"Appropriateness" was a theme at the 12th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, May 20 to 31. Specifically: Is there an “appropriate” place for Indigenous Peoples in the context of the United Nations organization? Behind the shared concern over this question lurk very divergent views about possible answers. One view builds on the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: It says Indigenous Peoples are equal to all other nations and peoples in the world. Another view builds on the colonial legacy: it says Indigenous Peoples are inferior and must have a status in the UN subordinate to the member states that claim sovereignty over them derived from colonialism. In keeping with the modern way of political speech, the colonial viewpoint was not stated directly. It was couched in rhetoric about "appropriateness." Since the word "appropriate" is inherently ambiguous, it was possible that some people walked into a trap by agreeing with the rhetoric. Let's examine some of what was said.Get the Story:
Peter d'Errico: What Does 'Appropriate' Mean? Indigenous Peoples at the UN (Indian Country Today 6/8)
Join the Conversation
