International Group of Indigenous Women Speak Out, News Conference 4/30/2012
International Group of Indigenous Women Speak Out
For the Health and Well-Being of Future Generations:
Statements and Testimonials from the International Indigenous Women’s
Environmental and Reproductive Health Symposium
NEWS CONFERENCE: Monday, April 30, 2012, 11:00 am to Noon, Coffee and Bagels Provided
We invite you to a news conference to hear the statements of Indigenous women participating in the International Indigenous Women’s Environmental and Reproductive Health Symposium Monday, April 30th, 11:00 am at the Loussac Library’s Public Conference Room, 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, AK.
WHERE: Loussac Library, Public Conference Room, 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, AK
TIME: Monday April 30, 2012 from 11:00 am to Noon
WHAT: Speakers will present statements and a report from the Symposium concerning environmental and reproductive health concerns and struggles from around the world.
Speakers at the news conference include:
Andrea Carmen, Executive Director, International Indian Treaty Council, Arizona & Alaska
Vi Waghiyi, Program Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Native Village of Savoonga, AK
Danika Littlechild, Legal Counsel, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Alberta, Canada
Dr. Donna Begay, Tribal Chairwoman, Tubatulabal Tribe, California
Shawna Larson, Chickaloon Traditional Council, Alaska
Faith Gemmill, Venetie Tribal Government and REDOIL , Arctic Village, Alaska
Those attending the news conference will hear from Indigenous women concerning their struggles to protect the health and human rights of present and future generations affected by harmful mining development, military activities, industrial chemicals, and radioactive contamination. The women will present a special report from this 2nd Annual International Indigenous Women’s Environmental & Reproductive Health Symposium that will also be delivered to the United Nations.
Sponsors of the Symposium include:
Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Chickaloon Traditional Village Council, the International Indian
Treaty Council, and the International Forum of Indigenous Women.
Background Information on the Symposium:
The purpose of the 2nd Annual International Indigenous Women’s Reproductive and Environmental Health Symposium (April 27-29, 2012) is to convene a group of dedicated Indigenous women, including traditional healers, midwives, tribal leaders, and teachers from various Nations, Territories and Regions who are working on important environmental and reproductive health issues in their communities. The symposium will address the links between exposures to environmental contaminants and reproductive health. The women will meet at the Symposium to strengthen networks and share ideas, challenges and visions for a healthy life for ourselves, our children and our Peoples.
The symposium coincides with a visit from The United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Professor S. James Anaya who will hold consultations at the Alaska Native Heritage Center with representatives of tribal governments, village & regional corporations, and other Alaska Native organizations as a part of his official visit to the United States.
We also invite you to Stories, Struggles & Songs for the Health & Well-Being of our Children, a free public event on Sunday, April 29th at 6:30pm in the Loussac Library in the Wilda Marston Theatre.
Available for interviews:
Andrea Carmen, International Indian Treaty Council, (907) 745-4482
Vi Waghiyi, Native Village of Savoonga and Environmental Health and Justice Program Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, (907) 222-7714
For more details visit www.akaction.org
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