Taíno Delegates Join IITC 50th Anniversary Treaty Conference at Standing Rock, SD

Participants at the IITC 50th Anniversary Treaty Council at Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota. Photo courtesy of the IITC.

Standing Rock, SD (UCTP Taíno News) - The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) held its 50th Anniversary Treaty Conference from June 21–24, 2024. The historic event took place at "The Bay" in Wakpala on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, South Dakota, marking a return to the very birthplace of the organization. Among the international Indigenous Delegates present at the gathering, were UCTP representatives, Kasike Roberto Múkaro Agueibaná Borrero and Tai Anaiuisa Pellicier. The gathering hosted over 300 Indigenous representatives, activists, and leaders from affiliates across the Arctic, North, Central, and South America, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. Under the theme "Defending our Treaty Rights to Food, Water and Health, so that our Peoples will Live", participants celebrated five decades of advocating for Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and human rights at local and international levels. Attendees adopted formal resolutions addressing crucial issues, including protections for sacred lands, food sovereignty, and continued advocacy within the United Nations. The Taíno delegates both presented on panels, took part in the working groups, and share Taíno culture during an evening of cultural exchange. "As our UCTP flag hung among other flags of Indigenous Peoples during the protest of the pipeline that was and still is a threat to this community, it was important for us to be here on this occasion not only to continue to commit our solidarity to the IITC, but to the Tribe as well" stated President Borrero. The conference concluded with a look to the future, announcing that the IITC would co-host its next event in Aotearoa (New Zealand). UCTPTN 07052024