SKYWAVES – June 21st, 2012

Free distribution and airplay for Pacifica Affliates interested in worldwide Indigenous affairs for the week of June 21st - June 28th, 2012.

“This is Skywaves: Indigenous News Worldwide, a news feature about the remaining cultures of Indigenous peoples globally and the struggles they face daily, including those in your backyard. In partnership with First Voices Indigenous Radio and First Peoples Worldwide, I’m Tiokasin Ghosthorse.”

STORY ONE: SOURCE: Intercontinental Cry – www.intercontinentalcry.org In the Pacifica Islands

WHAT HAPPENS IF CHEVRON STARTS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION? ELDERS WANT TO KNOW A group of Indigenous Elders are raising questions about the possible environmental impacts of a proposed geothermal plant in the province of Kalinga, Philippines. More than anything, the Elders want to know what Chevron would do if the company's geothermal drilling operations trigger a volcanic eruption. Writing for Northern Dispatch, Gina Dizon reports.

STORY TWO: SOURCE: Western Sahara Resource Watch - www.wsrw.org In Africa

Western Sahara: EU Consumers Unwittingly Supporters Of Western Sahara Occupation

On July 1, a new agricultural agreement between the EU and Morocco is expected to enter into force. Its vague territorial scope will allow greater volumes of fresh produce from occupied Western Sahara to enter the EU market. A new report from Western Sahara Resource Watch launched today documents how produce from the controversial agro-industry in the occupied territory, ends up in the baskets of unaware EU customers. The products are made on plantations owned by the Moroccan King or French-Moroccan conglomerates. “The income and the employment that these rich lands generate only benefit the occupying power. It directly undermines the UN efforts to solve the conflict”, stated Sara Eyckmans of Western Sahara Resource Watch.

STORY THREE: SOURCE: Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources – www.Indigenouspeoplesresource.com In the Pacific Islands

Japan: Towards A Culturally Sustainable Environmental Impact Assessment - The Protection Of Ainu Cultural Heritage In The Saru River Cultural Impact Assessment, Japan

Culturally sustainable environmental impact assessment (EIA) requires consideration of the impact of development on local people's cultural activities, including holding ceremonies, collecting resources, and learning skills, which are fundamental essences of Indigenous rights. While culturally sustainable EIA has become a common practice when a development project involves an Indigenous community, it is still argued that Indigenous cultural heritage is not adequately protected. This is due to the fact that Indigenous people do not always keep power in the post-approval stage of EIA, or the lack of practical measures to minimise the impact of development projects on Indigenous cultural heritage and to enhance the possibility of reaching a consensus among stakeholders.

“News sources today include Intercontinental Cry, Western Sahara Resource Watch and Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources News.”

“Skywaves is produced in the studios of WBAI New York in alliance with First Voices Indigenous Radio and First Peoples Worldwide, providing funding for community-initiated and community-driven Indigenous projects worldwide. Go to www.firstpeoples.org or firstvoicesindigenousradio.org to download today’s featured stories. Email us at skywavesnews@gmail.com. Thanks for joining us.”

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