Letter from Indigenous Women of Canada

Solidarity with Bolivia and with Its President, Evo Morales Ayma

As indigenous women living in the north of Abya Yala (Canada), we protest the grave violations of human rights of indigenous brothers and sisters in the sister Republic of Bolivia. These genocidal acts have been carried out by extremist right-wing groups, especially in the departments of Pando, Beni, Tarija, and Santa Cruz.

As indigenous women, we repudiate the genocide carried out against men and women leaders of the indigenous peoples, against the loss of human life, including that of pregnant women, the destruction of public property, and the project of overturning a democratic government.

As sisters who create and sustain a culture, this causes us feelings of great pain and helplessness. After 516 years of colonialism, the assimilationist and genocidal culture still reigns over the sons and daughters of the soil, that is, over us, the indigenous peoples of different ancestral nations. This must end! It must be replaced by a culture of harmony and of respect for the majesty of human beings.

Therefore:

1. We appeal to citizens and social movements of the world, to citizens of the countries of North America, Central America, South America, and especially Bolivia, to aid in bringing to an end the acts of violence among brothers. We appeal especially to political and social leaders to prevent the violence from escalating and to search in good will for alternative paths.
   
2. As indigenous women and as mothers, sisters, and daughters, we express our solidarity and support for all the Bolivian people and especially for the indigenous organizations. We ask President Evo Morales to take the appropriate measures so that these crimes against humanity do not go unpunished, and so that those responsible for these ignominious deeds are brought to justice.
   
3. We reiterate our unconditional support for the constitutional government of President Evo Morales Ayma, a democratic government confirmed by the support of more than 67% of its people, an example for all the nations of Abya Yala and of hope for all the peoples of the world.
   
4. Peoples and nations of good will who love peace and social justice must be on the alert with respect to any possible act of intervention by the U.S. government. We support the decision of UNASUR (Union of South American Nations).
5. We call on indigenous peoples and leaders internationally, on organizations of the world community, to take a stand in favour of Bolivia's territorial integrity and to resist the acts of violence against indigenous brothers and sisters.

Toronto, September 16, 2008

Women of the First Nations
Apache, Ashaninka, Bribri, Chakma, Cherokee, Chorti, Dayak, Fulani, Gaviao, Haida, Inuit, Lisu, Masai, Maorii, Maya, Nuer, Onandaga, Quechua, Aymara, Secoya, Somali, Tuareg, Yanomami, Yucateco, Zacateca, Chichimeca, Mapuche, Dakota, Ojibway, Cree

Toronto Contact: Rosalía Paiva, Mabel Ernest, Audry Redman pachakusi@hotmail.com