The Doctrine of Discovery and its
effects
(Original version
written in Spanish on May 17th, 2012)
This year at the 11th Session of the United
Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the theme to be discussed was “The
Doctrine of Discovery”. A vast array of areas in which the effects and
ramifications of this cruel doctrine continue to impact Indigenous Peoples adversely,
and how it is still being applied today and at a Global Level.
In the Americas, we experienced the arrival (invasion) of
flag ships over 519 years ago, however now, we encounter the multi-nationals
that continue presenting a mask for a so-called economic progress for some, and
the despair and destruction for the masses, particularly, Indigenous Peoples,
whether or not they are recognized, or continue to be invisible/extinct, as the
best excuse to continue taking over lands, knowledge and resources from which
depends the livelihood and sustenance of the Indigenous Peoples.
I was dumbfounded, as I learned the stories of so many people
at a Global scale, who like the Taíno, have had to deal with and fight the myth
of the so-called extinction. It seems to have been an effective method, which
has been utilized for hundreds of years, hence creating a curtain of
invisibility before the governments, where the human rights of the Indigenous
Peoples are excluded. To me, it was incredible to listen to these stories from
people from other parts of the world and continents: Asia, Transcaucasia,
Central and South America, The Pacific and Africa; it was, as we say in my
beloved Borikén (Puerto Rico), “to listen to a scratched up long play (LP)
record!”
One of the most impacting things for me to hear was the fact
that there is still a problem in categorizing the Indigenous as a PERSON. Yes!
That’s right! There is resistance to consider us as people! (The term
Indigenous Peoples, refers to the different Indigenous groups/tribes/nations)
Winston Churchill said once, during one of his speeches that:
“when we don’t learn from what has happened historically, we are apt to repeat
it.” Well, I say we are more than half a millennia behind, if Indigenous Peoples
are still seen as sub-human, savages, heathens, etc., and whose lands and resources
seem to become a “free for all” when conceptualizing the Indigenous this way.
The Taíno, The Charrúa, The Pipil, Indigenous Peoples from
Bangladesh, from Crimea, The Munda, among so many, many Indigenous Nations,
continue on this intense battle to run the curtain of invisibility. Even
Peoples like - and this is just an
example – The Maasai from Kenya, Kayapó and many others from the Xingú River in
Brazil, The Ñuña from Mexico, The Kuna from Panamá, continue to be trampled
over by the injustices of an established system that does not encompass nor
protects their rights in the same fashion that the rights of non-indigenous
people are upheld and defended. They speak about an equality of paper; for that
is not a reality. The Mining companies, the hydroelectric plants, Developers
continue to invade and take over indigenous lands, without any care as to who
they stomp over, while at it. The courts dictate, but it does not matter. We
are well aware that Belo Monte could care less, when a Cease order was issued
by a court in Brazil.
During a peaceful protest In Panamá against these type abuses
(mining/hydroelectric plant/dam) six Ngobe women were arrested and later raped
in the patrol cars, a crime that is yet to see any justice.
The Maasai People from Kenya, fight to defend the forest that
sustains them, yet they are facing the threat of deforestation to developers.
So, what about the survival of the Maasai? The same Maasai that helps the Ogiek
Tribe from Kenya!
The Climate Changes to which so many want to close their eyes
to, are already affecting people, putting at risk not only their methods of
nourishment, but their own lives and everything related to their way of life,
traditions, customs and homes.
Ah! People watched Al Gore’s video, others see the icebergs
from the Poles as something that only affected the Titanic, and even when they
may have seen something that shows they are melting, it seems as though they
think the only ones that will be affected are the polar bears and the penguins.
They forget that if they are melting, it is increasing the sea level, and that
the planet has islands and coasts everywhere.
The beautiful and small island of Tuvalú, in the Pacific, is
already being affected. Many of its inhabitants have felt the need to move to
New Zealand,, leaving behind many times, loved ones and an entire life. The
island floods, each time more than the last. Gardens and crops don’t grow when
they are saturated with salt water. You see, these floods are not particularly
caused by rain, but by ocean tides that continue rising and taking over the
land. It has been estimated (by those who say know a lot), that from here to
2050, Tuvalú will be totally submerged. The people from Tuvalú, who have not
damaged the environment with toxic gases and who have had their autonomy, could
lose their island and their everything, as a consequence of the actions of
others that continue to spread their lethal virus, that makes them think more
of profits than life, or even the planet in which they live on.
In every case aforementioned, when the help of authorities
has been sought, the message received has been a : “The hell with you!” Between
money and Indigenous Peoples, the money is chosen.
We have lost the sense of humanity. Every day, we see
beautiful messages in the social networks, yet we need to go beyond that.
Change begins with us, in our own homes, in our conscience.
What’s happening to our planet, regardless of divisions,
languages or colors, is of everyone’s concern. Eventually, this too, will knock
at your front door, and as I always say: “Life is about choices!”, you either
choose to die in the misery of inaction, or you join the effort to defend the
most important race in the planet, the human race!
I hope you care!
Tai Pelli
