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Tribal Peoples Journey to UK: Government under attack

22 November 2004 - Survival International UK - Media release - Three indigenous representatives arrive in London on 24 November to target the UK government for blocking an historic UN declaration on indigenous rights. Inuit woman Dalee Sambo Dorough from Alaska, Armand McKenzie of the Innu people from Quebec and Cree representative Romeo Saganash are protesting at the UK government's refusal to recognise collective rights - a position which is damaging to indigenous peoples around the world.

This year marks the end of the UN Decade of Indigenous Peoples, during which a draft declaration on their rights has been completed following hundreds of consultations with indigenousrepresentatives.

If agreed by governments, the declaration would be the strongest international agreement on indigenous peoples. The UK has drawn global criticism from indigenous people for blocking the progress of the declaration.

The three will be in London from the 24 - 25 November. They will meet with UK parliamentarians, and hold a public meeting at St. Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation & Peace (78 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AG http://www.stethelburgas.org) at 3.30pm - 5.30pm on Thursday 25th November.

Dalee Sambo Dorough, Armand McKenzie and Romeo Saganash will be available for interview. Please contact Miriam Ross on (+44) (0)20 7687 8734 or email mr@survival-international.org.

Photos and footage of indigenous peoples available.

Source: Survival International

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