Int’l Indigenous Day being marked

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People, celebrated on August 9 every year, is organised this year under the theme "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices".

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai inaugurating a function marking the World Ingenious...

Issuing a statement on the occasion, President Ram Baran Yadav on Wednesday extended his best wishes to all indigenous nationalities (Janajatis), expressing belief that the day will contribute towards bolstering national integrity and help the country develop itself as “multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual”.

“We will be able to keep the country peaceful by accepting the existence of each other and respecting all castes, groups and communities,” said Yadav.

Meanwhile, the UNESCO Nepal Office issues a statement on the occasion, saying that the the day will highlight the role of media in supporting indigenous peoples’ models of development that are in accordance with their own priorities, cultures and knowledge systems.

“The power of media in shaping people’s lives is widely acknowledged. But communication and media are also the keys to raising awareness, sharing knowledge and supporting a broader debate on indigenous knowledge, culture and values,” UNESCO said, adding that in Nepal, indigenous peoples’ communities have so far little access, voice and participation in the mainstream media.

“We need to build the capacity of indigenous journalists, and to sensitize media professionals from as many ethnic groups as possible to better understand and cover the issues affecting indigenous people”, said Axel Plathe, Head of UNESCO Office in Kathmandu.

Special attention needs to be given to issues like mother tongue content, access to ICT and inclusion of indigenous journalists, both women and men, in mainstream media, UNESCO said.

Indigenous media “ is especially important for indigenous women, whose voices are shunted aside, and who are making already a significant contribution to local human development. The media can help educate and inform. They can include and bolster voices. They can also promote changes in attitudes and social behavior, and help identify sustainable opportunities for development that are inclusive and equitable” said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO in her message on the occasion of the Day.

Bokova also stressed the fact that indigenous peoples are “custodians to a great wealth of languages and traditions. They have access to deep wells of knowledge and creativity”. nepalnews.com