Sunday, 6 April 2008
06 April 2008
Paenga-whawha 6
"Ehara i te mea, he kotahi tangata nana i whakaara te po.""It is not the case of only one person being alert to the danger"Voiced by Elma Ma'ua (Nga Puhi, Cook Islands)
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a "not-for-profit membership association dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property as elements of fair and effective national and international commerce". Last month the association held a conference in Sydney, in part to learn about trademark issues in the Asian and Pacific region. One of the seminars focused on Indigenous Peoples and trademarks and was chaired by Wellington-based lawyer, Barbara Sullivan. Sullivan provides Trademark and Copyright advice, both here and abroad, and this week on Te Ahi Kaa, she examines the similar issues that many indigenous people face in the commercial world.
"The Declaration does not represent solely the viewpoint of the United Nations, nor does it represent solely the viewpoint of the Indigenous Peoples. It is a Declaration which combines our views and interests and which sets the framework for the future. It is a tool for peace and justice, based upon mutual recognition and mutual respect."
Les Malezer, Chair of the International Indigenous Peoples' Caucus, United Nations (11.13.07)
On September 13 2007, 143 nations voted in favour of the United Nations General Assembly adopting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Only four countries voted against the move; Canada, Australia, the United States and New Zealand. One group that draws the United Nations attention to the concerns of indigenous peoples is The International Indian Treaty Council. This council works with and supports Indigenous nations from the Americas' and the Pacific. Andrea Carmen (Yaqui Nation) is the Executive Director of the International Indian Treaty Council. She was invited to attend the 2008 Waitangi Day Celebrations held in Waitangi. Carmen speaks to Te Ahi Kaa about how the UN confronts the rights of indigenous people.
Also this week on Nga Taonga Korero, broadcasters Tainui Stephens (Te Rarawa) and Libby Hakaraia (Ngati Raukawa, Toa Rangatira) speak with Ngahiwi Apanui (Ngati Porou, Ngati Hine, Te Whanau a Apanu) about his Maori Media Network. This is a prelude to next weeks show that will focus on the Indigenous broadcasters' conference held recently in Auckland.