The Red Indígena de Turismo de México AC (RITA) and Equitable Origin (EO) launched the virtual seminar "Strengthening the rights of indigenous peoples" as part of the Resource Hub to Strengthening Indigenous Rights in Mexico Project (CEFO Indígena México).
The seminar aimed to share and analyze experiences on the recognition and exercise of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. It covered topics such as development and territorial governance, biculturality, traditional knowledge and practices, gender equality, the right to participation, Indigenous consultation and free prior and informed consent (FPIC), biocultural community protocols, ceremonies, festivities and expressions of Indigenous culture and community development in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The seminar focused on the exercise of Indigenous Peoples' self-determination. The Indigenous participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences and share the challenges they face in implementing their models of autonomy. Additionally, participants analyzed the implementation gaps that undermine the exercise of rights which are a fundamental pillar for the survival of Indigenous Peoples.
The participants identified actions to achieve a more active role in the implementation of international instruments and the adoption of measures to avoid setbacks the application of international law at the national level. Participants used the opportunity to generate an intercultural dialogue on their ways of exercising their rights, generating alliances and strengthening the care mechanisms.
The seminar consisted of eight sessions (24 hours), held every Thursday from January 28 to March 18, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The methodology was based on thematic panels featuring Indigenous specialists, community representatives, and institutional experts, creating spaces for dialogue, feedback, and the exchange of experiences.
As a result of the outreach process, 74 participants registered, including 52 national and 22 international participants. Throughout the seminar, ongoing communication was maintained with participants to facilitate their engagement in the virtual sessions. At the conclusion of the eight sessions, 45 participants met the minimum attendance requirement to complete the training process.
