Indigenous Partnership Opportunities Report (Latin America)

INTER-INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

A PRELIMINARY REPORT

Prepared By: Wayne Dunn Apikan Indigenous Network

Ottawa, Canada 22 March, 1995

Apikan Indigenous Network gratefully acknowledges the financial and/or logistical support provided by the following agencies and organizations

• Aboriginal Business Canada • Canadian International Development Agency • United Nations Development Program • UNDP/PRODERE Project • World Council of Indigenous Peoples • Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada • United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization • Plenty Canada • Inter American Development Bank • World Bank • Inter-American Dialogue • United Nations Association of the United Kingdom • Smithsonian Institute

- 1 - INTER-INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN A PRELIMINARY REPORT

1. FOREWORD This report outlines some of the many Indigenous partnership and development project opportunities available in Latin America. The findings are based on field research by the author in Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Guyana and Bolivia during the period from April 1994 - March 1995. As well, numerous meetings were held with multi-lateral agencies such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank, the Inter American Development Bank (IDB), in New York, Washington and elsewhere. Additional information was gathered through presentations made at two Apikan/UNDP Round Tables on Indigenous Trade and Development, held in Washington, DC (11-Oct-95 in the IDB Conference Room) and New York (7-Dec-95 at UN Headquarters). In addition, information was provided and support given by many organizations, especially, the World Council of Indigenous Peoples, Aboriginal Business Canada, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), particularly the NGO division, Hon. Christine Stewart, Secretary of State for Latin America, UNDP New York, UNDP/PRODERE, UNDP Field offices throughout Latin America, Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canadian Embassies and High Commissions, particularly in Guyana, Chile and Argentina, Plenty Canada, Unaaq, Inuit Circumpolar Conference and Panah Panah (a Miskito Indian NGO in Nicaragua), Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, UNFAO, Inter-American Dialogue, United Nations Association of the United Kingdom, Smithsonian Institute and others. Direct financial support was provided by Aboriginal Business Canada, CIDA, UNDP/PRODERE and UNDP. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions expressed in this report are those of the author. I fully acknowledge the tremendous support I have received, but take full responsibility for errors and omissions. March 1995 Wayne Dunn

For further informationon this document, please contact:

Wayne Dunn +1.250.743.7619

e-mail: [email protected]


Apikan Indigenous Network - 1995 Indigenous Partnership Opportunities Report

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................................. 1

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................. 2

3. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 4

4. SECTORAL OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................................................................. 5

4.1 FISHERIES/MINING/FORESTRY/PETROLEUM ................................................................................................ 5 4.2 AGRICULTURE ............................................................................................................................................. 6 4.3 CRAFTS ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 4.4 MANUFACTURING ........................................................................................................................................ 6 4.5 INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, EDUCATION & TECHNICAL SUPPORT ....................................... 6

5. OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY ............................................................................................................ 6

5.1 ARGENTINA ................................................................................................................................................. 7 5.1.1 Craft Production & Marketing ............................................................................................................... 7 5.1.2 Institutional Development ...................................................................................................................... 7 5.1.3 Petroleum Exploration ........................................................................................................................... 7

5.2 BELIZE ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 5.2.1 Belize Exotic Fruits ................................................................................................................................ 8 5.2.2 Cultural Centre—Friendship Centre ...................................................................................................... 9 5.2.3 Farming Project ..................................................................................................................................... 9 5.2.4 Hwy. 7 Construction Opportunities ...................................................................................................... 10 5.2.5 Indigenous People’s Economic Development Institute ........................................................................ 12 5.2.6 Indigenous Traditional Medicinal Plant Knowledge ........................................................................... 13 5.2.7 Language Trainer Training .................................................................................................................. 14 5.2.8 Xunantunich Video Documentary ........................................................................................................ 15

5.3 CHILE ........................................................................................................................................................ 15 5.3.1 Arts & Crafts Production & Marketing ................................................................................................ 15 5.3.2 Easter Island Fisheries ......................................................................................................................... 15 5.3.3 FairTrade Product Development ......................................................................................................... 16 5.3.4 Institutional Development .................................................................................................................... 16 5.3.5 Mineral Development ........................................................................................................................... 16

5.4 GUATEMALA .............................................................................................................................................. 17 5.4.1 Craft Production Joint Venture ............................................................................................................ 17 5.4.2 Craft/Textile Importing Wholesaling Joint Venture ............................................................................. 17 5.4.3 Fair Trade Agriculture ......................................................................................................................... 17 5.4.4 Indigenous Institutional Development.................................................................................................. 18 5.4.5 Indigenous School Linkages Pilot Project ........................................................................................... 18

5.5 GUYANA .................................................................................................................................................... 18 5.5.1 Economic Development Officer Exchange ........................................................................................... 19 5.5.2 FairTrade Agriculture .......................................................................................................................... 19 5.5.3 Forestry Development .......................................................................................................................... 20 5.5.4 Governmental Linkages ........................................................................................................................ 20 5.5.5 Institutional Development .................................................................................................................... 20 5.5.6 IwokRama Indigenous Opportunities Study ......................................................................................... 21



5.5.7 Mineral Development ........................................................................................................................... 21 5.5.8 School Linkages ................................................................................................................................... 21

5.6 HONDURAS ................................................................................................................................................ 22 5.6.1 Tourism/Fisheries/Forestry .................................................................................................................. 22

5.7 NICARAGUA ............................................................................................................................................... 22 5.7.1 Atlantic Region Economic Development & Land Tenure Strategy ...................................................... 23 5.7.2 Atlantic Region Fisheries Development ............................................................................................... 23 5.7.3 Atlantic Region Forestry Development ................................................................................................ 24 5.7.4 Atlantic Region Furniture Production ................................................................................................. 24 5.7.5 Atlantic Region Mineral Development ................................................................................................. 25 5.7.6 Atlantic Region Petroleum Exploration ............................................................................................... 25 5.7.7 Bluefields University Linkages Project ................................................................................................ 25 5.7.8 Northern Miskito Cocoa Bean .............................................................................................................. 26 5.7.9 Puerto Cabezas-Waspan Road Maintenance ....................................................................................... 26 5.7.10 Various Atlantic Region Agriculture Development Opportunities ................................................... 27

5.8 PANAMA .................................................................................................................................................... 28 5.8.1 Carving Techniques Training ............................................................................................................... 28 5.8.2 Darien & Kuna Fisheries ..................................................................................................................... 28 5.8.3 Eco-Tourism Development ................................................................................................................... 28 5.8.4 Kuna/Darien Business & Institutional Development............................................................................ 28 5.8.5 Marketing Strategy for Panamanian Crafts ......................................................................................... 29 5.8.6 Mining Participation Strategy .............................................................................................................. 29

5.9 VENEZUELA ........................................................................................................................................... 29 5.9.1 Fisheries Development ......................................................................................................................... 29

5.10 OTHER ....................................................................................................................................................... 29 5.10.1 Indigenous Electronic Bulletin Board.............................................................................................. 29 5.10.2 Language Curriculum Development-Grade Schools ....................................................................... 30

6. FOLLOWING UP ....................................................................................................................................... 30

Appendix 1 Report on the Prime Ministerial Trade Mission to Argentina, Chile and Brazil 2 UNDP/RBLAC Apikan Indigenous Network—Round Table on Indigenous Trade

and Development—Report on Proceedings and Follow Up Recommendations and Actions

3 Preliminary Report on Apikan/UNDP/PRODERE Central American Scoping

Mission



3. INTRODUCTION This report contains preliminary information on fourty-nine opportunities for international indigenous partnerships. The projects are from nine countries in South and Central America. The opportunities identified are simply the ones that have been brought to the attention of the author and Apikan Indigenous Network during seven months of research. Some opportunities have more detailed information than others. Additional information on these opportunities, plus information on additional opportunities is being gathered as part of Apikan’s ongoing work. This report is not meant to be all inclusive, but simply to identify specific opportunities and give an indication of the scope and breadth of opportunities available for inter-indigenous partnerships. The report is being tabled at the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas Partnership Conference on Trade and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, in Belize City, Belize, March 22-25, 1995. The purpose of this report is to; • Provide initial information on specific opportunities for inter-indigenous partnerships • Stimulate discussion on possible partnerships • Provide information on the breadth and range of possible inter-indigenous partnerships • Stimulate thinking on the potential impact of inter-indigenous partnerships This report is organized with a short overview of sectoral opportunities for inter-indigenous partnerships in Latin America. This if followed by brief outlines of fourty-nine specific project opportunities in nine different countries. As noted in the foreword, the information has been gathered through collaboration with many agencies and organizations. The objective during this initial stage of research was not to obtain detailed information about each project (although as you will discover, some projects have sufficient detail to allow the preparation of a development plan), but to simply identify potential opportunities. Background information on the Scoping Mission and other research activities is contained in attached appendices. The opportunities and benefits are largely presented from a Canadian perspective, as the readership of this preliminary report will be largely Canadian Indigenous groups. Part of the purpose of this report is to stimulate interest in inter-Indigenous partnerships amongst the Canadian Indigenous community, and amongst more business focused sectors of the Canadian government and industry. Every project opportunity, whether it is directly stated or not, has significant benefits for the non-Canadian Indigenous partners. The report is meant to be a starting point only. It is hoped it will stimulate peoples to decide to explore specific opportunities and will eventually result in inter-indigenous projects that will be beneficial to all partners involved.



4. SECTORAL OPPORTUNITIES Inter-Indigenous project opportunities have been identified in a number of specific sectors and areas. Some have much more distinct business and trade themes and offer more lucrative financial returns, while some are more related to general development. All offer potential benefits to all partners. We are sure additional sectoral opportunities exist; they simply were not brought to our attention during our initial research stage.

4.1 FISHERIES/MINING/FORESTRY/PETROLEUM Estimates place Indigenous land claims at over one quarter of the land base in Latin America. The recent launch of the United Nations Decade of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples will likely see an increase in Indigenous land claims, as well as an increase in the rate of settlement of outstanding Indigenous issues. Many Indigenous peoples already have negotiated settlements to large, resource rich, areas of their land. For instance, the Indigenous peoples on Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast have control over a land base larger than El Salvador, Kuna in Panama have resource rich lands in the San Blas area. These Indigenous lands are often very resource rich, containing valuable forests, fisheries, minerals, petroleum and other resources. Often there is a history of exploitive development of these resources, where Indigenous peoples obtained little benefit and many problems from harvesting and development activities. Often too, Indigenous peoples need to be on guard against national governments who are not honouring Indigenous land agreements. Many national governments are still awarding development permits to Indigenous lands to non Indigenous interests. Indigenous peoples are concerned that if they do not take control of developing the resources on their lands, national governments will be successful in awarding them to non Indigenous interests, and the benefits to Indigenous peoples will be minimal. Generally, Indigenous leaders and peoples we met with are interested in development provided they are full and active participants in the process, and it proceeds in a manner with which they are comfortable. While Indigenous peoples are not ready to establish clear cut forestry programs, or other environmentally damaging developments, most are interested in sustainable development on their lands, provided they participate directly in management and share equitably in the benefits. Many want partners who are sensitive to their needs and are able to work with them to develop opportunities in mutually beneficial and sustainable ways. Canadian Indigenous peoples have successful experience in maximizing local benefits from resource development. These skills can be applied to opportunities in many areas of Latin America. In fact, most Indigenous peoples we have met with, have expressed much interest in working with Canadian Indigenous interests on development initiatives.



4.2 AGRICULTURE Many Indigenous peoples are currently involved in agricultural activities. Many face problems related to credit, price stability, marketing and transportation infrastructure. There are opportunities to provide innovative solutions to these issues.

4.3 CRAFTS When many people think of Indigenous trade, they immediately think of crafts. Indigenous peoples have established worldwide reputations for the quality and uniqueness of their crafts. Often however, producers receive very little of the final selling price of their product. Often too, with a little investment in product development, producers could realize much more for their products. Opportunities in the craft sector relate to marketing, co-production, product innovation, importing and wholesaling.

4.4 MANUFACTURING Only one manufacturing opportunity was identified, that being furniture production in Nicaragua. However, it is likely that additional opportunities will unfold as more and better inter-indigenous relationships are developed.

4.5 INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, EDUCATION & TECHNICAL SUPPORT Indigenous peoples consistently identified technical support and institutional development as priority needs. They are interested in institutional development, assistance with training and education objectives, assistance in planning (particularly with economic development strategies), and other similar areas. Canadian Indigenous peoples have excellent experience in these areas. This sector offers excellent opportunities to gain international experience and establish international relationships for Canadian Indigenous peoples.

5. OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY This section will briefly outline specific opportunities for international Indigenous partnerships. The opportunities that follow are by no means all the opportunities available in each country. They are simply the ones that have been brought to the attention of Apikan



and its partners during the limited research that has been undertaken during the previous seven months. Most opportunities are presented in a brief summary format only. This is partly due to limitations on available time and resources, and partly because it is expected that the opportunities will be further defined as peoples indicate interest and begin working together on them. Apikan, along with the World Council of Indigenous Peoples, the UNDP and others are actively working to establish international infrastructure that will support and facilitate inter-indigenous partnerships. Peoples have been consistent in expressing frustration at the ability of existing infrastructure to respond to Indigenous development initiatives.

5.1 ARGENTINA Apikan Indigenous Network and the World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCIP), visited Argentina in January 1995 as part of the Canadian Prime Ministerial Trade Mission to South America. During this visit, with assistance from the Canadian Embassy, meetings were held with the President of the WCIP, who lives in Argentina, the National Indigenous President of Argentina, the National Indigenous Women’s leader, several local chiefs and with the local UNDP office. Based on these meetings the following potential opportunities were identified.

5.1.1 CRAFT PRODUCTION & MARKETING Argentinean Indigenous leaders are interested in technical assistance in product development and marketing of their local handicrafts. Little is known of this opportunity, but working together on it could lead to opportunities in other sectors, and will certainly strengthen relations amongst the collaborators.

5.1.2 INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Argentinean Indigenous leaders expressed a great deal of interest in working with Canadian Indigenous groups. They identified institutional development and governmental relations as one of the key areas. Work in this area will develop and strengthen relationships and provide opportunities to identify other development opportunities in the region.

5.1.3 PETROLEUM EXPLORATION The Argentinean Indigenous leaders indicated there are petroleum resources on some of their lands. They are concerned that they currently have no role in the development and commercialization of this resource. They expressed interest in working with Canadian Indigenous interests to look for development opportunities, and to develop strategies of increasing Indigenous benefits from the development of petroleum resources. They also expressed a desire to work with Canadians to develop mechanisms to increase Indigenous involvement in the petroleum industry. They also expressed considerable interest in being involved in the environmental management of the industry.



Opportunities exist in this sector for Canadians to provide technical support to assist Argentinean Indigenous peoples to negotiate more involvement in the industry. As well, opportunities could exist for Canadian Indigenous companies to joint venture with Argentinean Indigenous interests in petroleum exploration and development.

5.2 BELIZE Apikan has been active in Belize for several years, working directly with the Xunantunich organization and hosting two conferences on Indigenous partnerships and development (1994 and 1995). In addition, Apikan personnel spent several days in Belize in September 1994 as part of an Apikan/UNDP/PRODERE Scoping Mission designed to identify Indigenous partnership opportunities.

5.2.1 BELIZE EXOTIC FRUITS Opportunity There are a number of exotic fruits that grow in Belize that may have international specialty market potential. These include, Sour Sap, Sweet Sap and Mamey. These fruits are well known and liked locally, but they have never been commercially grown for the international market. Given the success of some of the exotic agricultural products that have been launched in recent years (Kiwi fruit, Wild Rice, other tropical fruits) there may be an opportunity to develop markets for some Belizian exotic fruits. Benefits Developing production capacity and markets for these fruits will provide additional income generating opportunities for local farmers, and will improve the flow of foreign currency into Belize. Location and Liaison Moises Cal, Liaison Officer United Nations Development Program PO Box 42 c/o Ministry of Economic Development Belmopan, Belize CA Phone: 501-8-22526 or 22527 Fax: 501-8-23111

The idea for this opportunity was put forward by Mr. Cal in a meeting in his office on Friday, Sept. 16, 1994.

Special Considerations Initial research into this opportunity will need to focus on market opportunities and production potential and production and distribution economics. Technical Resources Required 1. Person to conduct pre-feasibility study of opportunity.



2. Persons and/or organizations with experience in developing production and markets for exotic agricultural products. (The Wild Rice industry in Saskatchewan, Canada, is an example of a very successful launch of an exotic agricultural product. Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program and Kitsaki Development Corporation’s experience in this industry may be of use to this Belizean opportunity.)

Development Plan 1. Contact Moises Cal for more specific information on potential products and to determine

most appropriate Belizian group(s) to work with on this opportunity.

2. Work with Belizian group(s) to prepare proposal and secure financing for pre-feasibility study.

Draft Terms of Reference—Pre-Feasibility Study ♦ Determine inventory of potentially marketable exotic fruits

♦ Determine technical feasibility of commercial production of potentially marketable exotic fruits

♦ Conduct market pre feasibility study for products that have commercial production potential

♦ Prepare a development strategy for products that have commercialization potential

5.2.2 CULTURAL CENTRE—FRIENDSHIP CENTRE There is an opportunity to assist in the development of a business plan and operating strategy to establish a Cultural and Friendship Centre in conjunction with the Xunantunich farming project (Sec. 5.2.3). This centre could develop and market eco-tourism products and act as a training centre where programs/courses could be given by local and international interests. For instance, David Magaña, President of the Xunantunich Organization, envisages a setting where Universities and institutions may arrange to deliver off campus programs and courses related to the region and to Xunantunich’s activities. Magaña sees eco-tourism products as potentially including, rain forest activities/tours, cultural history visits to Xunantunich and other sites, and local cultural experiences. Opportunities for Canadian interests include, in addition to an opportunity to gain international experience, a chance to provide consulting and technical support and marketing support to the project. It is also possible that opportunities could evolve to market the product back into Canada

5.2.3 FARMING PROJECT The Xunantunich Organization is developing a small farming project to allow local Mayans to regain access to agricultural opportunities. The project is a community based initiative, building upon existing land holdings of community members. Lands owned by community members will be made available for farming by other community members interested in agriculture for their own consumption and for profit.



Five individuals in the community, who together own approximately 100 acres of agricultural land, have agreed to allow their land to be worked communally in two to four acre plots. This will rekindle the agricultural capacity which once existed in the area (San Jose Succotz was once a main agriculture producer for the Cayo district). As the land base is expanded through reinvestment of profits and fund raising, the original one hundred acres will revert back to the use of the current owners. Technical assistance is required to fully articulate the project and raise financing. As well, as noted above (Sec. 5.2.2), there is interest in incorporating other revenue generating opportunities from eco-tourism and training into the plan. This project provides an opportunity to gain experience and exposure to Latin American development in an English speaking country. Through contacts and experience gained on this opportunity, it may be possible to identify additional opportunities that could have a more attractive revenue potential. For example, opportunities to assist in marketing products (eco-tourism, training and agricultural products) into Canada may evolve, as well as opportunities to work on similar projects elsewhere.

5.2.4 HWY. 7 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES Opportunity There is a $100 million plus, multi agency effort to upgrade the southern highway (Highway 7) in Belize. This highway runs from Belmopan in central Belize to Punta Gorda on the southern Atlantic coast, and passes through Mayan & Garifuna territory and communities enroute. This project is a joint effort between the UK Office of Development Assistance, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Govt. of Taiwan and the Govt. of Kuwait. The United Kingdom Office of Development Assistance is currently beginning an impact assessment on this project. Based on the Canadian experience with similar infrastructure, there should be opportunities to develop joint venture businesses and bid on contracts related to this initiative. Linking local Indigenous groups with Indigenous construction company(s) from North America may enable local groups to successfully obtain contracts. This would ensure that local business capacity is developed, and maximize the direct economic benefits accruing to local interests, from the construction of the highway. Note: It may be necessary to also involve other construction firms with international

experience. This can be determined as the opportunity is further explored. Benefits This strategy, if successful, would maximize benefits that would accrue to the local Indigenous economy. In addition to employment and labour opportunities, it would allow the local Indigenous economy to participate directly in the contracts and share in any profits. More importantly, it would develop contracting capacity in the local community. It would enable the local groups to have the capacity, experience and critical mass to capitalize on



business development opportunities that will become available with the upgrading of the highway. Location and Liaison The actual construction project will take place in Belize, CA Moises Cal, Liaison Officer United Nations Development Program PO Box 42 c/o Ministry of Economic Development Belmopan, Belize CA Phone: 501-8-22526 or 22527 Fax: 501-8-23111

Sr. Cal is a local Mayan and will be able to assist determining additional contacts and in establishing contact with them. He will also be able to assist in organizing additional contact with local Indigenous interests. This was discussed in a meeting with Mr. Cal on Friday, Sept. 16, 1994 in his office in Belmopan.

Jerry Colley, Senior Engineering Advisor United Kingdom Office of Development Assistance Barbados Phone: 809-436-9873 Fax: 809-426-2194

Mr. Colley is in charge of an conducting an impact assessment on this project. This project has not yet been discussed with him.

David Magaña, Chairman San Jose Succotz Belize, CA Phone: 501-93-2285 Fax: 501-93-2446 Sr. Magaña is also the Director of the Xunantunich Women’s Organization

This project has been discussed with Sr. Magaña in a meeting on Friday, Sept. 16, 1994 in a meeting in San Jose Succotz, Belize. Sr. Magaña is a local Mayan leader and will be able to provide assistance in identifying key Indigenous people Belize.

Special Considerations This opportunity represents a new approach to conducting development business in the region. It is expected that local and international stakeholders will need to be educated as to both the feasibility of this approach, and to the potential long term benefits it can provide. Also, the various Indigenous groups in Belize have not (to the knowledge of this writer) previously had an opportunity to collaborate on a development project. Both Dr. Palacio and Sr. Magaña felt that this collaboration could be achieved. Dr. Palacio has put forward the idea of holding an Indigenous Economic Development Workshop in Belize to bring together the various Indigenous groups to discuss issues such as this project. Technical Resources Required 1. Initial development will require someone with capacity to develop proposal and secure

financing. 2. In order to undertake further development of this opportunity, someone with experience

in structuring and negotiating similar joint ventures will be required. In addition, expertise will be required to identify and access necessary financial resources to undertake further development of this opportunity.



Development Plan 1. Identify Belizian Indigenous interest willing to take a lead role in this initiative1.

2. Prepare a proposal to undertake a pre-feasibility study of this opportunity.

3. Identify potential funding sources for pre-feasibility study.

4. Submit proposal and secure financing.

5. Conduct Pre-Feasibility Study

6. Additional work to be determined in pre-feasibility study.

Draft Terms of Reference—Pre-Feasibility Study ♦ Determine current status of project planning and development

♦ Determine current status of local Indigenous preparation for this opportunity

♦ Determine status of project and contracting procedure

♦ Determine key considerations of all stakeholders in project

♦ Determine potential Canadian Indigenous partner

♦ Initiate contact between Canadian and Belizian Indigenous interests

♦ Develop framework agreement between all Indigenous partners.

♦ Research to determine appropriate international joint venture partner if necessary

♦ Prepare joint venture negotiating strategy2 including framework for negotiating agreement.

♦ Prepare terms of reference and financing proposal for a detailed feasibility study3

5.2.5 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE This opportunity was identified by Unaaq International and they are proceeding with its implementation in Belize. They will be making a presentation on this initiative at the Belize conference.

1Contact Belizian Indigenous persons identified above as starting point in this determination. 2If there is reluctance on the part of national and international interests to enter into negotiations with local Indigenous interests, this strategy will include an educational process to draw attention to the benefits that this approach will hold for all stakeholders. 3The detailed feasibility study is expected to include negotiating the actual joint venture, and negotiating contracting arrangements with the implementing party(s).



5.2.6 INDIGENOUS TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE Opportunity There is a tremendous resource of knowledge of traditional Indigenous knowledge related to the medicinal uses of plants. This knowledge is usually maintained by one or two Indigenous people in each community, and is in danger of being lost. Also, this knowledge is often obtained and exploited by non Indigenous people and organizations, who do not return benefits to the source of the knowledge, the Indigenous peoples. In addition to the cultural value of maintaining the knowledge, there also is a possibility of developing a commercialization strategy4 for this knowledge, to ensure benefits accrue to local indigenous peoples. Benefits ♦ Increase focus on importance of Indigenous cultures and knowledge ♦ Sharing of local knowledge ♦ Commercialization potential ♦ Increase focus on benefits of bio diversity ♦ Secondary agricultural development Location and Liaison This workshop would be held in Belize, CA. Moises Cal, Liaison Officer United Nations Development Program PO Box 42 c/o Ministry of Economic Development Belmopan, Belize CA Phone: 501-8-22526 or 22527 Fax: 501-8-23111

Sr. Cal is a local Mayan and will be able to assist determining additional contacts and in establishing contact with them. He will also be able to assist in organizing additional contact with local Indigenous interests. The idea for this opportunity was put forward by Mr. Cal in a meeting in his office on Friday, Sept. 16, 1994.

David Magaña, Chairman San Jose Succotz Belize, CA Phone: 501-93-2285 Fax: 501-93-2446 Sr. Magaña is also the Director of the Xunantunich Women’s Organization

This project has been discussed with Sr. Magaña in a meeting on Friday, Sept. 16, 1994 in a meeting in San Jose Succotz, Belize. Sr. Magaña is a local Mayan leader and will be able to provide assistance in identifying key Indigenous people Belize. He has also offered to host this workshop and the Belize Indigenous Economic Development Workshop in San Jose Succotz.

