Venezuela's Chavez hands over 1.65 million acres to 15 indigenous communities
Prensa Latina reports that in recognition of Indigenous Resistance Day (October 12), Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has officially handed over 1.65 million acres to 15 indigenous communities in a second collective title transfer ... the first 313,824 acres were delivered to communities in Monagas and Anzoategui states in August.
This time the titles are for lands in the states of Apure, Anzoategui, Delta Amacuro and Sucre ... and include Venezuelan government resources for development of the 34 ethnic groups in the national territory, estimated to be many more than the 500,000 people listed in the census.
At the ceremony, Chavez recalled this is the third celebration of the Day of Resistance, begun during his term of office, replacing Race Day that recorded the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America.
The President pointed out that the transfer of lands, education and support for its development is part of the ideal of Liberator Simon Bolivar that has been forgotten for many years, and he called for reviving the real continental history, falsified by the elite.
He also stressed that it is necessary for America to acknowledge the race and soul of the indigenous peoples as part of itself.
During the Chavez administration, a new Constitution was approved recognizing the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural character of the country, as well as the rights of the descendents of the original inhabitants to their land and culture.
To put these words into action, the Venezuelan government instituted Mission Guaicaipuro which, as with other official social programs, is paid for with income from sale of national petroleum, and began a literacy campaign that includes education in indigenous languages.
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Venezuelan indigenous groups to run new Indigenist Institute
Venezuelan ethnic groups are celebrating the third day of indigenous resistance today.
The government has rejected the Columbus Day title used in the USA and the Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza) used throughout Latin America.
A new Indigenist Institute will be launched today entrusted with monitoring the rights of indigenous communities throughout Venezuela.
The Bolivarian University of Venezuela (UBV) will host the Second Dialogue of Indigenous Intercultural Knowledge.
Karina, Chaima, Jivi, Pemon, Piaroa and Wayuu representatives will assemble for four days to reach a consensus on how to run the Institute.
UBV indigenous cultures and peoples director, Gladis Gonzalez states that the Institute will be run by members of the community.
"What we want to achieve is an agreement on lines of action that will boost the participation of the indigenous communities in decision-making."
From VHeadline
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