Ukraine's recognition of Crimean Tatars as Indigenous Peoples; a deja vú of the Jones Act?

Ukraine's recognition of Crimean Tatars as Indigenous Peoples; a deja vú of the Jones Act?

March 20th, 2014

by: Tai Pelli

When I read the news today saying that the Verkhovna Rada (Supreme Council of Ukraine) had recognized the Crimean Tatars as Indigenous Peoples, etc., I could not help but think of when the Jones Act was adopted for Puerto Ricans!

Today is March 20^th, 2014, the Crimean referendum was Sunday and Russia has been acting upon the results of that referendum. So, first; what does it means that on March 20^th, Ukraine announces the recognition of the Crimean Tatars as Indigenous Peoples and are pursuing the changes in their constitution. Is it real, is it valid, or is it a strategy? I don’t know.

The Jones Act was enacted in 1917 by the United States, one month prior to WWI. This Act made Puerto Ricans American Citizens. Interestingly, within two months, as American citizens, they started drafting Puerto Ricans to go fight the war. They drafted a total of 20,000. You may now see why I thought about the Jones Act when I read the news, as opposed to how I would have been dancing the Dance of Joy, had the Crimean Tatars been recognized as Indigenous Peoples by Ukraine under very different circumstances. Ukraine had been publicizing that Crimean Tatars would be picking up arms to defend Crimea against the Russians, (before the referendum). Is this well-deserved recognition as Indigenous Peoples coming in too late, or is it designed to engage the Crimean Tatars into a conflict they never wanted in the first place?

Let’s put this into perspective, the Crimean Tatars are the largest Indigenous Peoples (IP’S) in Crimea, yet there are 3 other IP’s, making a total of four. The statements publicized speak specifically about Crimean Tatars being recognized as IP’s , and the others are still referred to as “national minorities”. Does this have anything to do with the fact that there are approximately 300,000 Crimean Tatars in Crimea? Just speculation, but definitely, things that make you go ….hmmmm!!!

What the Crimean Indigenous Peoples REALLY need from the World

What the Crimean Indigenous Peoples REALLY need from the World

March 18th, 2014

By: Tai Pelli

You see all this about Russia and Ukraine having Crimea as the prized possession.  You see it in the news, you flick the channel, you see it on the internet, you scroll down...

Let me share with you why this is so important to me,

My biggest concern are the Indigenous Peoples of Crimea, particularly, the Crimean Tatars. They had lived in Crimea for hundreds of years. Change in governments  began an ethnic cleansing and genocide; over 200,000 people died of disease and starvation when they were deported from their homeland into Siberia and Central Asia. (That is a lot of people.) As a strategy to “fill” Crimea, many Russians were sent to Crimea to increase their population in this territory. In the mid 1900’s, Crimea was "given" to Ukraine, while the Soviet Union was still intact. It was not until the 1990's that Crimean Tatars began filtering back to Crimea, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and still under Gorbachev. The thing is, Indigenous Peoples in Crimea, are not recognized as such by either country, not Ukraine, not Russia! They are considered something else, "minority groups". The ideal situation for many in power, would be the total assimilation and abandonment of their cultural practices, religion and knowledge.

Ukraine swore up and down that the Crimean Tatars would pick up arms in this conflict to defend Ukraine from Russia.  This information was spread by the news. The reality being that Crimean Tatars have no interest in engaging in any type of violence or conflict, much less pick up arms to defend one side or another. What they do want is the guaranteed safety of their Peoples and the respect of their inherent Human Rights as defined by International Law, by both parties.

Although we may see much debate on the validity of the referendum that took place in Ukraine, the bottom line is that Russia is going through with it, as if all is ok. (In their eyes, it is.) A majority vote, leaned towards reintegration to Russia. We already knew that Crimea had a Russian population of over 60%. Most Crimean Tatars did not vote, as they followed instructions  given by their leaders. Those who voted, felt it was under duress, concerned at an expressed risk of losing their governmental jobs. It is estimated that about 90% of Crimean Tatars did not vote.

The big question now is; what is going to happen to the Crimean Tatars? A couple of days ago Russia stated the paramilitary gangs were out of their control. What does this mean now? Will all the Indigenous Peoples of Crimea be respected and protected from any part of this conflict or will they end up reliving that, which their own grandparents lived? Will they be deported, will they be forbidden from speaking their languages, teaching their culture, practicing their religion, etc?

It is here where we need to know the strength of those International Laws, Covenants and Treaties which have been written, signed and ratified by many countries. If they do not want to act upon the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, (both Russia and Ukraine abstained from voting), adopted in September 2007, then perhaps we still have International Law and these other Mechanisms, which are legally binding, and protect the inherent fundamental basic human right to self-determination, Free, Prior and Informed Consent and the right of Liberty and Security of person, among others.