Special Considerations

4One focus of the workshop will be to determine if the practitioners are interested in any commercialization potential. If they are, various commercialization strategies can be discussed.



There is currently an ongoing project in Belize involving a non-Indigenous woman and Indigenous medicinal uses of plants. The person(s) developing this opportunity should be aware that there is not a consensus of opinions surrounding this project. A report commissioned by the UNDP; Conserving Indigenous Knowledge: Integrating two systems of innovation An independent study by the Rural Advancement Foundation International deals extensively with Indigenous traditional knowledge related to the medicinal use of plants. A copy of this report can be obtained from;

Marcel Viergever, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP One UN Plaza New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212-906-5347 Fax: 212-906-5313 E-Mail: [email protected]

Technical Resources Required 1. Person to articulate project and secure financing.

2. Technical resources anticipated for execution include;

a) Local person to organize conference b) Expertise in patent/protection of indigenous knowledge c) Expertise to assist to determining desire to develop commercialization strategy

Development Plan 1. Determine local organization interested in taking a lead role in project

2. Prepare proposal for conference to bring together sources of Indigenous knowledge concerning the traditional medicinal uses of plants

3. Obtain financing for project

4. Identify Indigenous experts in traditional medicinal uses of plants and inform of conference and invite

5. Identify persons/organizations to provide technical assistance

6. Organize and hold conference

7. Develop and finance implementation plan for workshop recommendations.

5.2.7 LANGUAGE TRAINER TRAINING Traditional Indigenous languages are dying in Belize, as in other areas of Central America. There are still a number of fluent speakers of these languages, however, they do not have the training skills required to develop and deliver training programs to other Indigenous



people. People indicated that Indigenous language training is essential if these languages are to survive. There may also be an opportunity to develop a Belize Indigenous Language Institute that could assist in the preservation of local Indigenous languages. If successful, this could be duplicated elsewhere, or a Central American Indigenous Language Institute developed that would act to preserve the language of Indigenous peoples from throughout Central America. Canadian Indigenous peoples have successful experience in training language teachers and facilitating the redemption of native languages.

5.2.8 XUNANTUNICH VIDEO DOCUMENTARY The Xunantunich Organization is recognized for the quality of its leadership and its grassroots focus. It has developed several training and income generating initiatives. UNDP/PRODERE in Belize and others have indicated that this would be an excellent case study model to highlight in an educational video, that could then be used for institutional development and other training purposes. This project offers an opportunity for a Canadian Indigenous business specializing in video production to explore international production. It could lead to further opportunities in video production and/or technology transfer opportunities in the establishment of local capacity, and/or investment opportunities in Latin American production.

5.3 CHILE Apikan Indigenous Network and the World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCIP), recently spent a short time in Chile as part of the Canadian Prime Ministerial Trade Mission to South America. During this mission, with assistance from the Canadian Embassy and the local UNDP office, meetings were held with a number of Chilean Indigenous leaders and organizations. As well, a meeting was held with José Alwyn, Director of the Indigenous Institute at the Frontier University in Temuco. Based on these meetings a number of potential opportunities were identified.

5.3.1 ARTS & CRAFTS PRODUCTION & MARKETING Apikan has recently received a letter from the Mapuche Inter-Regional Council in Chile, requesting assistance with capacity development in the areas of management, marketing and production. This request came about as a result of meetings held during the recent Prime Ministerial Trade Mission.

5.3.2 EASTER ISLAND FISHERIES There a potential to work with local Indigenous peoples on Easter Island to commercialize the fishery in the surrounding waters.



5.3.3 FAIRTRADE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Currently, some Indigenous peoples in northern Chile are producing products for the European cosmetics industry. In addition, there is a range of agricultural and craft production opportunities with Indigenous peoples throughout Chile. There is an opportunity to provide technical support in marketing and product development, with a focus on introducing Chilean producers to FairTrade opportunities. As with other similar opportunities, this could lead to identification of other business devilment potentials.

5.3.4 INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Nearly all Indigenous peoples met with in Chile expressed a strong interest in working with Canadian Indigenous interests, particularly in the area of institutional development and strengthening. There is concern about Chile’s admission to NAFTA and the potential it has to further marginalize and exclude Indigenous peoples. Currently, two Mapuché individuals from Chile are part of an International Indigenous Youth Leadership training program being delivered in Canada by the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. In addition, a Treaty Six group in Alberta is developing a project to strengthen their ties with the Mapuché people in Chile. Technical support and institutional development should result in opportunities to participate in other business development opportunities in Chile.

5.3.5 MINERAL DEVELOPMENT Chile has a large base of precious and base metals. The Canadian mining industry is a major player in the Chilean industry. Local Indigenous leaders expressed concern that they are receiving little or no benefit from the mining industry. This has caused some to be very negative about mining, verbally opposing mining development during our meetings. Others, however, are interested in how Canadian Indigenous businesses, such as La Ronge Band’s Kitsaki Development Corporation, have been able to use mining activity as a springboard to economic growth, while at the same time increasing their involvement in the environmental management of the industry. There are some exciting opportunities to provide technical support and possibly to participate in joint ventures in this sector.



5.4 GUATEMALA Through the involvement of two Apikan associates (Simon Brascoupé and Wayne Dunn) on the Board of Directors of Plenty Canada, which has projects in Guatemala, Apikan has developed a limited knowledge of the situation in the country. In addition, Guatemala was one of the countries visited during the Apikan/UNDP/PRODERE Scoping Mission during Sept-Oct 1995. With the assistance of UNDP/PRODERE, meetings were held with many national Indigenous leaders and organizations and several days were spent in the field in the Ixil area of northwestern Guatemala. Also, Apikan has developed a close working relationship with Guatemala En Vivo and Enlace Guatemala, through work with their Minneapolis based manager, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin. Byron Ponce, the FAO Food Security Consultant in Guatemala has also been a valuable source of information.

5.4.1 CRAFT PRODUCTION JOINT VENTURE Several Guatemalan craft production organizations expressed interest in working with Canadian Indigenous peoples on product development. They are interested in exploring concepts such as combining Canadian furs, leathers and beadwork with Guatemalan weaving and textiles. They feel it may be possible to develop unique products that would sell on the world market.

5.4.2 CRAFT/TEXTILE IMPORTING WHOLESALING JOINT VENTURE Nearly everywhere we went in Guatemala during the Scoping Mission, people complained about lack of access to foreign markets and currency, and to the necessity of dealing through too many middlemen, which left little return for the producers. After discussing this with several craft related organizations from various parts of the country, an interesting concept emerged, which warrants further investigation. It involves establishing a joint venture between Guatemalan Indigenous interests and a Canadian Indigenous company, to import and wholesale craft and textile products into the North American market. Importing and wholesaling are necessary activities in the distribution system for crafts and textiles and it is nearly impossible to eliminate them. The next best option is to position the producers so they can participate directly in this aspect of the distribution system. Also, this direct connection with the market will help to educate producers as to the needs and demands of the marketplace, allowing for production more targeted to market demands. This opportunity is currently being pursued by a National Canadian Indigenous interest and Guatemala Enlace, which is made up of producer groups throughout Guatemala.

5.4.3 FAIR TRADE AGRICULTURE Fair Trade agriculture has already proven to be a viable option for many Guatemalan producers. Organizations such as Enlace Guatemala and Max Havelar Foundation are



marketing coffee, crafts and other products throughout Europe and North America. UNDP/PRODERE has been instrumental in developing FairTrade coffee production in the Ixil area. Support with institutional development (especially related to Women in Development) and marketing has been identified as a preferred area of assistance. In addition to the international experience and contacts this opportunity can provide to organizations providing assistance, the networking that will happen could lead to additional opportunities. As well, experience in FairTrade marketing and products will be gained which could translate into new marketing strategies and options for Canadian Indigenous products.

5.4.4 INDIGENOUS INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Nearly all of the Indigenous leaders and groups expressed interest in support from Canadian Indigenous peoples as they strive to develop their institutions and infrastructures under some very trying conditions. Guatemala is not an easy country to work in, so much use should be made of the experience and knowledge of UNDP/PRODERE, Guatemala En Vivo, Enlace Guatemala and Plenty Canada and their successful institutional development experience in Guatemala.

5.4.5 INDIGENOUS SCHOOL LINKAGES PILOT PROJECT The local Administrator for the school district in Chajul, Guatemala, along with the UNDP/PRODERE field workers, identified an opportunity to link Canadian Indigenous schools with Mayan schools in their area. To this end, a visit to a local school was arranged during the Scoping Mission. We discussed how there could be a small seed fund for student exchanges, but the majority of the money could be raised by the students themselves. They could do this by importing and selling local Guatemalan crafts. This would give Canadian students some business experience and provide foreign currency income for the Guatemalan students and their families. By starting this type of relationship between students, we will facilitate the personal, family and cultural ties that will result in lasting linkages.

5.5 GUYANA Apikan, at the invitation of the Guyana UNDP office, undertook a mission to Guyana in February 1995. The mission involved meeting with many of Guyana’s Indigenous leaders, participation in a national seminar on Amerindian development, a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner and staff, a visit to the Iwokrama Rain Forest project, two community meetings in the hinterlands and meetings with representatives of various development organizations operating in the area. Guyana offers an excellent opportunity for inter-indigenous partnerships involving Canadian Indigenous peoples. There are many reasons for this; a common language and history (both



countries are members of the Commonwealth), Canada has a history of positive involvement with local indigenous peoples, the resource base is similar (mining and forestry), etc.

5.5.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER EXCHANGE Amerindians from throughout the country, along with government and international community members, all stressed the lack of capacity to identify, articulate and undertake business projects. Many people talked of opportunities that have been lost due to lack of management and economic development capacity. There is an opportunity for an International internship program to train Guyanese Amerindian Economic/Community Development Officers. This could be coordinated with the new National Amerindian Coordinating Committee, which Amerindian groups in Guyana are establishing with the support of the UNDP and the Canadian High Commission. A preliminary vision for the project would see several Amerindians selected to travel to Canada and undertake formal and on the job training in Community and Economic Development. The on the job training would include placement with successful Native Economic Development Organizations in Canada and be supplemented with formal classroom training. Following a placement period in Canada, the Guyanese and their Canadian counterparts could return to Guyana, where the Canadians would be able to work with their Guyanese counterpart as they applied their training to actual development projects. In addition to providing skills and support to Guyanese Amerindian development efforts, this would broaden the skills of the Canadians involved, and could lead to some interesting linkages and joint projects. It would also give the participants valuable international experience. This would offer direct training and networking opportunities to Indigenous Economic Development Workers by giving them an opportunity to work directly with a qualified Canadian Indigenous Economic Development worker. It will also give Canadian Indigenous interests an opportunity to work with and develop strong relationships with Latin American Indigenous groups. This will give Canadian groups priority access opportunities to business and economic opportunities in Latin America.

5.5.2 FAIRTRADE AGRICULTURE A number of Amerindians in Guyana (both in the national meeting and at community meetings in the Hinterland communities of Annai and Sarama) discussed problems with access to markets for their agricultural products. It appears that a significant contributor to the problem is lack of transportation infrastructure. Other problems identified include, over-dependence on mono culture crops (i.e. peanuts), lack of access to market opportunities and lack of price stability (price is very low at harvest and people must sell at depressed prices to repay debts and then later the price rises substantially when they often need to purchase their crop back for food and seed stock). Very brief discussions were held with some community leaders in Annai about potential crop diversification, exploring FairTrade opportunities and the Pana Pana Rice Stabilization program. There may be an opportunity to build on the experience of Plenty Canada (a Canadian Indigenous NGO) and Pana Pana (a Nicaraguan Miskito NGO), with a rice price stabilization program on the Rio Coco river. There may also be opportunities to develop



products that will fit into the FairTrade marketing system. Other Canadian experience, such as that of the Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program and the development of the Wild Rice industry, may also be beneficial if applied to this situation.

5.5.3 FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT Estimates place officially controlled Amerindian lands in Guyana at up to 20%. Much of this land is virgin forest. While Amerindians are not prepared to allow wholesale clear cut harvesting, some are interested in exploring sustainable forestry options, providing they are full participating partners in the process and are ensured an equitable distribution of benefits. In addition, many existing forestry concessions in Guyana include traditional Amerindian lands. New companies applying for forestry concessions are beginning to stress their ability to work with Indigenous peoples. Peoples expressed interest in technical support to assist in negotiations with these interests. There may also be opportunities to work with local Amerindians to develop new forestry opportunities, ensure sustainable management is practiced and to capture additional benefits from existing forestry operations.

5.5.4 GOVERNMENTAL LINKAGES The Guyanese national government has recently established a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Minister de Souza, a Guyanese Amerindian, is currently piloting a review of the Amerindian Act through parliament. The Canadian High Commission is interested in having Minister de Souza learn more about the Canadian Aboriginal Business Development Program, and how it has assisted Canadian Aboriginal businesses. This is an opportunity to strengthen the official linkages between the Canadian and Guyanese governments. It seems very likely, that a bilateral relationship that had a focus on Aboriginal business development would be mutually beneficial and would result in opportunities for both Canadian and Guyanese Aboriginal businesses.

