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Social Forum of the Americas gives indigenous peoples a voice

Alongside representatives of social movements and farming, women’s and trade union organizations, members of indigenous communities help shape proposals in Guatemala for the World Social Forum · Main topics of discussion include criticism of capitalism and free trade, support for the Bolivian, Venezuelan and Cuban governments, and the attempt to create a plurinational state.

The indigenous communities of the Americas, taking part in the Third Social Forum of the Americas (FSA) in Guatemala between October 7 and 12, have demonstrated that they play a central role in the alter-globalization movement. The "Declaration of the Assembly of Social Movements", which was approved at the SFA, cites the defence of aboriginal American peoples as one of its top priorities. "We are committed to the efforts of peoples that want the states left by colonialism to be re-established, their pluri-national nature recognized, [since this] is the basis for a good quality of life and allows us to move forward to the rhythm of Time and Mother Nature."

The text also speaks of the SFA's "commitment to the struggle of indigenous and agricultural communities for complete agrarian reform and food sovereignty." These issues have been placed on the SFA's agenda thanks to the direct participation of indigenous communities from both North and South America. On October 12, as part of the social forum, indigenous communities had their own programme of events and these discussions resulted in another text being drafted, the Declaration of Peoples and Indigenous Nationalities of Abya Yala. The declaration states that the Forum proved useful for "co-ordinating efforts, strengthening organizations and rebuilding age-old worldviews as possible alternatives to the capitalist system that is threatening the future of Mother Earth."

The final SFA declaration also expresses support for states, such as Bolivia, Venezuela and Ecuador, where the views of indigenous peoples are being heard and condemns "all forms of displacement of indigenous and rural communities, since these are contrary to the fundamental rights of peoples."

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