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Indigenous peoples land rights: Interviews with the delegates of the USA, Canada and Brazil

Indigenous peoples land rights: Interviews with the delegates of the USA, Canada and Brazil
Scarlett S.

IMUN Press interviewed the delegates of the USA, Canada and Brazil regarding indigenous people’s rights to land restitution and reparations

The delegate of the United States of America (USA) was questioned on their position regarding further land restitution to Native Americans. The delegate told IMUN Press that “the United States supports efforts that promote indigenous sovereignty and cultural preservation…the delegate understands that with this nation’s background it has not always been the case, yet the US acknowledges that these measures should be taken in various forms”. The delegate procceded by listing some measures to support the legal recognition and to provide economic support to Native Americans. The delegate added that they look forward to collaborating via local partnerships and culturally sensitive programs that empower indigenous communities. Regarding the recent election results, the US declared that although “at the moment the US government still represents President Biden, the delegate does believe that certain laws will be made when Trump is president in January”.

The delegate of Canada was also interviewed by IMUN Press on their intention to improve land restitution of their First Nations people, given what many see as an insufficient recognition by the Canadian government of the needs of indigenous people in what is today Canada. Canada stated that the government hopes to improve land restitution and believe that “other forms of restitution for indigenous people is important seeing as they have suffered and deserve to have rights to their land”. Upon being asked on how Canada intends to proceed with this issue, the delegate’s response was that it involved research and communication with the affected groups.

On the 26th of April 2024, indigenous Brazilians marched into the capital to protest and demand local recognition. This protest led to a backlash within the Brazilian community, and an increase in violence and attacks against the indigenous people of Brazil. IMUN Press spoke to the delegates of Brazil about this issue. The official position of the delegation is that Brazil intends to improve indigenous peoples’ rights to their land and hold accountable those who pose threats to indigenous people. Additionally, the delegate stated that “The delegation of Brazil believes that any proven land that has evidence of history and continuous use should be given back to indigenous people if taken by member states or the government”. The delegate then went on to state that they were open to eliminating policies that support business interests that affect indigenous people and their land. This includes mining in indigenous regions, a controversial and important economic activity, which would be banned in any area where indigenous people reside or have legitimate historical claims to.