental sustainability, social justice and community development.

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