Here are some of the suggestions that could help the Indigenous Peoples of Crimea:

·         Fact finding mission as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) had began to do, but had to leave Crimea.

·         A Statement from The Special Rapporteur on the situation of Indigenous Peoples of Crimea, particularly Crimean Tatars

·         A Statement from the High Commissioner of the Human Rights Council

·         An invitation to a Delegation of Indigenous Peoples from Crimea to the HRC office to make a presentation to the HC, it’s designated representative or ad hoc Commission.

The future is very uncertain and unstable for all Indigenous Peoples of Crimea. Timely action and Public Awareness are of the essence.

I urge all NGO’s, Indigenous Organizations, Indigenous Nations,  Indigenous and Human Rights Advocates to make their voices be heard and send your letters to the applicable Mechanisms to help our brothers and sisters.

The Real Story about how Crimea's Indigenous Peoples are affected by this conflict

The Real Story about how Crimea's Indigenous Peoples are affected by this conflict

Dr. Nadir Bekir, my Crimean Tatar dear brother, here at the United Nations

The US is not the only country that manipulates the information released by the press. MANY, MANY countries do it. Take for example, Ukraine and Russia, ....countries that deny Indigenous Peoples Rights, and do not even like to use the term "Indigenous Peoples", rather "national minorities", and are doing what they can to destroy indigenous languages, even if on paper it sounds like they protect them, and since we all know, we live in a society where what's on paper is what "counts".....even with all that, These Countries who have their eye in Crimea, all of a sudden remember the Crimean Tatars, for example, (The largest group of IP's in Ukraine), and in their news casts are saying how they (crimean Tatars) will pick up arms to defend them...(Ukraine says that, the other side, Russia, is also using this methodology, well knowing that Crimea has 60% russian population.)

The funny thing is Crimean Tatars are not siding with either, for they have endured much at the hands of both, including being massacred. International Law (again, something that was written on paper), addresses Free, Prior, Informed Consent...in a nutshell, if an action is going to impact an IP's, they MUST HAVE FPIC, period, there is no way around it! ...again...on paper!

As I have indicated before, our brothers and sisters in many places of the world, have had to endure the "extinction myths", and the non-recognition of IP's by their governments, and the many speeches by politicians and academics, that love to create fear speaking about divisions of peoples, if they allow for "these other ones" to claim and exercise their inherent right to self-determination, which in reality, as much as some will like to mock it, is a fundamental, basic human right according to International Law....

As an Advocate of Indigenous, Human and Environmental Rights, I am compelled to inform you what our brothers and sisters are living in Crimea. Of course my brother and sister who as I, advocate for these same rights at the United Nations, and other International Platforms, are in a place of much instability with opposing forces who only placed IP's at great risk.

Do NOT buy for a second what statements you watch in the networks which at some time, had some credibility, but who we now know, are mere puppets of the TRUE RULERS of this country...remember, the members of the Elite Club called "We the People"...(that does not mean YOU, for you are not part of the club!)

By letting the world know that Crimean IP's ARE NOT siding with either force, and presenting that it is a scare tactic, we may help our brothers and sisters. If you have a contact that is interested in this subject, and is legit, let me know. In the meantime, feel free to share this post, as the more people know, the better!

Tai Pelli 

A Matter of Choice; Columbus Day vs. Native Resistance Day or Indigenous Day of Remembrance

A matter of choice; Columbus Day vs. Native Resistance Day or Indigenous Day of Remembrance

10/09/2012

On October 12^th, people throughout this side of the World may celebrate one of the above. It is a matter of choice, since those who hold power and continue to oppress, are the ones who have monopolized the history taught in our schools.

The timing of the Federal Government shutdown is exemplary of the many faces of Columbus. Think about it, the majority of people in the United States disagree with the shutdown, yet it seems that the people have no say! The positive element of this, is that now it is out in the open; how much disregard is given and/or held for the wants of “the people” vs. the interests of a few, who manage and manipulate the system affecting directly or indirectly the lives of millions of people. This shall show you who’s who and what they truly stand for!

When I was a young teenager in Borikén, The Real Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española), an organization that determines which words one can use and consider “valid and proper” in the Spanish language, decided to create the word “aparcar” ( to park), when the anglicism “parkear” was used to such an extent that everyone knew what it referred to (as opposed to using the word “estacionar”).

I make the correlation, because I think that if we continue calling October 12^th, Native Resistance Day or Indigenous Day of Remembrance, eventually calling it “Columbus Day” will become obsolete, and hopefully it will be changed officially.

