wayfinders circle governance report english - Flipbook - Page 11
At the Core of Self-governance is Self-determination
For most Indigenous peoples, strong governance is grounded in the right to
self-determination, as well as the essential right to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.
This core right is regarded as a prerequisite to exercise other collective rights,
and is founded on consultation and consent, especially in development-related decisions at all levels ranging from the international to the local level.
Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination is recognized in the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which affirms the
distinct status and human rights of Indigenous peoples, and encompasses
their right to fully and effectively participate in any decision-making on all
matters that impact their rights, lives, communities, lands, territories, and
resources. It requires the recognition of Indigenous forms of autonomy,
self-governance, and ancestral authorities; as well as recognition of customary governance systems and land tenure systems over lands, territories, and
natural resources.
Shared Governance Learnings from the Wayfinders
Indigenous peoples have survived ongoing and dramatic impacts of colonization, urbanization, and globalization by deploying their capacity for adaptation; on the one hand modifying traditional forms of governance to serve new
functions, and on the other, creatively adapting introduced forms to their
own ends and transforming both in the process. The dynamism and resiliency
of Indigenous governance systems are some of the very reasons for the continuity and persistence of Indigenous peoples’ survival throughout the world.
The Wayfinders Circle members demonstrate models of territorial governance that the rest of the world can learn from, as we consider some of the
radical changes necessary for the diversity of life to continue on our planet.
Many of the aspects of governance shared here can contribute to governance models in other parts of the globe, particularly among many of the
world’s Indigenous peoples. Equally valuable to these shared aspects are the
differences and diversity among the governance models discussed.
Across various aspects of guardianship shared among the Wayfinders, some
are central to what it means to be a member of the Wayfinders Circle. These
include:
1.
An intrinsic motivation to take care of Mother Earth on their ancestral territories and ecosystems, and proven wisdom and experience in
leading processes that have led to robust guardianship for future
generations. A deep connection to nature and territory is part of
their identity, often confirmed and continually renewed through
ritual and ceremony.
2. An openness to learning and sharing, especially with regard to
governance and guardianship of their territories, and recognition of
the importance of sharing given the urgency of the changes to Earth
that are already underway.
3. Organizations are collectively led by Indigenous peoples and fulfill
the vision defined by their constituency. They follow inclusive and
equitable decision-making processes, including meaningful participation of women and youth, and are committed to continually
strengthening governance structures.
4. Actively working on the intergenerational transmission of traditional
knowledge and practices, culture, languages, and spiritual values.
G overn ance L e arnings from the I nitial M emb ers of the Way fi n d ers Circl e
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