5.5.5 INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Guyanese Amerindians, at the National Seminar on Amerindian development, made a number of presentations on the need for institutional development. In fact, at the meeting, representatives of the various Amerindian organizations in Guyana made a decision to form a steering committee to develop a National Amerindian Coordinating Committee. Many presentations centered around the need for institutional development and capacity development at the national, regional and community level. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), based in Winnipeg, Canada, made a presentation it’s Sustainable Livelihoods program at the workshop. This presentation created local interest in the program. Follow-up discussions with IISD representatives and Apikan have focused on the benefits of an IISD/Canadian Indigenous NGO partnership to deliver programs and institutional development to Amerindians in Guyana and elsewhere in Latin America.



5.5.6 IWOKRAMA INDIGENOUS OPPORTUNITIES STUDY Iwokrama is a Global Environment Facility and Commonwealth Secretariat project to establish a world class rain forest research centre in Guyana, and identify sustainable development opportunities in the rain forest. The Iwokrama has the potential to provide significant benefits to the Amerindian community, both directly, and through the application of research carried out at Iwokrama. There appears to be a commitment on the part of all concerned to maximize Amerindian benefits from Iwokrama, but there does not appear to be an articulated strategy on how this will be accomplished. A Strategy for Maximizing Amerindian Benefits from Iwokrama should be prepared, and the local Amerindian community should be fully involved in the process. Canadian Indigenous interests have the experience and knowledge to assist in developing this strategy, which could result in some mutually beneficial development opportunities.

5.5.7 MINERAL DEVELOPMENT As previously noted, Amerindians legally control a significant amount of land in Guyana (estimates place it at up to 20%). Much of this land is known to be rich in base metals, precious metals and gems. Currently there is a lot of activity in this sector. There is confusion and concern about mineral vs. surface rights on Amerindian lands, and local peoples have had some exasperating experiences with miners. Participants at the national seminar recounted stories of claim jumping and problems with land registry peoples not being aware of Amerindian lands. There seems to be an opportunity to work with Guyanese Amerindians on the development of a strategy related to the mining industry. It was not clear how much interest there is in participating in this sector, but it is a major industry in the country and does have a major impact on many Amerindian communities. A starting point may be discussions with Amerindians and Canadian Indigenous peoples about various strategies that Canadians Indigenous peoples have been used to work with (or against) the mining industry. If there is interest, technical support could be provided to assist Amerindians to prepare a strategy on how they wish to interact with the mining industry.

5.5.8 SCHOOL LINKAGES Other countries, particularly Guatemala, have expressed interest in establishing linkages with their Indigenous schools and their Canadian counterparts. As noted previously, Canadian Indigenous peoples and Guyanese Amerindians share common language and similarities in history and other areas. Discussions in both countries have found people to be very enthusiastic about linking Indigenous schools and youth in Canada with their Amerindian counterparts. It seems that Guyana is an ideal country to pilot an Indigenous school linkages project. Canada already has a significant presence in the country and the Canadian High Commission is noted for its support of Amerindian peoples and issues. Also, there is a large



Canadian business presence in Guyana, which may translate into additional financial and moral support for an initiative of this type. A school linkages project would provide youth from both countries with valuable education and experience in international matters. It will also establish closer ties between their parents and will likely result in additional, mutually beneficial initiatives.

5.6 HONDURAS

5.6.1 TOURISM/FISHERIES/FORESTRY Apikan recently received a telephone call from the UNDP Resident Representative in Honduras, advising of development opportunities in fisheries and eco-tourism with Indigenous peoples in Honduras. He indicated that Honduran Indigenous peoples had rights to coastal lands rich in tourism and fisheries potential. They are worried about losing their rights to the land if they don’t begin to move forward with sustainable development initiatives to utilize the resources. He has asked Apikan to visit Honduras to see if development partnerships can be formed with Canadian Indigenous interests. Plenty Canada and Pana Pana work with Miskito Indians on the Nicaragua-Honduras border have also revealed opportunities in Honduras. They have advised that there are opportunities in fisheries, forestry and eco-tourism in Honduras. UNDP Honduras is sending two Honduran Indigenous people to the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas Partnership Conference on Trade and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (March 22-25, 1995, Belize City, Belize). UNDP Honduras has also invited Apikan to meet with them and discuss inter-Indigenous partnership opportunities in Honduras.

5.7 NICARAGUA Nicaragua is one of many countries in Latin America that has formalized a large Indigenous land area. The Autonomous Atlantic Region, created by the Nicaraguan National Parliament, created an autonomous Indigenous region that is larger than El Salvador. This resource and opportunity rich area is divided into Northern and Southern Autonomous zones. The Autonomous regions are controlled by elected parliaments and governors, with responsibility for resource management clearly spelled out. Both regions are actively looking for development partners to enable them to generate sustainable income flows and take advantage of their resource rich territories. The Apikan/UNDP/PRODERE Scoping Mission spent time in Nicaragua in September 1994, meeting representatives of the national and regional governments, including the National Minister of the Autonomous Atlantic Region, Brooklyn Rivera and the Governor of the Northern Autonomous Region, Marcos Hoppington. They also met with many community and organizational leaders in both the north and south regions to discuss inter-indigenous partnerships for business and trade development.



Shortly after the mission, Indigenous leaders from the Atlantic region established an Indigenous Development Corporation for the Autonomous Atlantic Region (CIDE). This Corporation, which is chartered by the National government, has a broad mandate and authority to undertake business, trade and investment in the region. Apikan has held a number of meetings with the President of this corporation and they are actively seeking development partners.

5.7.1 ATLANTIC REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LAND TENURE STRATEGY As noted above, the Atlantic region of Nicaragua is an opportunity and resource rich region. Resource opportunities include, forestry, fisheries, minerals, oil and gas, agriculture, eco-tourism, manufacturing, etc. Prior to the recent Civil War, the region had a healthy and vibrant economy, although it was largely owned and controlled by foreigners. The Civil War largely destroyed the economy and infrastructure, but the resources and opportunities remain. Indigenous leaders recognize that, in order for long term, stable and sustainable development to flourish, they need to formulate a regional economic development strategy and land tenure plan. Leaders such as Brooklyn Rivera, National Government Minister of the Autonomous Atlantic Region, Alfonso Smith Worman, National Deputy and President of the World Indigenous Parliament and Marcos Hoppington, Governor of the Northern Autonomous Region, have all written Apikan stating that this issue is a top priority and requesting Canadian Indigenous assistance. The Autonomous Region act clearly spells out the role of the Autonomous region in controlling and implementing development. However, the leaders are concerned that if they don’t begin to make sustainable use of the resources and develop their economy, they may lose the opportunity, and thus lose essential control of their land base. They are also concerned about proceeding too rapidly with development and suffering the effects of unsustainable and unplanned development. Indigenous leaders in Nicaragua have identified the development of a Sustainable Economic Development and Land Tenure Strategy as one of the top priorities of the region. They have been adamant that they do not wish development to stop while they are finalizing their strategy, as they need the income, but they want to ensure that systems are put in place to ensure sustainable use of their resources. Canadian Indigenous organizations have considerable experience in developing and implementing sustainable economic development and land tenure strategies, and would seem to be ideal agencies to assist in coordinating and undertaking this initiative. It would also position them well to work in partnership on the many opportunities that are available in the region.

5.7.2 ATLANTIC REGION FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT The Atlantic region of Nicaragua has an inshore fishery that is estimated at $50 million per year. At present much of this is un-harvested, or harvested by pirate boats with negligible benefits to the local economy. In 1994 Apikan was approached by Sam Mercado, a



Development Officer with Plenty Canada, who is originally a Miskito from Nicaragua, about locating a partner to assist in developing the fishery. Meetings were set up with Unaaq Inc., a Canadian Inuit owned fishing company, Mercado and Seaku Fisheries an Inuit company that is 50% shareholder of Unaaq. As a result of these meetings, a small mission to Nicaraguan was undertaken in May 1994, involving Unaaq, Seaku, Plenty Canada (Mercado), and UNDP/PRORAAS. This mission confirmed local interest and potential opportunity for development. Further exploratory work was undertaken during the Apikan/UNDP/PRODERE Scoping Mission in September 1994. At this time, Bluefields Indian and Caribbean University, which has a Marine Biology Department and a Marine Business Program, expressed interest in collaborating on the project as well. Further work has been done, resulting in a consortium of Canadian interests, led by Seaku, with support from Apikan, undertaking further work in Nicaragua and Canada. The group has met with a number of private and public sector interests in Canada, including fisheries marketing companies and CIDA Inc.. All have expressed keen interest in the project. A further mission to Nicaragua is planned for late March, early April 1995. This project is being viewed as a pilot project by many countries. Similar opportunities have been identified in Honduras, Panama, Chile and Venezuela.

5.7.3 ATLANTIC REGION FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT The Autonomous Atlantic Regions of Nicaragua have a large forest area, comprised of various hardwoods and other tropical vegetation. Prior to the civil war the forestry industry was a significant factor in the regional economy. After the civil war, a number of international companies expressed interest in forestry development in the region. They have not had the support of the local peoples and the regional governments, because their development plans did not properly provide benefits to the local peoples and ensure proper environmental management. Several attempts at logging have been halted due to opposition from the Autonomous region. CIDE has authority from the National and regional governments to undertake sustainable forestry development activities in the Atlantic region. They are actively seeking partners who share their development principles and vision. They have also expressed interest in exploring other sustainable development options for the forest areas. (CIDE may be able to benefit from some of the sustainable development research happening at the Iwokrama project in Guyana) This is an excellent area of opportunity for Canadian Indigenous participation. CIDE has expressed a preference to work with Canadians Indigenous businesses on this and other opportunities.

5.7.4 ATLANTIC REGION FURNITURE PRODUCTION During the Apikan/UNDP/PRODERE Scoping Mission a small furniture production operation was visited in Bluefields, and a several individual furniture makers were met with as well. They all made very nice furniture, largely from local mahogany.



Based on discussions during the mission and subsequent discussions with representatives of CIDE, it seems there may be an opportunity to establish a small furniture production operation in the region. It may also be possible to arrange for the production to be labeled as a FairTrade product, creating a unique positioning in the marketplace. One issue that has been raised and needs to be addressed is the ability of the furniture to withstand drier climates. Anecdotal information indicates that there may need to be a curing operation set up, which could add significantly to the capital cost of taking advantage of this opportunity.

5.7.5 ATLANTIC REGION MINERAL DEVELOPMENT Gold has long been a contributor to the economy of the Atlantic Region. Prior to the civil war, there apparently were several active gold mining operations. Many local Miskito families still supplement their income with gold panning and by operating small mining operations. Many international mining companies have expressed interest in the area, with many applying to the National government for exploration permits. As with other resource development, communities are very opposed to development that does not provide local benefits. CIDE has expressed interest in working with mining interests who are committed to respecting the environment and local concerns and values.

5.7.6 ATLANTIC REGION PETROLEUM EXPLORATION Anecdotal evidence has suggested that there are potential petroleum reserves in the Atlantic region of Nicaragua. It seems that several US based companies had interest in the area prior to the outbreak of the civil war. CIDE has expressed interest in working with petroleum companies who are committed to respecting the environment and local concerns and values to explore this opportunity.

5.7.7 BLUEFIELDS UNIVERSITY LINKAGES PROJECT The Bluefields Indian and Caribbean University (BICU) was established in Bluefields, Nicaragua in the early 1990s to provide post secondary education to local peoples. A related mandate is to foster the development of managerial and professional capacity amongst the local population. The University has a number of programs including, Law, Education, Marine Biology, Marine Business, etc. During the Scoping Mission, meetings were held with the Vice President and the Dean of Law. Both expressed a very strong interest in linking with Canadian Universities, especially those dealing with Native issues. Some ad hoc attempts have been made to facilitate connections, and at least one, the Atlantic Canada Centre for Environmental Studies at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, has established contact. The proposed Atlantic region fisheries project may offer another opportunity to facilitate connections with Canadian Universities.



BICU offers an opportunity for organizations such as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College and other Canadian Indigenous education interests to establish or expand international linkages. This should result in many mutual benefits.