This Federal Holiday was implemented 76 years ago , by the efforts of Italian immigrants. They had started celebrating it earlier in the state of Colorado.

In my opinion, to celebrate Columbus is to celebrate Greed, Abuse (of all types), Rape (indistinctively, meaning women, men, and children), Slavery, Land grabbing, Exploitation, and injustice, just to name a few.

We have been subjected to a bunch of lies and romanticized stories at school and our children continue to be taught the same.

One cannot say, that is all for Justice while celebrating INJUSTICE!

On this October 12^th, you have a choice, and that includes the choice of not choosing.

What will it be for you?

 Your choice defines you!

Tai Pelli

UCTP present during the Protest at the Puerto Rico Zoo in Mayagüez

UCTP present during the Protest at the Puerto Rico Zoo in Mayagüez

8/25/2013

On August 16, 2013, “Fanáticos de Animales” (a FB page for animal lovers with over 8,000 followers), concerned citizens and members of the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) and Taíno representative of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO), joined in a protest in front of the Puerto Rico Zoo in Mayagüez.

Several weeks earlier the TV show “Dando Candela” and its journalist, Ojeda, presented a report where several animals seemed extremely underweight and these images caused an outrage in the community. As more images and anecdotes of recent visits to the zoo rose, “Fanáticos de Animales’” administrator, Mr. Felixis Falcón, decided to organize a protest to become the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.

From an indigenous perspective, the respect and protection of all living things is one of the utmost responsibilities of a native person, hence, UCTP members, Joanna “Aya” Soto-Avilés, Sonia “Nube” Vigo, her son Guaily and myself, Tai Pelli as UCTP Officer and Taíno Representative for the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO), set to become participants in the protest.

Upon arrival, we noticed a heavy police presence in and outside zoo grounds.

Mr. Felixis Falcón and myself were granted the opportunity to meet up with zoo officials and were the only ones allowed on the premises. Dr. Luis Figueroa, Curator and Veterinarian of the zoo, and Biologist Mr. Oscar Vázquez, led the visit. We expressed our concerns and those of the demonstrators that were not allowed in. Dr. Figueroa stated that he was glad to see that people cared for the zoo, for it shows him that the zoo is important to them. He wanted to reassure us that everything was fine with the animals and that there were no problems at the zoo.

We were taken to the Emú area. Emphasizing it was an Emú and not an ostrich, as was expressed through the media. (An Emú looks like an ostrich). We did not step out of the golf-cart. It was a quick stop. (Hmm! I had to wait to return home and verify the image I had seen of the Emú. I did, and the plumage is very different from the one I saw. I later wanted to get Felixis opinion, and he too, agrees that the Emú from the picture does not look like the one we were shown.)

We proceeded to the area where they store and prepare the food. The place was ARMY-clean. Although the food had been prepared, I did not see a tiny particle of a leaf, nor anything on the floor. Counters were clean.

As Felixis and I followed Dr. Figueroa into the walk-in freezer, I saw a room filled with boxes of food, stacked in perfect order. One box opened, which contained Nebraska Feline Diet. We were shown packages of hospital-quality meat (low-fat) from an additional freezer and bags of frozen rats. Understanding the place had just been stocked-up, I asked specifically about food shipments. Dr. Figueroa stated they get their food supply on Tuesdays and Fridays, with the exception of supplements, which they order on an “as needed” basis. He stated that because they knew we would be there Friday the 16^th, they asked to get the shipment the day before.

As we went from point “A” to point “B”, there would be a number of zoo personnel awaiting us.

Time to see the lion! We encountered the most zoo personnel at this location, yet the ones who primarily spoke were Dr. Figueroa and Biologist Oscar Vázquez. We came to realize Tsavo was in the same room as us, when Dr. Figueroa called his name and he lazily roared. (It sounded more like a yawn!) Tsavo was lying down leaning against a wall, in what seemed like a narrow hallway that connected to other areas. He swatted his tail a couple of times. Dr. Figueroa let him lick his hand and was inviting us to get closer. We both maintained a safe distance. Tsavo was uninterested and could care less about our presence (he pretty much looked away from us most of the time unless the Dr. tried to get his attention). His mane, did not look as mangled as we had seen in the many pictures taken by an array of sources. We could not compare the body to the images because of the position he was in. Although the ventilation system they use to fan away the smell was off, the area looked very clean and one could not smell the animal nor any traces of urine in the area. The pills he was taking were conveniently placed on a sill and were shown to us.

