Indigenous Peoples
:: Policy ::
Education International supports the UN initiative in the declaration of the first (1995-2004) and second (2005-2014) Decade of Indigenous Peoples. EI also supports the ILO Convention 169 "Indigenous and Tribal Peoples" (1989).
The EI World Congress passed various resolutions concerning indigenous education. The resolutions acknowledge that the distinct cultures and languages of indigenous peoples enrich the cultural heritage of humankind and deserve protection as vehicles of culture and identity. As such, EI recognises the role that teachers, education support personnel and their organizations in the education system have in ensuring the promotion and preservation of cultural identity of indigenous peoples: Resolution on Racism, Religious Intolerance (1995), Resolution on Indigenous Education (1995), Resolution on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (1998), Resolution on Education to Cultural Diversity (2004).
EI also asks its affiliates to endorse the Coolangatta Statement which represents the collective voice of indigenous peoples from around the world. The document states the fundamental principles vital to the achievement of the reform and transformation of education for indigenous peoples. It is the result of six years' work that commenced prior to the World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Australia in 1993 and endorsed at WIPCE 1999. The WIPCE is the gathering of indigenous educators, researchers and students from around the world.
EI recognises the the public education systems in different states have not always met the needs of Indigenous Peoples. Progress has been achieved in some urban areas, but much more needs to be done in rural areas. EI believes that United Nations bodies, governments and education trade unions must review, transform and improve policies and practices in this matter, in order to achieve the Education For All (EFA) objective.