5.7.8 NORTHERN MISKITO COCOA BEAN The north Atlantic region of Nicaragua was a large cocoa bean producer in the past. (The Rio Coco, which is the major river in the country and is the border between Nicaragua and Honduras got its name from cocoa bean production in the region) There are currently thousands of acres of abandoned cocoa plantations in the area. After the onset of the civil war the companies that purchased local cocoa bean production started looking elsewhere for supplies. When the war was over, they had established supplies in other locations and did not return to the Rio Coco region. Preliminary research conducted by Plenty Canada and Pana Pana indicates the capacity to immediately supply several hundred tonnes of cocoa beans (by simply cleaning up some old abandoned plantations and harvesting existing production--little of the existing production has been harvested recently, due to lack of access to viable markets) and a willingness to establish new plantations necessary to meet any available markets. Prior to the Scoping Mission, Apikan made contact with Whole Earth Foods Ltd., a FairTrade firm based in London, England. They are currently purchasing cocoa beans from the Kekchi Maya in southern Belize and a group in Africa to produce and market a chocolate bar called, Mayan Gold. They pay a FairTrade price for the cocoa beans (currently they are paying in excess of $.60/lb. and the world price is about $.25/lb.) and market the product as a FairTrade product. They indicated an interest (which they have subsequently had to temporarily withdraw) of purchasing up to 50 tonnes of cocoa beans from the region. During the Scoping Mission, meetings were held with several cocoa bean producers and a visit was made to an abandoned cocoa bean plantation. There is very strong interest in any initiative that will provide markets for local cocoa production. There seems to be an opportunity to facilitate connection with other FairTrade markets for cocoa beans and/or look at other market opportunities (perhaps even creating a FairTrade marketing organization in Canada that could build upon the experience of organizations such as Whole Earth Foods Ltd.)

5.7.9 PUERTO CABEZAS-WASPAN ROAD MAINTENANCE USAID is completing a 4 year project in the Puerto Cabezas and Waspan regions where they rebuilt hundreds of kilometers of road entirely by hand. Everything, even pile drivers used for constructing over 300 bridges was powered by hand. This project has reestablished an important infrastructure (transportation system) that is necessary for many income generating opportunities. Now, there needs to be a road and bridge maintenance program put in place, or the infrastructure will deteriorate and costly upgrading will again be necessary. Contracts for maintenance could be let to local communities along the route, the same communities who



provided the labour to do the original work. This is an excellent opportunity to build upon work that has already been completed, maintain a very important infrastructure and develop contracting skills in local communities. Assistance is needed to articulate the project, secure financing and determine the level, if any, of management support that will be needed to undertake the contracts. Although this project will not likely produce any immediate dividends for the organization providing the assistance, it could provide an opportunity to participate in an international initiative and gain experience and contacts. Eventually there could be further road construction work in the region, and there could be further opportunities at that time.

5.7.10 VARIOUS ATLANTIC REGION AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities exist in the Atlantic region for various agriculture development projects. Potential agriculture products include; • Coco Beans • Cashews • Rice • Beans • Citrus Fruits • Pineapples • Watermelons • Avocados • Exotic Fruits In addition, there has been interest expressed by a cosmetics company (The Body Shop) about potential products from the rain forest. Additional research needs to be undertaken to explore these opportunities and determine which warrant further development. There is an opportunity to assist with articulating this project and providing technical assistance during it implementation.



5.8 PANAMA Panama was one of the countries visited during the Central American Scoping mission in Sept/Oct. 1994. The UNDP National office provided support and advice, and coordinated a number of meetings with Indigenous leaders and organizations and representatives of the national government.

5.8.1 CARVING TECHNIQUES TRAINING The Government of Panama has a department mandated to develop the arts and crafts business. They are currently working with a number of products, including soapstone carvings and ivory nut carvings. They are interested in connecting with Canadian Inuit regarding training in soapstone carving techniques, as well as in techniques for carving ivory nuts. They expect ivory nut carving techniques will be similar to those used by Inuit for carving animal ivory.

5.8.2 DARIEN & KUNA FISHERIES The Indigenous peoples living in the Darien region and the Kuna land claim area both expressed interest in developing their fisheries. They felt there was commercialization potential that could accrue to them and a partner(s) from the development of this resource. Currently, little benefit goes to local peoples from the fishery. There are currently land claim agreements in place for the Kuna lands and negotiations are underway for Darien lands. It is likely a similar approach could be taken here as the one planned for Nicaragua, with similar benefits.

5.8.3 ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous peoples all identified eco-tourism as one of the sectors offering lucrative and sustainable opportunities for Indigenous peoples. The owner of the Hotel Executivo (one of the top local hotels) is planning on developing some eco-tourism products and expressed interest in collaborating with Indigenous peoples. The San Blas Islands, the Darien Gap, and other areas seem to have eco-tourism opportunities that could best be developed by Indigenous peoples. Local Indigenous peoples, have access to these potential eco-tourism opportunities, but often lack financial, management and marketing capacity to develop them. A number of individuals whom we met with during the Scoping Mission expressed a preference in working with other Indigenous peoples to develop these opportunities.

5.8.4 KUNA/DARIEN BUSINESS & INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Kuna organization, Association Napaguna, during a meeting with Apikan and UNDP representatives, identified three priority areas in which they would like to work with Canadian groups; • Developing business and institutional capacity, • Marketing strategy and development • Developing infrastructure to facilitate access to capital for business and trade

development.



5.8.5 MARKETING STRATEGY FOR PANAMANIAN CRAFTS In Panama, every craft association and Indigenous group involved in crafts expressed the need to conduct a marketing strategy, determine what are the best products they can produce and what are the best marketing methods to maximize return to the producers The terms of reference for the marketing strategy should include an examination of the feasibility of establishing an Indigenous owned, International Indigenous Craft Centre in a major European city. There could be individual areas for crafts from Indigenous groups all over the world. If the logistics could be worked out, and the concept proved profitable, it may have franchise possibilities in other locations. The concept of having one or more major corporate partners in this initiative should be explored as well. This would provide management and marketing capacity, access to a business network and improve access to start up capital.

5.8.6 MINING PARTICIPATION STRATEGY Mining is a major industry in Panama. Conversations with a local mining executive indicated that lack of a good working relationship with Indigenous groups (and lack of the technology to know how to develop a good working relationship) is costing the mining industry millions of dollars. At least one Indigenous group (Cecilia Sanchez, President of the Indigenous Association of Panama) said they are interested in maximizing their benefits from the mining industry. Some Canadian Indigenous groups have very successful experience in capturing significant benefits from mining development, and have expressed interest in sharing their knowledge in this area.

5.9 VENEZUELA

5.9.1 FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT Although Apikan has never been involved in a mission to Venezuela, the WCIP has identified the potential for a fisheries development project with Indigenous peoples living on the Venezuelan coast.

5.10 OTHER Two other project opportunities that are not related to specific countries were identified.

5.10.1 INDIGENOUS ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD Pablo-Jose Mandeville, UNDP Resident Representative in Panama, suggested the establishment of an electronic system to link Indigenous peoples, markets and opportunities. Similar ideas have been put forward by many others. Aboriginal Business Canada has expressed interest in the concept, at least on a national basis. Gary Peters, of Unaaq International is currently working on a World Wide Web networking initiative for Indigenous Schools, that may have some application for this opportunity.



There seems to be an opportunity to pull together a lot of what is currently on line, with Indigenous organizations, FairTrade groups and others to establish a home page for Indigenous issues, products, concerns, networking, etc.

5.10.2 LANGUAGE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT-GRADE SCHOOLS Indigenous peoples in many countries have lamented the loss of their language and discussed ways of reviving and/or maintaining it. They have expressed interest in what Canadian Indigenous peoples have done to integrate Indigenous languages into the mainstream school system, and the results they have achieved. Canadian experience has shown that developing and implementing Indigenous language programs in the local grade school system, has a significant impact on language retention and cultural continuity. In some areas of the world this is a radical new concept, but in many areas of Canada it has been proven to work well. For instance, the Lac La Ronge Band has a curriculum resource unit that has developed many curriculum units where teaching based on local Indigenous culture and language is used to teach mainstream educational concepts. Many NWT schools are also using similar methods. There is an opportunity to utilize Canadian curriculum development expertise in this area to develop and implement local programs with Indigenous peoples throughout Latin America.

6. FOLLOWING UP It appears that there are many other similar project opportunities in almost all other Latin American countries. Nearly every time Apikan is on a mission in a new country or region, new project opportunities are communicated by local Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples have been nearly unanimous in their expressions of interest in inter-indigenous partnerships. Similarly, they have expressed a consistent desire to play a more positive role in the economies of their lands and regions. They have also been consistent in their concerns about development being, sustainable, respectful of people and the environment, and under the control of the peoples most effected.



It is clear from the opportunities identified, there are numerous project opportunities that will benefit the life of Indigenous peoples, both in Canada and in Latin America. What has also became clear, is that there is no international infrastructure that is designed to support bottoms up Indigenous development. Various meetings and gatherings with indigenous peoples and their organizations have consistently cited the inability of the existing development infrastructure to respond to grassroots projects and opportunities. These meetings also demonstrated support for the establishment of a facility to support biodiversity and indigenous peoples development (for further discussion on this and other initiatives, please see the attached UNDP/APIKAN report on the Indigenous Trade and Development Round Table Report on Proceedings and Follow UP Recommendations and Actions). The UNDP has expressed interest in establishing and Indigenous Peoples Development Facility. Multi-Lateral agencies, donor countries need to come together and support initiatives that will facilitate a bottoms up approach to the identification, articulation, financing and implementation of Indigenous projects. Much work needs to be done to follow up on these opportunities and options. We welcome discussion, input and suggestions. Please feel free to contact us with your thoughts and ideas. Wayne Dunn Apikan Indigenous Network 110C Twyford Street Ottawa, On. CANADA K1V 0V7 Tel: 613-733-6069 Fax: 613-733-7816 Email: [email protected]

The author can now be reached at Wayne Dunn & Associates Ltd. 2457 Bakerview Road Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P0 CANADA Tel: +1-250-743-7619 Fax: +1-250-743-7659 [email protected] www.waynedunn.com

mailto:[email protected]

Apikan Indigenous Network

World Council of Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Development and the

Prime Ministerial Trade Mission

to Argentina, Chile and Brazil January 21 - 29, 1995

Prepared by: Wayne Dunn Executive Director, Apikan

Indigenous Network Economic Development Advisor,

World Council of Indigenous Peoples

[email protected]

- 1 -

Prime Ministerial Trade Mission to South America January 21 - 29, 1995 Apikan/WCIP Report

This report was prepared by Wayne Dunn for Apikan Indigenous Network and the World Council of Indigenous Peoples. For additional information, contact:

Wayne Dunn Apikan Indigenous Network 110C Twyford Street Ottawa, Ont. K1V 0V7 CANADA Phone: 613-733-6069 Fax: 613-733-7816 Internet: [email protected]

Rodrigo Contreras World Council of Indigenous Peoples 100 Argyle Ottawa, On Canada Phone: 613-230-9030 Fax: 613-230-9340

THE MISSION The Canadian government, as part of its efforts to enhance trade, and following up on the Miami Summit, organized the first ever Prime Ministerial Trade mission to Argentina, Chile and Brazil. This mission was led by Prime Minster Chrétien, who also visited Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay and Costa Rica. Accompanying the Prime Minister, was International Trade Minister Roy MacLaren and Secretary of State for Latin America, Christine Stewart. The mission also included senior Canadian trade representatives, and a number of leading Canadian business representatives. Wayne Dunn, Economic Development Advisor to the President of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples, and Rodrigo Contreras, represented that organization on the Mission.

BACKGROUND ON ABORIGINAL INVOLVEMENT Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas had extensive trading relationships dating back thousands of years. In recent years, many Canadian indigenous businesses have been looking at the international arena for trade and investment opportunities. As well, Indigenous Peoples organizations and community based entrepreneurs from Latin America have identified Canadian Indigenous peoples as potential partners and markets. Canadian based Apikan Indigenous Network specializes in international Indigenous trade and development partnerships and international Indigenous development. Apikan, through Wayne Dunn, has taken a lead role in this area and sponsored and supported various international Indigenous development efforts in Latin America. In addition, they have organized several international Indigenous partnership conferences. Wayne Dunn has recently conducted a five country Central American project identification mission, and Apikan has co-sponsored, with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), an international round table on Indigenous trade and development, which was held at UN Headquarters in New York.

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The international community has recognized the principles of Indigenous Peoples’ meaningful participation in their own development and the promotion of cultural values as a contribution to national and international sustainable and democratic development. The World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCIP), has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations, and has a long history of supporting Indigenous peoples development efforts throughout the world. Recently Apikan, with support from WCIP, has been working closely with the UNDP in New York and numerous national and international Indigenous organizations, to develop an international facility that will support the efforts of Indigenous peoples development, especially as it relates to trade, partnerships, production, marketing and training. At the invitation of Minister MacLaren, and with the support of Aboriginal Business Canada, Apikan Indigenous Network (Wayne Dunn, Project Director) and the World Council of Indigenous Peoples (Rodrigo Contreras, Executive Director) participated in the Jan. 21-29 Prime Ministerial Trade Mission to Argentina, Chile and Brazil. These representatives were delegated by their respective institutions to appropriately represent them on this mission. The objective of the participation was to increase dialogue with Indigenous organizations regarding the Apikan/UNDP/WCIP Indigenous Peoples Development initiative. A further objective was to provide information on the capacity of Canadian Indigenous business. An additional objective was to discuss with business and government trade representatives the beneficial role Canadian Indigenous businesses can play in the international arena. In addition to participating in all official functions during the mission, specific meetings and activities were undertaken to further the stated objectives. Arrangements were made in advance by Apikan and WCIP with the active support of UNDP in New York. The Apikan/WCIP efforts were assisted throughout the mission with support from Secretary of State Stewart and her staff.