Dr. Figueroa asked if we were satisfied and immediately Mr. Vázquez interjected and said we now had to write an apology! He still wanted to place the blame on us for what Ojeda had purportedly said about Dr. Ribero during the report in “Dando Candela”, which of course, had nothing to do with us and was not our responsibility. Mr. Vázquez’ main issue was the fact he felt that Dr. Ribero had been disrespected and in his view was not deserving of the alleged comments on the show. He spoke very highly of Dr. Ribero as a person and as a professional.

Mr. Falcón expressed that it was clear they had plenty of time to prepare for this visit and that he still had not received an explanation for the photos. He showed Dr. Figueroa pictures stored in his phone, one after another, to no avail. We received many excuses: there was a lioness that was in heat and male lions don’t pay much attention to nourishment during this time, Tsavo is old, Tsavo is old and gets sick just like people age and get sick, the photographer maliciously waited for the lion to be at a bad angle to snap the shot, nowadays anyone can do anything to pictures (inferring “Photoshop”), there was a change in government administration 7 months ago and people do things like this.

I asked about the other lion and although the immediate response was: “Do you want to see it?” and I replied affirmatively, we were never taken to see him.

As we were walking out, they showed us the new aquarium exhibit. We thanked them for their disposition in granting us the interview. We were then escorted out of the premises.

A huge sign had been posted by the entrance, according to some, on August 8^th, announcing a Remodeling Project for the Lion and Aviary exhibits. The grass had been recently cut, and had not been raked.

WORA TV and WOLE TV interviewed Felixis and I. WORA TV showed a small clip of our protest on Friday’s Evening News and an edited version of our interviews and that of Dr. Figueroa on Monday August 19^th, 2013. WOLE TV posted a YouTube Video with Felixis Falcón’s interview, the Zoo Administrator and Dr. Figueroa.

The Zoo Administrator and Dr. Figueroa seem to have different information with regards to the food supply shipments. Dr. Figueroa told me weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays with the exception of the supplements for variety. The Administrator told WOLE TV they get weekly shipments of Fruits and Vegetables on Mondays and Fridays and a once a month shipment of meat! You be the judge!

Dr. Figueroa admitted on one of the interviews that Tsavo had indeed lost approximately 20 pounds, yet the Administrator inferred that the claims (that the animals were underweight) were uninformed. Dr. Figueroa stated they will now implement a weekly weigh-in for the lions to keep tabs on any weight changes.

The zoo has been known to have an array of challenges throughout the decades. Things get bad, animals escape, animals look underweight, things get better for a while and something else happens. What it needs is consistency in maintaining a high level of quality.

We must keep an eye on the conditions of the only zoo in the island of Borikén. It is up to us to be vigilant and voice our concerns on behalf of those who cannot do it for themselves.

Tai Pelli

Samwel Naikada; a humble pastoralist with a bright vision for his Maasai Peoples

12/18/2012

This year, I had the privilege to participate in Tribal Link Foundation’s Project Access, a Training Program designed to prepare Indigenous Peoples from around the globe, to participate in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

It was on that first day, that I met Samwel Naikada, a humble Maasai pastoralist from Kenya, Africa, as each of us introduced ourselves to the group. When it was his turn, the tall, slim, 39 year old man, stood up in his traditional Maasai attire and spoke in a soft, yet firm and almost regal fashion about his Maasai people, and the menace of deforestation of the Dupoto Forest. This forest has been the livelihood of the Maasai Peoples for time immemorial.

His desire, he expressed, was to develop and promote Eco-tourism as a mean of survival and preservation. The room was quiet and all eyes were on Samwel. He spoke about his teaching young people about taking pride on who they were. Deep inside, I thought: “How could anyone not take pride on being Maasai, with this brother that speaks so proudly about his people and who has such an impressive ability to communicate and who projects that same pride he speaks of!”

We had learned from the representative of the Ogiek Tribe (also from Kenya), how the Maasai were helping them. To me, this was extremely significant, to know that these people who are having struggles of their own, still find the means to help a fellow tribe!

There were many in the group who had achieved all kinds of high-level education. Humbly, Samwel mentioned how he understood he might have not the knowledge as the others, for he did not possess any formal education, perhaps to the level of those in the group. He expressed his desire, his dream of pursuing a degree in Community Development so that he could effectively help his people and achieve the goals he had set forth. Although I understood what he meant, I could not help it but tell him that he could stand in a room filled with Ph.D’s and address them in the same way he had addressed us, for he spoke from the heart and the message was loud and clear.

In times like the ones we are living, very few people have the passion or aspire to dedicate their lives to develop and preserve their communities the way Samwel does.

