The fourth day of the Working Group on Indigenous Population (WGIP) started in an environment even more bright and energetic than the days before. In lieu of sitting in the Palais des Nations’ Room XX, the experts, the delegates of missions, NGOs and of course the representents of Indigenous Populations gathered in the Ariana Park of the United Nations (UN).The globe and the UN floating flag lent a symbolical significance to the event.

All of the Indigenous People, coming from the four corners of the world, were there to insist on that they were active, that they wanted to be heard, and that they would continue their struggle for recognition of their rights. Although each Indigenous People is very particular, - in terms of traditional costumes, language, dances and songs, beliefs- their overarching aim brings them together.

On this July 24 2005, the WGIP was celebrating the day of the World’s Indigenous People, normally scheduled on the August 9th, a way to remind the first WGIP that took place at this date in 1982.

The event was organized by the Indigenous People.

During the first part of the event, the official one, several guests were given the floor.

Mr Sergei Ordzhonikidze, general director of the UNOG, welcomed all the participants.

Mr Chairman Miguel Alfonso Martínez insisted on the role of the three bodies of the UN (the WGIP, the Permanent Forum and the special reporters) in supporting the Indigenous Population and their quest of having their rights respected.

Mr Rodolfo Stavenhagen, special reporter on the situation of the Indigenous Peoples’ human rights and fundamental freedoms, mentioned the great role of such a celebration in raising awareness amongst the Indigenous People. According to him the need for legislation and reforms at the international and national level, to recognize land, economical, social and cultural rights must occur, above all in Latin America. The main issue now, he said, is the implementation of these laws in order to fill the gap between constitutions and reality. He then congratulated the Indigenous People on their participation in the international fora and institutions and was joined after by Ms Victoria Tauli Corpuz who optimistically remarked on “the presence of so many young Indigenous People”.

With the day was getting warmer and warmer, everybody was waiting for the second part of the event, the cultural one.

Indigenous People from Kamtchatka Russia, Cordillera Philippines, India, Hawaii, and Peru performed traditional dances and songs.

Mary Simat from the Massai community in Kenya sang a traditional song, commanding the attention of everybody with her overwhelming voice.

Another interesting presentation was that of the typical costumes of Ecuador.

The motivation and joy of the participating Indigenous People was moving. They had the same capacity as the shining sun to warm people’s hearts.

A prayer from Lakota closed the event.

The Celebration ended with the tambours and voices of the North American native People, including people from the Buffalo River Dene Nation.

Ms Maria Anabela Carlon Flores, from the Yaqui community in the Sonora state in Mexico, worked hard to organize this event and was very happy with its occurrence. She said that this was a way to educate society, and expressed hope for the future.

She insisted that the UN is a forum for people to participate, and that this event was a reflection of their involvement.