GENEVA, Switzerland | 29/4/2021 Indigenous communities take part in a climate march during COP22 conference in Marrakech. Photo: Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC
Webinar explores spirituality, sustainability and struggle for self-determination of indigenous communities
(LWI) - From the Arctic Circle to the Amazon Jungle, from the south-eastern United States to the remotest tribal areas of Papua, New Guinea, indigenous leaders came together to reflect on the ways in which capitalism, colonization and Christianity have contributed to the marginalization and exploitation of their native communities. Christians today are called to listen, learn and stand in solidarity with these communities, as they propose a more sustainable vision for a new Economy of Life.
As the EU works on its Arctic policy update, to be published by the end of this year, youth representatives from the European Arctic have called on policymakers to ensure that Arctic youth and Indigenous peoples are included in the actions that will directly affect their futures.
“Perhaps in the past, authorities, in general, have been guilty of paying lip service to the views of people who live in the Arctic, to indigenous peoples and also to young people,” Michael Mann, EU Special Envoy for Arctic Matters, told EURACTIV during a recent event.
“In our policy update, we aspire to unlock the potential of sustainable development in Arctic regions for the benefit not just of the Arctic, but also for the rest of the world,” he added.