Dimalur, 7 August: Nagaland will host the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebration for the first time on August 9 at 2:00 PM at the Town Hall, Dimapur. The event, organised by the Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum (NIDF), a chapter of the Northeast Indigenous Peoples Forum (NEIPF), will be held under this year’s United Nations theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safe Birth, Life and Well-being,” recognising the invaluable contribution of traditional midwives in ensuring safe childbirth and preserving indigenous knowledge before the advent of modern healthcare.
Addressing a press conference, organisers said the programme will bring together dignitaries, indigenous leaders, civil society organisations and delegates from across the Northeast. Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer will attend as the special guest, while cultural performances showcasing the rich indigenous heritage of the region will also be featured.Speaking on the occasion, N. Ibungochoubi, Secretary General of the Northeast Indigenous Peoples Forum, said the celebration will be followed by a consultation meeting focusing on issues affecting indigenous communities across the Northeast. He highlighted one of the key resolutions of the Zokha Declaration, which urges all Northeastern states to establish a Directorate of Indigenous Affairs to safeguard the rights, culture and interests of indigenous peoples.
Forum leaders also expressed concern over the gradual influx of illegal immigrants into several Northeastern states, saying it could affect the political, economic and demographic rights of indigenous communities. They urged state governments to strengthen mechanisms to address illegal immigration while also appealing to local people not to employ undocumented migrants.
Describing the programme as a historic occasion, the organisers said hosting the World Indigenous Day celebration in Nagaland for the first time is a matter of pride despite financial constraints in accommodating nearly 300 to 400 delegates. They called upon the public to attend the celebration at 2:00 PM on August 9 at Town Hall, Dimapur, and stand in solidarity with the indigenous peoples of the Northeast.
