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About the Program
Today, according to the United Nations, there are approximately 400 million Indigenous Peoples in over 70 countries worldwide. The basis for a global Indigenous Peoples movement exists, but Indigenous communities currently have no linkages to the world system. The establishment of strategic connections could provide Indigenous Peoples with opportunities to advocate for parity in global funding and ensure that future worldwide policy and programs be based upon Indigenous representation and participation.
First Peoples Worldwide works to secure oversight mechanisms for funding directly or indirectly impacting Indigenous Peoples. First Peoples international advocacy for parity of funding and self-determination within the world system is based on direct field experience rather than mere legal or economic theory.
First Peoples Worldwide is engaged in an extensive Advocacy program with the ultimate goal of linking all levels of Indigenous Peoples leadership to the world system. Through participation in public forums, engaging in private discussions, and disseminating information relevant to Indigenous Peoples, First Peoples advocates to:
- create a shift in international public opinion,
- mobilize relevant groups to secure policy reform and systemic change for Indigenous Peoples, and
- shift the focus of development from income maintenance to asset deployment.
The Advocacy program brings together Indigenous communities with a common goal, under Indigenous leadership, and provides a networking vehicle to expand the communities and their connections in the following ways:
- Upward dissemination of critical information about successful models and practices at the local and national levels in fields such as self-governance, land defense, resource conservation management, and asset development
- Downward dissemination of information and technical assistance regarding sources of financial assistance and options for development strategy
- International advocacy of sound government policies that include Indigenous Peoples
- Linkages to global policy forums to achieve systemic reform and control over the programs and agencies that closely affect Indigenous communities
- Promoting greater public and private investment in the survival and development of Indigenous Peoples
Through its advocacy strategy First Peoples Worldwide links Indigenous communities directly to the global policy forums such as international policy making bodies, NGOs, corporations, and governments. We are working to strengthen the voices of Indigenous Peoples by providing increased opportunities for exchange of ideas, best practices, and lessons learned models.
Invisible within the world system and inadequately funded, Indigenous Peoples are nonetheless poised to take their places on the world stage. First Peoples Worldwide Advocacy Program works to seize this unprecedented moment and catalyze an effective global movement solely for Indigenous Peoples.
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| First Peoples Worldwide · 3307 Bourbon Street · Fredericksburg, VA 22408 · (540) 899-6545 |
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