UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

On November 5, 2009 at a historic summit in Washington, DC hosted by President Barack Obama, Chairman Joe Kennedy - Timbisha Shoshone of the Western Shoshone Nation, delivered a message on behalf of the Nations and Pueblos of Indigenous Peoples of North America calling for immediate action by the present US administration in affirmation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

This call to implement the UNDRIP after centuries of colonization and injustice, institutes a new systemic standard that allows for complementary readjustment among entities of the government states and the Nations and Pueblos of Indigenous Peoples globally, normalizing peaceful relations and creating partnerships based on mutual respect and cooperation.

In support of this initiative of the Indigenous Peoples of North America, and in hopes that the adoption of the UNDRIP by the US will result in a much needed restoration of dignity and respect for the US in terms of both domestic and international policies regarding Indigenous Peoples, we urge your immediate attention and positive action on this issue.

We cannot expect anything less from our government, if we expect to live up to the principles being the land of the free, and home of the braves.

Thank you for your kind attention to this timely issue.

Sincerely,