Indigenous peoples of El Salvador protect their cultural identity

IndígenasInternational Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Plaza Las Americas and Salvador del Mundo monument in El Salvador were the places where the Salvadoran National Indigenous Coordinating Council (CCNIS), the Indigenous Council of Central America (CICA) and the Global Embassy of Activists for Peace (GEAP) celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in coordination with different organizations belonging to the indigenous peoples of El Salvador, governmental organizations, international entities and the municipal mayor of San Salvador.

Likewise, the GEAP responded to the call of the Lenca, Kakawiras and Nahua-Pipil peoples, who met with the purpose of strengthening their rights and protecting their cultural identity recognized by the National Government and established in Article 63 of the Constitution of the Republic of El Salvador.

The promotion of respect for the worldview and demand of the State the immediate implementation of the policies embodied in the National Plan for Indigenous Peoples were some of the topics discussed during the activity.

Support from organizations of indigenous peoples, governmental institutions, international entities and Municipal Mayor of San Salvador.

The event began with a spiritual invocation led by representatives of indigenous peoples associated with the Salvadoran National Indigenous Coordinating Council (CCNIS). In addition, it was supported by the following organizations:

·         The Indigenous Council of Central America (CICA)

·         The Office of the Procurator for the Defense of Human Rights (PDDH)

·         The Salvadoran Institute for Agrarian Transformation (ISTA)

·         The Chancellery of El Salvador

·         The Ministry of Labor of El Salvador (MINTRAB)

·         The Ministry of Public Works of El Salvador (MOP)

·         The International Fund for Agricultural Development of the United Nations (IFAD)

·         The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

·         UN Women, United Nations organization for gender equality and the empowerment of women.

·         Municipal Mayor's Office of San Salvador (AMSS)

National Plan for Indigenous Peoples

The participants made an analysis of the current situation of the indigenous communities in El Salvador. They also highlighted the importance of this country is the first to present the National Plan for Indigenous Peoples, which emerged as an initiative of different organizations and was presented at the World Summit of Indigenous Peoples.

As part of the celebration, groups of dances were presented and through songs they thanked Mother Earth and all the elements of nature for their kindness.