Decolonize To Liberate/Upcoming Events
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One of the positive hallmarks of the Occupy movement is recognition of the reality of indigenous peoples and indigenous rights. This talk will highlight the importance of indigenous rights in the United States, using the example of the Dine', the Navajo People of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, in terms of both Dine' rights and the rights of all the 99%.
The United Nations Indigenous Forum recently concluded discussions of the falsity of the "Discovery Doctrine," and discussions of the pretexts of Europe in the theft of lands and liberties in the Americas are relevant to the Occupy movement: How is it that the same discourses of conquest that were, and are, sued to dominate indigenous peoples are also being used to dominate and exclude the 99% from effective power?
The situation of Navajos, who have treaties with Spain, Mexico and the United States but who have a dependent international state, is relevant to us all. We need to discuss their situation to better understand our own.
About Dr. James W. Zion
James W. Zion is a public interest lawyer who lives in Albuquerque and practices law in the Navajo Nation and international fora- UN Indigenous Forum, UN Commission on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Geneva, etc. . His client base is primarily individual Navajos, Navajo nonprofit corporations and Navajo community organizations. He is the international counsel for the National Indian Youth Council. Zion has been in practice 43 years. His focus is public interest law in Indian Country.
He is licensed to practice in the Navajo Nation, Connecticut and the United States Supreme Court. He has published in the fields of customary Indian law and international indigenous human rights, and his latest book is Marianne 0. Nielsen & James W. Zion, eds., Navajo Nation Peacemaking: Living Traditional Justice (U. of Arizona Press, 2005). He is a 2012 Givelber Distinguished Lecturer at Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, on the topic Ma 'ii Adil 'inigii? Indian Law for Coyotes.
Zion's particular interests are traditional American Indian justice and customary law, international human rights law, poverty law and advocacy of the rights of the new poor, the 99%. He is a member of the board of directors of the National Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals, and advocacy group for the rights of the victims of injustice and counsel to various Navajo public interest organizations, including the Shiprock Home for Women and Children, the Shiprock Community Development Corporation, The Forgotten People and Dine' bi Siihasin.
Please join the “Decolonize to Liberate” Working Group of Occupy Boston for a special screening and discussion of a newly-released groundbreaking film, “2012: La Palabra Maya (the Mayan Word).” Hear the voices of the Mayan people as they share their perspectives on the prophecies of their ancestors and their fight to defend Mother Earth and their culture from destruction.
“2012: The Mayan Word” is both a message of hope and a call to action. Featuring testimonies from contemporary Mayans throughout Mesoamerica, from spiritual guides to activists, community leaders, farmers, artists, teachers, and children, this film is an extraordinary journey into the heart of Mayan struggle and spirituality.
Presentación de la película especial y Discusión: 2012 La Palabra Maya
Por favor únase a la "Decolonizar para Liberar" a un grupo de “Occupy Boston” para una presentación y discusión especial de un innovador documental, “2012: La Palabra Maya (the Mayan Word).” Escucharemos las voces de la comunidad Maya que nos ofreceran Su cosmovision, la sabiduria de sus ancestr@s y Su Lucha por defender a la Madre Tierra y a Su cultura.
Por favor, RSVP y compartir Facebook evento https://www.facebook.com/events/347798498617160/
2012 La Palabra Maya es un mensaje de esperanza y una llamada a la acción. A través de los testimonios de mayas contemporáneos de todo Mesoamérica, desde guías espirituales a activistas, líder@s comunitarios, campesin@s, artistas, maestr@s, niñas y niños, este documental nos lleva a un extraordinario viaje al corazón de la lucha y la espiritualidad Maya.
Después de la película vamos a tener una discusión. L@s organizador@s están planeando proporcionar servicios de traducción. Si usted puede ayudar con esto, por favor póngase en contacto con decolonizeboston@gmail.com
Friday, June 8th: Decolonize Film Screening; "Two Spirits"