I am Mmachukwu Obimdike from Nigeria. As a virtual delegate of CISDL, I watched a Coordination Meeting on LCIPP ANNUAL GATHERING OF KNOWLEDGE HOLDERS – PART I: EXCHANGE AMONGST KNOWLEDGE HOLDERS on the 12th of November.
The meeting brought together indigenous knowledge holders from seven UN sociocultural regions to discuss climate change issues. As witnessed, it was a space for indigenous voices to affirm self-determination, sovereignty, and the cultural richness of their traditions.
One key highlight was the presentation on the Buffalo Treaty, which remains open for individual and collective signatories. The treaty exemplifies how indigenous peoples exercise self-determination by perpetuating knowledge and traditions in harmony with their ethical standards. An article was read emphasizing lifelong learning and the integration of environmental, spiritual, and social values tied to buffalo, a vital element of many indigenous cultures.
Another compelling intervention highlighted the role of indigenous sports and traditional games in fostering environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the well-being of youth. These games, such as the World Indigenous Nations Games, incorporate indigenous languages and spiritual traditions, creating a holistic approach to community health and climate awareness. Notably, their implementation respects environmental sustainability, leaving no ecological footprint, a model for global sports events. As one speaker passionately noted, “Our children and youth have a right to play and a right to happiness.”
Contributions from representatives, such as Saul Vicente Vasquez of the Zapotec people in Mexico, highlighted on the critical role of international laws and declarations, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The empowerment of indigenous communities through self-governance and direct resource access was hailed as transformative. Vasquez stressed how constitutional reforms in Mexico now recognize indigenous peoples as “subjects of rights,” allowing them to autonomously manage their lands and livelihoods.
From Bolivia, Juan Carlos Alarcón, representing the Quichua people, emphasized the intersection of self-determination and alternative development models. “We should think of life, not just money,” he urged, calling for governance systems rooted in community well-being over profit.
My key takeaway from their discussion was that any solution to the climate crisis must respect and honor their knowledge systems, traditions, and rights. Indigenous communities have long been the custodians of the environment, and their Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) must be a fundamental consideration in any intervention.