DECEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE FROM THE IFIP TEAM
Dear members and friends,
Happy Solstice Season! As the year ends, we reflect on the incredible resilience and critical work of Indigenous communities. As we write this letter, Indigenous Peoples delegates are leading the fight against climate change at the COP25 in Madrid. They are facing an uphill battle that starts with lack of direct access to resources that are greatly needed to influence, advocate, and secure the protection of their territories. We also acknowledge the important role of Indigenous women. From the Amazon, to the Pacific, to Asia, we celebrate the leadership and collective organizing of Indigenous women. Indigenous women are not only demanding women’s rights, but they are also on the frontline in the fight for Mother Earth.
No doubt, 2019 was a perilous year, where Indigenous Peoples continue to be under threat for their commitment to defending and safeguarding their rights and the environment. To address the increased criminalization of Indigenous Peoples and in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day this year, we wish to share a new Global Initiative to address and prevent the criminalization and impunity against Indigenous Peoples. The Global Initiative will be formally launched as an independent initiative by Vicky Tauli-Corpuz, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples, and Joan Carling, former member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The formal launch will take place during the UNPFII in New York.
IFIP calls on the global philanthropic community to commit toward reciprocal solidarity and support of Indigenous Peoples and their rights. Aligned with this call to action, IFIP’s programming in 2019 worked to inform and transform philanthropy through a growing network of influencers with a stronger understanding of funding practices and strategies that respect and advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
In this newsletter, we illustrate how IFIP’s programing captured this aim. The articles center on reflections from IFIP’s 2019 Learning Institute, where funder participants and Indigenous faculty discussed and charted the ways we can transform philanthropic practices and strengthen relationships among Indigenous Peoples and funders.
We are also proud to announce that next year we will celebrate IFIP’s 20th anniversary. Thus, we take this opportunity to share how IFIP is building on this work in 2020 with an announcement of events and programming.
We thank you for your membership and commitment to IFIP’s mission. We look forward to your partnership and together expanding a global community that partners with and advocates for the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In Solidarity,
Lourdes Inga, Ashley Hernandez and Rachel Smith
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