ARGENTINA In Argentina meetings were held with UNDP staff, the President of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples, the President of the National Indigenous Association (AIRA), the President of the National Indigenous Parliament, the national Indigenous Women’s leader and several other local Indigenous leaders. The meetings were used to explain the Indigenous Peoples Development Initiative and to further discuss input from Indigenous peoples from Argentina through the efforts of the UNDP office in Buenos Aires and the collaboration of the State Agency concerned with Indigenous Affairs. Thanks to the Canadian officials, invitations were secured for the Argentinean Indigenous leaders to attend the Luncheon with the Prime Minister and the reception with Prime Minister Chrétien and President Menem. This created the opportunity for the Argentinean Indigenous leaders to briefly meet with Prime Minister Chrétien and President Menem, and the Argentinean Ministers of Finance and Education. (Prime Minister Chrétien was especially pleased with this opportunity, as he was well aware of the founding of the World Council when he was a Minister of Prime Minister Truedeau’s

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government). Secretary of State Stewart also met with the Indigenous leaders, including the national Indigenous Women’s leader for Argentina. The local leaders were pleased with their meeting with Secretary Stewart, since she encouraged them to approach the Canadian Embassy with information on their development initiatives. The inclusion of the Argentinean Indigenous leaders in the official functions should prove very beneficial for their domestic profile. Their presence at these functions proved to be a very effective channel for directing a national dialogue. In addition, it served to further strengthen the relationship with Apikan and the interest in working with other Canadian Indigenous interests.

CHILE At the UNDP headquarters in Chile, we met with UNDP staff and a number of Indigenous leaders and organizations. We briefed them on Apikan/UNDP/WCIP Indigenous Trade and Development initiative, and they briefed us on the situation of Indigenous peoples in Chile. They were interested in the initiative, but expressed much caution regarding Chile joining NAFTA. They have a history of severe marginalization and are concerned that NAFTA will maintain or increase their economic exclusion. The Indigenous leaders were interested in further exploring the idea of international indigenous partnerships, and plan to organize a national meeting on Indigenous trade and development in Chile. This meeting will be part of a series of national meetings being organized as part of the Apikan/UNDP/World Council initiative. They asked that Apikan and the World Council participate in this conference with the aim of furthering international indigenous partnerships and sharing Canadian Indigenous development experience. However, financial considerations are a factor in organizing this meeting and we hope the Canadian Embassy will be in a position so support these efforts. We were pleased to note the collaborative efforts between several Indigenous organizations and their relationship with the UNDP and the National Indigenous Development Corporation (CONADI). This will ensure continuity in the development process. In Chile we also met with representatives of the Mapuche Cultural Centre and briefed them on the work that has been done and invited their input. Our work in Chile was important in terms of the NAFTA negotiations and the profile of the Prime Ministerial Trade Mission. As noted, Indigenous leaders expressed caution about NAFTA and did not feel at all part of the process. The inclusion of Apikan and the World Council in the Mission signaled positively the keen interest demonstrated by the Canadian Government towards the development of Indigenous Peoples. It also allowed them to at least be open to the idea that increased trade between Chile and Canada could result in opportunities and benefits for them. They are very keen to have Canadian participation in their upcoming national meeting on Indigenous trade and development.

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BRAZIL No meetings with Brazilian Indigenous organizations were organized, as all government institutions and other relevant organizations are based in Brasilia and the trade mission went only to Rio de Janeiro. The time in Brazil was utilized to strengthen dialogue with Canadian business and trade officials.

CONCLUSION In addition to meeting the original objectives, several concrete opportunities were identified for domestic cooperation between Indigenous businesses and other business participating in the mission. The inclusion of Apikan and the World Council in the Prime Ministerial Trade Mission resulted in Indigenous organizations in the host countries feeling included, perhaps for the first time, in a State visit of this type. It served as an opportunity to open dialogue with them on trade and development and to enhance their positions in their respective countries.

[email protected] UNDP Apikan Round Table IADB 1994.doc

UNDP/RBLAC & APIKAN INDIGENOUS NETWORK

INDIGENOUS TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT ROUND TABLE

Oct. 11, 1994 - InterAmerican Development Bank, Washington, DC

REPORT ON PROCEEDINGS

AND

FOLLOW UP RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS

Prepared by: Wayne Dunn Apikan Indigenous Network

Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean

6 December, 1994

[email protected] UNDP Apikan Round Table IADB 1994.doc

UNDP/RBLAC & APIKAN INDIGENOUS NETWORK

INDIGENOUS TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT ROUND TABLE

REPORT ON PROCEEDINGS AND

FOLLOW UP RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION............................................................................... 1

OPENING REMARKS....................................................................... 1

INTERAMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK..........................................................1

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME..........................................1

APIKAN INDIGENOUS NETWORK.........................................................................2

PRESENTATIONS............................................................................ 2

FAIRTRADE..................................................................................................................3

INDIGENOUS SUCCESS STORIES ..........................................................................4

INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ................................................4

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS ...... 6

FOLLOW UP COMMENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS .................... 6

COMMENTS..................................................................................................................6

CHALLENGES..............................................................................................................7

ACTIONS TAKEN ........................................................................................................8

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .......................................................... 9

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UNDP/Apikan Indigenous Trade & Development Round Table Report 6 December, 1994 [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

On Oct. 11, 1994 the United Nations Development Program and the Apikan Indigenous Network co-sponsored a Round Table on Indigenous Trade and Development. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together stakeholders to discuss policies, opportunities, constraints and issues related to Indigenous trade and development in the Americas. The meeting is part of a series of meetings and activities leading up to a regional workshop to be held in South America in March. Related activities include a UNDP/APIKAN scoping mission to Central America and over 10 national Indigenous peoples development meetings being prepared for various countries in the Americas.

The Round Table discussion focused on the potential and opportunities for Indigenous Peoples development and empowerment through Indigenous to Indigenous partnerships and strengthening and expanding fair trade links with the private sector.

This discussion, held at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, DC, brought together Indigenous leaders, Indigenous producer organizations, FairTrade organizations, Financial institutions, Development agencies, NGOs, various government agencies. In all, 49 persons were in attendance, representing some 30 organizations.

This report, will briefly highlight the nature of the discussion, recommendations and follow-up actions taken.

OPENING REMARKS

INTERAMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

The conference was opened by Waldemar Wirsig, Manager, Social Programmes, Sustainable Development Department, Inter-American Development Bank. In his opening remarks he noted that IDB’s replenishment calls for increased focus on Indigenous peoples, and that “Indigenous peoples need to develop technical and institutional capacity . . . success depends upon establishing networks.”

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Fernando Zumbado, UNDP Regional Director of the Regional Bureau of Latin America and the Caribbean, outlined initiatives they are taking to support Indigenous peoples. “In commemoration of the United nations International Decade for Indigenous Peoples, the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean has embarked upon a new Indigenous Peoples Development Initiative. This initiative seeks to stimulate a process of collaboration between UNDP and Indigenous communities and organizations, open to the participation of other bilateral and multilateral agencies, and local and international NGOs, to identify and develop, at the country level, concrete operational activities to address the development problems faced by Indigenous peoples . . . (this) initiative strives to address the particular need of Indigenous communities in the region, as

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defined by Indigenous communities themselves.” He stressed that, “understanding and feeling solidarity with the struggles and successes of Indigenous peoples in the Americas is key to fashioning a revised, successful, and fair Latin American and Caribbean process of development.” He cited a comment from an Aboriginal woman from Australia that recently caught his attention, ‘If you came only to help me, then you can go home, But, if you consider my struggle part of your own survival, then perhaps we can work together.’ Zumbado noted the UNDP currently has over 50 projects supporting Indigenous peoples development, with resources of over $100 million and how “the enormous potential for expanding Indigenous trade, joint venture opportunities and investment in Indigenous enterprise was proven by the recent UNDP/APIKAN fact-finding mission in Central America”.

APIKAN INDIGENOUS NETWORK

The opening presentation by Simon Brascoupé, President of Apikan Indigenous Network outlined Apikan’s recent activities to support International Indigenous trade and development, as well as a short historical background on Indigenous trade. Apikan has played a lead role in fostering Indigenous partnerships with a focus on trade and development. Apikan has organized several conferences with themes related to Indigenous partnerships and trade and development. Most recently Apikan, the UNDP and UNDP/PRODERE sponsored an Indigenous Partnerships for Self Sufficiency scoping mission to Central America. The scoping mission met with 57 Indigenous organizations and identified over 35 development opportunities

1. Apikan has also

facilitated a number of Indigenous partnerships, such as the Canadian Inuit - Nicaraguan Miskito fisheries project which will be discussed later.

Brascoupé, an Algonquin-Mohawk from Canada, explained the historical role trade played in Indigenous life. In pre contact times huge trading barges plied the Caribbean coast, seeds, food products and tools were traded extensively amongst many groups; trade language allowed communication between linguistically distinct groups and established trade routes linked many areas throughout the Americas.

PRESENTATIONS

The Round Table discussion featured presentations on Private Sector & Fair Trade, Indigenous Development Success Stories and Indigenous Partnership Opportunities, followed by a round table discussion involving supporting institutions.

1The scoping mission is reported on in more detail later in the report

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FAIRTRADE

The potential of Fair Trade to provide Indigenous producers with fair value for labour and other inputs, was discussed by a number of presenters. Fair Trade associations, which exist in various countries in Europe, North America and Asia, provide a mechanism whereby products are identified as organic, ecologically sound products, and having been produced by fairly compensated third world producers. These products are marketed as FairTrade products by retailers, who have found that consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that provide fair benefits to third world producers. According to Dan Salcedo, President of Pueblo to People this amounts to a $200-400 million annual market for third world products.

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, a Guatemalan Aboriginal who manages ENLACE Guatemala, a FairTrade organization based in Guatemala and the US, outlined their experience. Reginaldo, who is also a Director of the North American Fair Trade Federation, discussed how ENLACE was initiated by family level efforts in the Guatemalan highlands and how it has expanded to the community and regional level and today has offices in Minnesota, Texas and Guatemala, and provides North American consumers an opportunity to purchase fair trade products (gourmet coffee and handi-crafts).

Marroquin explained problems with outside initiated and managed projects, and credited the success of ENLACE to the fact that it was created and managed by Indigenous peoples themselves.

CAMECO, a Canadian Mining and Energy Company, provided a statement outlining their successful experience in working with Indigenous peoples in Canada. In the statement they said, “We need to develop and nurture our strategic alliances with northern (Indigenous) people in order to protect our long term interests, and theirs . . . We were forced to facilitate the integration of Aboriginals into our mining operations as a condition of a surface lease in the early 1980’s. What began as a legal requirement has now become a corporate mission. . . Our commitment to Indigenous people in Canada, is now helping us realize some exciting international opportunities. We have recently signed an agreement with the Republic of Kyrgysztan (a former Soviet Republic) to develop one of the world’s largest gold deposits.” CAMECO credits their experience and track record with Indigenous peoples in Canada as being crucial to their securing this contract.

Other FairTrade presenters including Dan Salcedo, President, Pueblo to People, Candi Smucker, Self Help Crafts and Chris Thomas, Fair Trade Federation, echoed Enlace’s comments and stressed the importance of the Round Table and the need to provide institutional support for Indigenous Trade and Development.

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INDIGENOUS SUCCESS STORIES

Blandina Makkik, an Inuit woman from Canada, spoke of the Canadian Inuit experience; how Inuit have went from a nomadic existence in Canada’s Arctic to settling several of the Worlds largest land claims and how Inuit now own a variety of businesses ranging from 1-2 person operations to airlines, oil companies, off shore fishing, international consulting, transportation, tourism, real estate development, etc., all the while maintaining a strong sense of their cultural identity. Makkik, explained that, while the Inuit do not pretend to have all the answers, they are willing to share their experience and knowledge with other Indigenous groups, “We are not the same-same, but as Indigenous people we share common problems.”

The Asociación Chajulense, a successful Guatemalan Aboriginal development organization representing 48 communities in the highlands of Guatemala, outlined their successful history with presentations by Indigenous leader Arcadio Daniel Galindo, Father Rosolino Bianchetti and Rafail Toledo Posadas from UNDP/PRODERE Guatemala. They explained how, beginning in 1988, over the ashes of the Cooperative Union Ixil which was destroyed by the civil war, the Asociación Chajulense now represents 15 000 people and has a host of development successes. They are active in Social Areas, Agro-Ecology, Environment, Professional Training and Crafts, and Credit. The 1,700 coffee growers in the Association have produced nearly 500,000 kgs of FairTrade coffee per year for the past two years. Nearly 300 women associates make close to 40 different high quality textile products which are exported directly to FairTrade markets in Europe.