This past summer, he was able to enroll at Narok University College, Kilgoris Branch in Kenya, to obtain his degree in Community Development. The cost of his education per year is $1,000.00. His first year has been covered through some donations, one of them by Tribal Link Foundation, but he still needs the additional $3,000.00.

Samwel is married to one wife and has six children. He is a pastoralist depending on livestock and is the first and only one to complete secondary education in the whole village, so far. He plans to invest his acquired knowledge in advocating for the rights of his people, assist youth and women to use available resources and skills so that they can economically improve their living standards. His goal, to link his community with National and International Programs that will assist and build their capacity.

I strongly believe, in my deepest core, there is someone out there or a Foundation that would be willing to cover the $3,000.00 needed to cover the remaining balance of his college tuition, hence, helping Samwel Naikada attain the education he is so much committed to complete to improve the quality of life and sustenance of the Maasai Peoples.

For more information about Samwel Naikada, you may contact me at taimar16@yahoo.com .

Tai Pelli

Central Florida Liaison Officer

United Confederation of Taíno People

At Risk! El Campito...

AT RISK! El Campito, Urban Forest in the City of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

08/27/2012

The Movement “Salvemos El Campito” (Let’s save El Campito), led by Attorney Ricardo Delestre, has been exposing the detrimental effects that the destruction of this urban forest will have, should the local authorities allow its current owners to destroy 50% of this forest to construct apartment buildings.

Some of the effects of destroying El Campito:

·        Over 1,000 trees plus other vegetation will be destroyed.

·       The loss of biosequestration of carbon dioxide (the most abundant greenhouse gas!) resulting in an increase    to the already huge problem of global warming

·        Destruction of natural habitat for many life species (loss of bio-diversity)

·         Interruption of natural flow of the Las Tunas/Mendoza Creek

·        Increase of flash floods that will affect residential areas and businesses

·         Destruction of a spring and several other bodies of water within this Urban Forest

·         Air and water pollution. Destruction of the “lungs” of the urban center of Cabo Rojo

·         Erosion and climatic disruption

In the late 15^th century, the island of Borikén (Puerto Rico) was described by chroniclers as the island with the thickest forest, from the very shores. It seemed impenetrable! Today, Puerto Rico is 54% urbanized. The preservation rate is that of only 8% vs. the 25% standard in the United States. Every year the islanders are experiencing hotter temperatures, mudslides (some even mortal), and flash floods as they had never been seen before.

El Campito is a 16 acre Urban Forest, considered the “lungs” of the city’s urban center. It’s proximity to the Sports Complex Rebecca Colberg, has made it an extension for sports, such as mountain biking, hiking, etc.. Volunteers preserve the trails while respecting nature. Just recently, neighbors alerted members of the “Salvemos El Campito” Movement, when they saw heavy equipment go in. Sadly, they found many trees cut down, trails blocked with some of the same trees they had cut down and bulldozed-widened trails.

According to Attorney Delestre, the permits were expired, and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources regulations regarding reforestation had not been followed whatsoever.

The “Salvemos El Campito” Movement,, hasn’t been one to just oppose, but one that has presented viable alternatives to the City of Cabo Rojo, including the acquisition of El Campito, as part of the Sports Complex Rebecca Colberg, promoting healthy lifestyles, ecotourism, agricultural projects, a butterfly haven, while assuring that the Mendoza Creek is not disturbed any more than it already has, for residents in its vicinity have suffered flash floodings that have destroyed everything they owned, some having to be rescued from their rooftops. Many small business owners faced losses as well. The destruction of 50% of El Campito will have a detrimental effect for Cabo Rojo that will be beyond repair. Trees and vegetation layer absorb and serve as a water retention mechanism. Deforestation will almost guarantee a menace of more flash floods. Flora and fauna life forms impacted would be irreplaceable.

We are well aware that deforestation is collaborating to: the extinction of bio-diversity, climatic changes and a global unbalance overall. Half of the forests of the world have been destroyed, most of them within the last 50 years. At this time, it is understood that ANY act of deforestation is frowned upon by the international community and environmentalists, REGARDLESS of the size of the area at risk. The island of Puerto Rico has and is still suffering the effects of reckless deforestation; trees have been sacrificed and exchanged for cement.

This is our plea to you, so that you can join us in preserving the natural beauty and important elements that made the island earn the name of “The island of enchantment”!

Tai Pelli

Send your email, English or Spanish to the Mayor of Cabo Rojo, Hon. Perza Rodriguez,  perzarodriguez@gmail.com

Let her know you oppose to more deforestation in Boriken, particularly, El Campito, the Urban Forest of Cabo Rojo, and that you urge her to proactively promote its preservation by pursuing its acquisition.