UNDRIP

by Fred Collins

Local Chumash carry the torch, lighting the way for future generations.

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council recently attended and presented at the Keeping the Homefires Burning Gathering sponsored by the Seventh Generation Fund, which is an indigenous non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining the uniqueness of Native peoples throughout the Americas. This year they celebrated the 11th Keeping the Homefires Burning Gathering on June 15 – 17, 2012 in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.

The Gathering celebrated their 35 years as an Indigenous Peoples’ social profit organization highlighting our theme “Be A Good Ancestor.” During this gathering Native leaders, youth, elders and community initiatives, along with partners and allies, explored issues such as climate change, food sovereignty, building partnerships, cultural consciousness and healing, restorative justice and language revitalization, and community approach to advancing and implementing the UN Declaration of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Read more…