In their presentation, the Asociación Chajulense stressed the need for the multi-lateral institutions to work directly with the Indigenous producers, and not always through the nation state governments.

Various other success stories from throughout the Americas were presented including the work of the South American Jalquas organization which was presented by Hugo Navajas from Bolivia.

INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Various presenters detailed opportunities for Indigenous to Indigenous development and trade partnerships.

Several Indigenous leaders from Nicaragua stressed the desire of the Indigenous residents of the Atlantic region to become more involved in development. The presenters (Brooklyn Rivera, Minister Atlantic Region in Nicaraguan national government, Mirna Cunningham, Member of the Nicaraguan National Assembly, Samuel Mercado, Miskito development worker and UNDP Indigenous focal point, Robert Grosse) all spoke about development and production opportunities, and the desire of local Indigenous peoples to participate in the development process. There was consensus on the need to prepare a sustainable economic development strategy for the Atlantic coast region in order to maximize benefits to the local Indigenous population

2.

Brooklyn Rivera urged the international institutions to begin working directly with

2A Development Corporation has since been organized by the Indigenous peoples in the region to

serve as a vehicle to empower them to play a greater role in the development process

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Indigenous peoples and local governments and organizations. Mirna Cunningham noted that historical models of development have failed Indigenous peoples. Robert Grosse explained the successes the PRORAAS program has had working at the grassroots level.

Samuel Mercado, a Nicaraguan Indigenous leader, echoed the need for a sustainable development strategy. He went on discuss the work of the Miskito NGO, Pana Pana, and how it is helping the Indigenous population of the Atlantic region of Nicaragua to rebuild. He showed a number of slides that illustrated the stone age conditions of many areas in the region.

Kevin Knight, representing Unaaq Inc. and the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, reported on several Inuit initiatives. He outlined an approach that included institutional development and trade development. He explained how the Canadian Inuit are working to develop projects in several areas including Belize and Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan project involves a joint effort with the Miskito of the Atlantic coast to develop the local fishery and maximize benefits to the local population. Knight went on to explain how the Inuit experience in fishery and institutional development in the Canadian Arctic was relevant to the Nicaraguan opportunity.

The UNDP/Apikan Scoping Mission to Central America was reported on by mission leader, Wayne Dunn of the Apikan Indigenous Network. He explained how the mission traveled to El Salvador, Belize, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Panama, meeting with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities, and development professionals. The purpose of the mission was to determine if Central American Indigenous groups were interested in working with North American Indigenous groups on trade and development projects and to determine potential opportunities for partnerships. After meeting with 194 individuals representing 78 organizations (57 Indigenous) the response was unanimously positive, with over 35 Indigenous project opportunities identified.

Dunn explained how enthusiastically his mission was received and outlined several comments that had been made by local Indigenous persons; “It is easier to get land for baboons to live on that it is to get land for people to live and work on”

3; “No income

equals no peace, Peace is achieved through reorienting people with income opportunities. Economic action, not simply forgiveness will achieve lasting peace. Your focus on trade is essential”

4; “We need to focus on trade and economic issues as a

priority in our development process. We welcome the support and experience of our North American cousins.”

5

3David Magaña, Mayan Leader, Belize

4Miguel Angel Balcarcel, Guatemalan Peace Project

5Alfonso Smith Worman, President, Indigenous Parliament of the Americas

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Dunn went on to outline how virtually every group he met with identified a lack of access to financial and human resources as a major constraint to development. Dunn’s preliminary report on the mission, which was tabled at the Round Table, recommended

that, “A concentrated effort be made by all stakeholders to assemble the financial

and human resources necessary to assist with the development of sustainable

Indigenous trade initiatives.”

Gary Peters, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and an associate on the scoping mission, discussed the potential for a craft importing and wholesale joint venture between Guatemalan and Canadian Indigenous interests. He outlined the potential for such an enterprise and explained the nature of benefits that would flow to both parties.

Additional presentations were made by Emilio Sequén, an Aboriginal Director of the Indigenous Development Fund in Guatemala, Diego Iturralde of the Indigenous Peoples Fund in Bolivia and Ed Hall, a North American Indian leader representing the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS

A closing discussion featured presentations by; Apikan Indigenous Network, Smithsonian Institution, InterAmerican Development Bank, UNDP, the Inter American Foundation & the World Bank. The discussion focused on the policies and activities of the institutions in relation to Indigenous trade and development.

FOLLOW UP COMMENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMENTS

Participants urged the institutions present and the event organizers to continue to press for improvements in the ways in which multi-lateral institutions and NGOs dealt with Indigenous trade. There were a number of strong statements aimed at ensuring timely and targeted follow-up to the Round Table.

Many participants provided written feedback to the event organizers. Highlights of these follow;

Round Table participants gave a “very strong statement of cooperation” and the clear understanding of the need for a development approach that focuses on Indigenous trade and respects Indigenous peoples. “(I)n Guatemala, one of the main sources of (Indigenous) success is . . . ownership of the projects by the communities themselves.”

6

“(It’s) time for (Multi Lateral) institutions to start . . . supporting local initiatives (and) Indigenous people who are developing themselves . . . Indigenous peoples around the world have always, since they were invaded by foreign countries, worked to create

6ENLACE Guatemala

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wealth for the elites. This has created resistance to outside managed or initiated development projects.”

7

“We need to establish a working group to follow up on this Round Table so we don’t lose our momentum”

8

“We think that the seriousness of the institutions that participated at the (Round Table), and the clear statements about partnerships and cooperation programs to be developed, are strong statements that we are getting to the point where true and sustainable economic development can start . . . Direct action has to be taken immediately, the experiences shared and all the ideas have to be systematized, analyzed, budgeted and financed in order to bring into practice, evaluate them objectively and compare with other similar projects . . . We see the (Round Table) as the beginning of a process, where financial and development institutions start to base their programs and policies on suggestions from people who are affected by them. . . The national meetings and the (regional) meeting planned for early next year will be crucial to determine the real results of the this dialogue and strategic development process.” (This meeting provides a starting point and needs to be combined with other initiatives to generate profitable and sustainable initiatives)”

9

The Inuit Circumpolar Conference and Unaaq International have developed an approach based on the considerable experience of the Inuit in the areas of institutional and economic development which recognizes the importance of integrating women, environment, culture and traditional knowledge in development activities taking place in Indigenous communities.

10

CHALLENGES

ENLACE challenged the financial institutions to restructure themselves so development funds can be channeled directly to Indigenous Peoples

11;

Is the UNDP ready to start dealing directly with Indigenous Peoples to develop policies to be used for future development programs, work with Indigenous peoples’ organizations and bring together different governments willing to finance Indigenous programs. We need an alternative development fund that can support Indigenous development. We also need to secure resources to support networking activities such as the Round Table.

12

It’s not enough to just share trade and organizing skills. It is necessary to educate governments and agencies on how to work with Indigenous peoples.

13

The Six Nations International Development Agency reminded the institutions that it is time to recognize the existence of talented Indigenous organizations and peoples who can propose, design, implement and manage their own trade and development projects.

7ENLACE Guatemala

8Mirna Cunningham-Nicaragua

9ENLACE Guatemala

10ICC/Unaaq submission to UNDP

11This echoes comments made at the Round Table by Brooklyn Rivera, Minister Atlantic Region,

National Govt. of Nicaragua 12

ENLACE Guatemala 13

Ed Hall - BIA-USA

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All international institutions, including the UNDP, should facilitate and ensure a real democratic dialogue among Indian peoples and development agencies, particularly within emerging structures that may gain access of and influence over the designation of funds. We, as Indigenous professional people, have the skills and knowledge to transmit and transform concepts into actions because our goal is to work directly between Indian communities north and south, without intermediaries. I hope you (UNDP) can be a partner in this process.

ACTIONS TAKEN

In response to the discussion at the Round Table and to follow up recommendations made by participants and other Indigenous groups from the developing world, the UNDP has worked with Apikan and other Indigenous and government interests to initiate a number of actions.

1. As requested by numerous Indigenous organizations from throughout the Americas, the UNDP, with assistance from Apikan Indigenous Network, has prepared a draft document to establish a Facility to support Biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples Development. This facility, which will include a trust fund, was recommended by many Indigenous groups and by the Apikan/UNDP Scoping Mission, and has received enthusiastic support from many Indigenous organizations. The UNDP and Apikan are leading a multi group effort to finance this initiative.

2. Additional follow up actions include more than 10 national seminars on Indigenous development being organized by the UNDP in countries throughout the Latin American and Caribbean region. These seminars and other activities will lead to a regional workshop planned for Paraguay in March 1995.

3. The UNDP is also working with the Italian government to organize a European Round Table on Indigenous Trade and Development in Italy in early February 1995. This event will bring together western Indigenous leaders and government and business representatives from throughout Europe to discuss issues and opportunities related to Indigenous trade and development.

4. Work is also ongoing to establish a unit with UNDP/RBLAC to follow up on and support activities related to Indigenous peoples and development.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Additional information on the Round Table, its participants and presentations, and on the follow-up activities can be obtained from

Enrique Neuhauser, Sr. Advisor Regional Bureau Latin America & the Caribbean United Nations Development Programme Room DC1-2220 — One United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212-906-5402 Fax: 212-906-6017

The author can now be reached at

Wayne Dunn Wayne Dunn & Associates Ltd. 2457 Bakerview Road Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P0 CANADA Tel: +1-250-743-7619 Fax: +1-250-743-7659 [email protected] www.waynedunn.com

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.waynedunn.com/

INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS FOR

SELF SUFFICIENCY

AN APIKAN/UNDP INITIATIVE

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE CENTRAL AMERICAN SCOPING MISSION

SEPT. 13 — OCT. 5, 1994

Date: October 11, 1994

Prepared by: Wayne Dunn

Apikan Indigenous Network

154 Aylmer Ave.

Ottawa, On. K1S 2Y4

CANADA

Phone: (613) 733-6069

Fax: (613) 733-7816

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1

2. OBJECTIVE .................................................................................. 1

3. METHODOLOGY .......................................................................... 1

4. CHRONOLOGY OF FIELD RESEARCH ....................................... 2

4.1 BELIZE .....................................................................................................................2

4.2 NICARAGUA ...........................................................................................................2

4.3 GUATEMALA .........................................................................................................4

4.4 PANAMA ..................................................................................................................4

5. RESULTS ...................................................................................... 5

6. PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................ 6

6.1 RECOMMENDATION ONE .................................................................................6

6.2 RECOMMENDATION TWO ................................................................................6

6.3 RECOMMENDATION THREE ............................................................................7

6.4 RECOMMENDATION FOUR ...............................................................................7

6.5 RECOMMENDATION FIVE ................................................................................8

6.6 RECOMMENDATION SIX ...................................................................................8

6.7 RECOMMENDATION SEVEN.............................................................................9

Indigenous Partnerships for Self Sufficiency Page 1 October 11, 1994

Apikan/UNDP—1994

1. INTRODUCTION This is a preliminary discussion report on the findings of the UNDP/Apikan—Indigenous Partnerships for Self Sufficiency scoping mission to Belize, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Panama (Sept. 13-Oct. 5/94). The material presented in this report is meant to stimulate and focus discussion. A more comprehensive report will follow; this was prepared very shortly after the completion of the scoping mission in order to be tabled at Apikan/UNDP Round Table on Indigenous Trade and Development being held in Washington, DC on October 11, 1994. The Apikan/UNDP scoping mission was designed to test a thesis; that there is interest in and opportunities for North/South Indigenous Partnerships for Self Sufficiency. With the logistical support of the UNDP and Plenty Canada, field research was conducted in five countries; El Salvador, Belize, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Panama. Meetings were held with 194 individuals, representing 78 organizations (57 Indigenous) during the 23 day mission. The project was financed by, Apikan Indigenous Network, Industry Canada—Aboriginal Business Canada, Canadian International Development Agency and UNDP/Prodere. The mission was led by Wayne Dunn, with assistance from Gary Peters and Samuel Mercado, all of whom have extensive experience in Indigenous development. In country logistical support for the mission was provided by, UNDP, UNDP/Prodere, Pana Pana, Plenty Canada Any groups, organizations or individuals wishing to comment on this report and its findings are invited to submit comments to Apikan Indigenous Network at the address on the cover sheet.

2. OBJECTIVE The overall objective of the Indigenous Partnerships for Self Sufficiency project is to test an Indigenous Partnerships/Linkage model to bring together North/South Indigenous groups and private sector interests to develop Indigenous trade opportunities. The objectives of the Central American scoping mission were to determine; 1. Are Central American Indigenous Groups interested in working with North American

Indigenous groups on sustainable development projects? 2. If the answer to question one is positive, Are the Central American Groups interested in a

trade focus to these initiatives? 3. Are there concrete project opportunities where these partnership models can be developed

and tested?

