1. Past, present and future exploitation
of our culture, customs, traditions, and environment are no
longer acceptable;
2. Indigenous languages are our inalienable
rights of passage, they are our first language, and they are
integral to instilling our identity and must be accredited,
implemented and accepted without interference;
3. Young leaders must be represented
at all gatherings to reflect, network, debate and to make decisions
on matters affecting us and that of our communities;
4. Youth have a right to create opportunities
so we can live a healthy traditional lifestyle to nurture our
talents, whether they are traditional, artistic, athletic, and
academic;
5. Youth have a right and responsibility
to practice a traditional way of life, where as guardians we
implore ourselves to take action to protect, preserve and restore
Mother Earth and all of Creation and to free our people from
hindrance and/or prosecution.
decolonization
for Indigenous youth of the America’s. A common sense of
history binds us, while oral tradition, lived experiences, re-found
knowledge and gathered wisdom build unity and purpose among us.
We are connected and responsible for seven generations. The following
statements call for immediate action. As Indigenous youth leaders
we will set the agenda, we will move it forward, we will do it
now, and we will monitor and measure its progress. Our collective
minds and hearts hereby declare the following a living document;