Indigenous peoples around the globe are making themselves heard in international arenas and at the national level. But many challenges remain in the fight for full recognition of all their rights.

ECUADOR: Constituent Assembly Shakeup Highlights Divisions
Rosa Rodríguez
QUITO – The resignation of the head of the constituent assembly that is rewriting Ecuador?s constitution, a popular figure who up to now has been close to President Rafael Correa, highlighted discrepancies within the government.
The powerful Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) expressed concern, saying Correa should be “coherent with his discourse and election promises, and should not water down his commitment to the promised political changes.”
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42970

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PERU: Rights Groups Warn of Authoritarian Tendencies
Ángel Páez
LIMA – The government of Peruvian President Alan García has demonstrated an authoritarian bent in its intolerance of social protest or any form of criticism, and has sponsored draft laws that treat demonstrations as criminal activity, say human rights groups and academics.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42960

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CANADA: Apology Must Be Backed By Action, Native Leaders Say
Am Johal
UNITED NATIONS – In a long-sought acknowledgement of the federal government’s role in creating Canada’s racist residential school system as part of its cultural assimilation policies, Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered a formal apology to Canadian First Nations in the House of Commons in Ottawa last week.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42834

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BOLIVIA: Uncertain Political Future in Wake of Autonomy Votes
Franz Chávez
LA PAZ – The political future in Bolivia is unpredictable following the autonomy referendums in the provinces of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija, whose governors interpret the triumph of the pro-autonomy position as a vote of confidence and a victory over President Evo Morales.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42930

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U.S.: “Water Is Alive, It Hears Our Words”
Alice Gordon
LAKE LANIER ISLANDS – Native Americans and others completed a 10-day “Walk for the Water” this week along the Chattahoochee River, which some estimates say will dry up completely by 2025 due to pressure from the rapidly growing city of Atlanta.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42790

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