Celebrating Indigenous People National Day

1,000 people to celebrate International Dayof World’s Indigenous Peoples in Siem Reap

Explore the cultures and hear the challenges of Cambodian indigenous peoples Phnom Penh—About 1,000 people representing the Cambodian government, civil society, UN and indigenous communities from across Cambodia will come together for the first time to celebrate the 16th International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples in Siem Reap on 9th August,... 2010. The celebration is to recognize the aspiration of Cambodian indigenous peoples to exercise control over their ancestral lands, forest and other natural resources vital to their ways of life and economic development, and to maintain and develop their identities, languages and cultures.

Indigenous peoples, making up 5 percent (about 340 million) of the world’s population, are among the poorest of the poor. Despite preservation effort, some of their traditional practices are at risk of disappearing due to development policies designed without their consultation and consent. Some indigenous groups continue to suffer in the face of massive development projects that strip their lands of precious traditional resources and displaced their communities. Mining operations are an example of great concern, as mining companies are competing with indigenous peoples for land and water. Unfortunately, indigenous peoples do not receive fair economic benefits from such development.
Cambodia has about 30 indigenous groups. Do they share the same stories? Find out about their challenges and explore their cultures.

Some 300 indigenous peoples from across the county will join a parade to call for respect for their own rights. They will present their ways of life in an exhibition and a cultural performance. A joint press conference will be held as a side event.

• Parade from Hotel de la Paix to the Old Market (7:30AM – 8:00AM)
• Speeches by government officials, UN, NGOs, INGOS, and IPs (9:00AM – 11:00AM)
• Press Conference at Banteay Kdey Temple (11:00AM – 12:00)
• Exhibition at Banteay Kdey Temple (11:00AM – 3:00 PM)
• Cultural performance at Angkor Kjung Yu (6:00PM – 11:00 PM)