The words “Papua merdeka!” capture the aspirations of West Papuans for self determination and independence.
Tag: indigenous peoples
Homeland
Every year, millions of Indigenous Peoples are displaced from their ancestral lands due to plunder and militarization. This poem is about them.
Home by Warsan Shire
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Indigenous Peoples are displaced due to plunder and militarization of ancestral lands and territories. Their homes become battlefields, where every day is a fight for survival.
The Trump effect on the lives of Native Americans and other Indigenous Peoples
Trump is a racist and a bigot, and his statements and actions against Native Americans in the US show it.
Pushing forward: Why the fight for self-determination of national minorities is far from over
Read on to know why, for national minorities in the Philippines, there is still a long way to go in achieving self determination.
If you don’t see what’s wrong, get your eyes checked
Ours, too, is a country with a police force that would rather defend the insignia of a foreign country than uphold its vow to serve and protect the Filipino people.
Unjust: Why Indigenous Peoples are marching in the Philippines
Indigenous Peoples are marching in protest in the Philippines, and here’s why.
Nineteen years of deceit: The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in the Philippines
The year 1997 was supposedly a landmark year for indigenous peoples in the Philippines with the passage Republic Act (RA) 8371, or the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA). Many hailed it as an enlightened law that will help ensure the self- determination of the indigenous peoples in the country.
Why Indonesia won’t give up West Papua so easily
The Indonesian government, it seems, does not give up quite so easily.
On grieving for not-so-bright futures
I have a very bright and inquisitive 16-year old nephew. He plans to graduate from high school two years from now (he was supposed to finish high school this year, but the new K12 program caught up with him), take a science-related course or music (he still hasn’t decided), and then take on the world with a relish only people his age have. I smile as I imagine what he can become.
And then I grieve. Not for my nephew. He has it practically made, lucky him.
a life on fire 