Indigenous Peoples in Nepal deserve rescue efforts as well!

Who is looking for the survivors of Indigenous Peoples Villages in Nepal?

April 29^th, 2015

By: Tai Pelli

Pratap Singh Nachhiring

Pratap Singh Nachhiring and a sister from the Rai Peoples

I found out about the Earthquake in Nepal, the morning I was to check-out of my hotel, after attending the first week of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. As most of the Indigenous delegates know, the cost of staying in NYC is high and most of us get to participate for only one week. (The previous week, I mentored other Indigenous Delegates through Tribal Link’s Project Access.)

Still, I found it peculiar that as I read news reports and watched videos on the situation, there was a lack of mention of Indigenous communities affected by the earthquake. Granted, I know there were landslides making reaching those places almost impossible, but we now there are helicopters, and although there was a shortage of those as well, one would think, in all fairness, that as citizens of Nepal, they too, receive the same assistance and consideration than those in the city and those foreigners who were rescued in other parts by helicopters. That has not happened for Indigenous Peoples. It wasn’t until yesterday that I first read about a concern by an Asian Organization that wrote an article about the impact on Indigenous Villages.

Since Saturday, I have been looking for my dear friend, colleague and Indigenous brother, Indigenous and Human Rights Advocate, Pratap Singh Nachhiring, and founder of the Kirat Rodu Nachhiring Sakham, Nepal, as well as his Nachhiring Peoples and the Rai Peoples, who reside up in the hills. I have found no mention on these communities at all.

Understanding that the airport in Nepal is now congested from all the planes that are bringing aid, would it be fair to say, that perhaps some of these efforts could be spread and not just centered for the Kathmandu city area? ALL LIVES MATTER!!! There are other smaller airports that could receive some planes and helicopters. I am of the opinion, that if there is a chance for survivors in these communities, an effort should be made to try to give them a chance at life as well. The impact of this earthquake and the aftershocks is overwhelming, yet, we cannot forget about the Indigenous citizens of Nepal, even if they have made a few reports on Human Rights Violations and have stood up defending their inherent rights as a Peoples! One wouldn’t want to think that this grave situation has become “convenient to eliminate the Indigenous problem”, as some in many parts of the world have decided to nick those of us who defend our inherent rights! ;-)

Tai Pelli