3. METHODOLOGY The general methodology used to test the thesis, and determine project opportunities was by direct contact with local, regional and national Indigenous groups in each of the target


Apikan/UNDP—1994

countries. This was supplemented with meetings and interviews with UNDP staff and other professionals and NGOs operating in the region. In total, 194 persons were met with, representing 78 organizations in 5 countries. Of these, most were local Indigenous persons, representing 57 different Indigenous organizations. Meetings and interviews were conducted under a variety of settings ranging from the Nicaraguan National Assembly in Managua, to a coffee bean warehouse in the Guatemalan highlands to high-rises in Panama City to an old overgrown cacao operation deep in the rainforest of northern Nicaragua. The format for the meetings involved an introduction to the mission and a brief background on the experiences of Canadian Indigenous groups. Following this introduction, three questions were posed; 1. Are you interested in working with North American Indigenous groups on sustainable

development projects? 2. Are you interested in a trade focus to these projects? 3. Are there concrete project opportunities where these partnership models can be developed

and tested? Note: when meeting with Indigenous individuals and groups, these questions were asked

directly, when meeting with non-Indigenous individuals, they were asked for opinions as to the Indigenous response to the questions.

4. CHRONOLOGY OF FIELD RESEARCH The consultants began the mission September 13 & 14, 1994, with an initial briefing at UNDP/Prodere headquarters in San Salvador and a briefing with the UNDP country office.

4.1 BELIZE Following the San Salvador briefing, field work began in Belize on September 15, with meetings with UNDP staff, UNDP/Prodere staff, several NGOs and Indigenous groups in Belmopan, Belize City and San Jose Succotz. The Belize program was jointly organized by UNDP/Prodere and local Apikan Network contacts.

4.2 NICARAGUA The majority of the Nicaraguan program was organized by Samuel Mercado, Central American Program Officer with Plenty Canada. Field research began in Nicaragua on Monday, September 19, with a briefing session at the UNDP country office and meetings with Indigenous politicians and organizations in Managua.


Apikan/UNDP—1994

Tuesday, September 20, the mission traveled to Puerto Cabezas in the North Autonomous Region (RAAN), and met with the local Governor, Pana Pana (a local Indigenous NGO), the President of the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas, local Indigenous political leaders and others. Wednesday, Sept. 21, the group departed by land for the 4 hour (160km) trip to Waspan on the Rio Coco, and from there traveled by boat up the Rio Coco approximately 80 miles, stopping at several remote Miskito communities and returning to spend the night in San Carlos. The following day, they returned to Waspan by boat and then to Puerto Cabezas by truck. During the Rio Coco trip, the group met with many local leaders and residents, and purchased several Cacao bean samples as requested by Whole Earth Foods, a United Kingdom Fair Trade Company. Also, during this portion of the mission, the group was exposed to the destruction and total lack of infrastructure that is a result of the Civil War. Friday, September 23, the mission met with 3 Indigenous members of Parliament of the Southern Autonomous Region prior to flying from Puerto Cabezas to Managua. In Managua they met with Brooklyn Rivera, Minister of the Nicaraguan National Government in charge of the Autonomous Atlantic Regions. Following this meeting, a debriefing session on the week’s activities was held with local UNDP staff. Saturday, September 24, the mission flew from Managua to Bluefields, where meetings were held with the local Proraas staff, the Executive of the Parliament for the Southern Autonomous Region (RAAS), and the Executive of the Bluefields Indian and Caribbean University. Sunday, September 25, the mission flew from Bluefields to Managua to Guatemala City. Enroute from Bluefields to Managua an informal meeting was held with Dr. Harry Brautigam Vice President—Central America, Bank of America. This meeting focused on the need for improved, grassroots based mechanisms for the delivery of credit and capital in the $500 to $50 000 range.


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4.3 GUATEMALA The entire Guatemala program was organized by the local UNDP/Prodere office, and UNDP Prodere staff assisted with and participated in all meetings. Monday September 26, the mission met with UNDP and UNDP Prodere staff in Guatemala City. As well, meetings were held with the Guatemalan Peace Project, Executives and Board members from the National Peace Fund and the National Indigenous Development Fund. Following this, a meeting was held with representatives of several Indigenous Craft and Development organizations. Tuesday, September 27, the mission flew to Sacapulas in the Guatemalan highlands and then drove to Nabaj. Over the next two days meetings were held with various organizations and individuals involved in development projects in the Prodere Ixil area project, prior to returning to Guatemala City late on Thursday September 29. Friday, September 30, the mission reviewed the results of the Nicaraguan research with local UNDP/Prodere staff. Following this debriefing and review, the remainder of Friday and Saturday, October 1 were used for administrative/organizational tasks. Also, on Friday, Samuel Mercado left Guatemala City for Nicaragua to begin follow-up activities on project opportunities and priorities identified in that country.

4.4 PANAMA The entire program in Panama was organized by the Panamanian UNDP office. Local UNDP staff were present at most meetings. Sunday, October 2, the mission flew from Guatemala to Panama City Monday, October 3 there was an initial briefing session with UNDP Panama staff and Resident Representative, followed by meetings with Panamanian government officials involved in Indigenous development and meetings with representatives of several local Indigenous organizations. Tuesday October 4 meetings were held with additional Indigenous groups prior to a final debriefing with Mr. Mandeville, UNDP Resident Representative in Panama


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5. RESULTS There was a unanimously positive response to the questions posed during the field research. When asked the questions; 1. Are Central American Indigenous Groups interested in working with North American

Indigenous groups on sustainable development projects? 2. If the answer to question one is positive, Are the Central American Groups interested in a

trade focus to these initiatives? 3. Are there concrete project opportunities where these partnership models can be developed

and tested? There was not one negative response. Every group, individual and organization interviewed

responded positively. In just three weeks of field research, over 35 Indigenous project

opportunities were identified as a result of the field research. At the time of this writing these projects opportunities have yet to be reviewed or prioritized. It is expected that some will be combined and that some will not be recommended for pre-feasibility analysis. Despite this, the number of potential projects is much higher than expected, and development activity is already happening on several of them. In the weeks ahead, Apikan will work with the UNDP and other Indigenous interests to prioritize the opportunities and prepare development action plans for the most promising opportunities. These will be tabled in a final report, along with other related developments. In addition to the verbal commitments, the mission received numerous letters of support and requests to provide technical support and assistance on specific Indigenous projects.


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6. PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations are preliminary in nature, and are meant to stimulate discussion. They are not intended to be comprehensive, but simply to provide a starting point for discussion. It is expected that, through discussion at the Round Table on Indigenous Trade and Development, along with additional input from other sources, they will become more thorough and comprehensive prior to final publication. Persons or organizations with suggestions or comments, should contact Apikan Indigenous Network at the address on the cover page. The following recommendations are presented in an entirely ad hoc order. No prioritization should be implied from the order of presentation.

6.1 RECOMMENDATION ONE It was repeatedly stated, by virtually every Indigenous group contacted, that trade and business development is their most important priority. To synthesize the comments of all the Indigenous people interviewed; “Education and Health Care are important, but; if someone finances a school for us this year, next year we will need assistance to hire teachers and operate the school; if someone finances a health facility this year, next year we will need assistance to staff and operate it. But, if we are helped to develop profitable trading operations, soon we will have the resources to build and operate our own schools and health facilities.” This sentiment was echoed over and over, in virtually every meeting and contact made during the entire mission. Trading was a part of the Indigenous economy long before European contact. Columbus reported sighting large trading barges plying the Atlantic coast of Central America. It has been proven that Indigenous people traded throughout the Americas, long before they were ‘discovered’ by Columbus. Historically, trade development has not been a major focus of Indigenous development efforts in the region. Trade development has been identified as a top priority by Indigenous groups. Development practitioners and planners will need to learn new ways of focusing and implementing projects to accommodate this desire. In order to ensure that, wherever possible and practicable, there is a trade focus to development projects, it is recommended that;

Indigenous Trade and Development should be addressed in every development project

planned and undertaken in the Latin American and Caribbean region. If it is not possible

or feasible for the project to address Indigenous trade development, the reasons for this

should be outlined in project documents.

6.2 RECOMMENDATION TWO Fair Trade aims to facilitate trade with third world producers. It does this by encouraging industry and consumers to purchase third world goods that have been produced under


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conditions that protect the environment and guarantee a fair return to the people who made them. The Fair Trade movement offers an excellent vehicle to develop profitable markets for Indigenous trade products. Based on the experience of existing Fair Trade businesses and products, there is growing market acceptance of these products. Noted author and futurist Faith Popcorn has identified trends that indicate huge growth potential for these types of products. “There’s a tremendous political consciousness about how people are buying (and) who they want to buy from”

1. She goes on to note that “a Save our Society” trend is also big

with consumers. Despite this, the Fair Trade movement is still relatively new and, especially in North America, does not enjoy a high degree of market recognition. It is expected that increased market recognition of the Fair Trade movement and its products will result in increased consumer demand for Fair Trade products, which will result in more Fair Trade products and more Fair Trade businesses, which will result in an increase in trade opportunities for third world Indigenous groups. Therefore, it is recommended that,

A public education and awareness campaign on Fair Trade and Indigenous people be

developed, financed and implemented. This will be done in association with existing Fair Trade organizations and private sector interests

6.3 RECOMMENDATION THREE As noted previously, the increasing focus on Indigenous trade and development is a relatively recent phenomenon. In addition to the wholehearted endorsement by the Indigenous community (make note on how it relates to field work on this mission), the UNDP and other organizations such as the IDB, IAF, CIDA, USAID and others are showing increasing interest in Indigenous trade. In order to ensure a rational, and speedy approach to Indigenous trade development, it is recommended that;

An Indigenous Trade Development Strategy be prepared for each country in the Latin

American and Caribbean region.

6.4 RECOMMENDATION FOUR Indigenous trade and development needs to focus on both long and short term objectives. While there is an urgency to develop Indigenous linkages and trade opportunities in the short term, it is important to undertake initiatives that will lay the foundation for future initiatives.

1Ottawa Citizen - August 17, 1994


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Latin American Indigenous groups have indicated overwhelmingly that they want to link with Canadian Indigenous groups. Historically, Indigenous trading relationships have had a significant cultural and social component. In order to stimulate long term social relationships, and the free exchange of ideas and contacts between North/South Indigenous groups, it is recommended that;

North/South Indigenous Schools Linkages project be initiated on a pilot basis. This initiative was suggested by Edmundo Javier Lopez Conzalez, Supervisor of Education for

the Nebaj—El Quiché district in Guatemala. Panamanian groups also expressed interest in

participating in the pilot phase of this initiative. ááááááááááááááááá

6.5 RECOMMENDATION FIVE Canadian Indigenous groups have a wealth of successful experience in business and institutional development and program delivery. There are over 10,000 Indigenous NGOs in Canada, with activities ranging from child care to drug and alcohol programs to legal services to local school boards to business support organizations to program delivery groups. In addition, Canadian Indigenous groups and individuals own and operate businesses in every major sector of the Canadian economy including; oil and gas, airlines, shipping companies, computer programming, construction, forestry, mining, legal services, etc. At the recent Indigenous Partnerships Conference (Belize City-April, 1994), Indigenous groups from Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean expressed a desire to work together on development projects. This was a mutual desire, with explicit benefits for both groups. This finding was confirmed by the findings of the scoping mission to Central America. Therefore, it is recommended that;

Where desired by local Indigenous populations, Canadian Indigenous development

technology and experience should be utilized as a model for Indigenous development. Note: This should not be construed as recommending use of Canadian groups in every

project, or in all situations. The decision to use Canadian groups and Indigenous development technology needs to be made by local interests on a case by case basis.

6.6 RECOMMENDATION SIX The government of Panama has expressed a desire to the local UNDP office to examine new strategies to maximize Indigenous participation in the Panamanian economy. The Indigenous groups in Panama, that were contacted by this mission, expressed an overwhelming desire to participate more positively in the expanding Panamanian economy. This represents an excellent opportunity to begin the process of preparing a Panamanian Indigenous Trade Development Strategy. Therefore it is recommended that;

The UNDP office in Panama organize a meeting with Panama’s Indigenous community

and the Panamanian Government to discuss Indigenous trade development

opportunities.


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6.7 RECOMMENDATION SEVEN Virtually every Indigenous group interviewed identified lack of financial resources and lack of access to markets and development technology (i.e. how to participate more fully in the economy of the country and region) as major barriers to development. Indigenous trade development is a priority for local Indigenous groups. International agencies operating in the area have a responsibility to respond to this desire, and to address constraints to trade development. Therefore it is recommended that;

A concentrated effort be made by all stakeholders to assemble the financial and human

resources necessary to assist with the development of sustainable Indigenous trade

initiatives.