Dreams of Treaty
by Adam Rangihana
by Adam Rangihana
Global Treaty for First Nations Empowerment and Mutual Respect
Global Treaty for First Nations Empowerment and Mutual Respect
Preamble
This Treaty establishes a shared commitment among First Nations peoples and all individuals who recognize Earth as our common home. While affirming that all people are native to the land, this Treaty honors the unique responsibilities, histories, and rights of Indigenous peoples. It also acknowledges the essential role of economic stability and cross-cultural understanding in the wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide. This is a Treaty signed by individuals, committed to fostering unity, knowledge exchange, and sustainable futures.
Article 1: Recognition of Self-Identified Status
1.1 First Nations Identification
An individual may self-identify as First Nations if they:
- Have ancestral ties to a particular land or territory.
- Honor and preserve the customs, traditions, and knowledge of their Indigenous community.
1.2 Second Nations Identification
An individual may identify as Second Nations if they:
- Reside on or have ancestral roots in lands that connect them with Indigenous peoples' history.
- Recognize and respect the rights and customs of First Nations communities as foundational to this Treaty.
1.3 Global Membership Acknowledgement
Membership is open to all who acknowledge:
- The primacy of First Nations peoples on their ancestral lands.
- That each individual has a First Nations heritage, and where ancestry reaches back multiple generations on foreign lands, they assume a Second Nations identity.
Article 2: Cross-Cultural Education and Knowledge Exchange
2.1 Mutual Learning and Exchange
The Treaty establishes a framework for balanced knowledge-sharing, where First Nations and Second Nations individuals alike contribute to a shared pool of understanding. Each culture holds the responsibility of teaching and learning in an ongoing exchange of traditions, knowledge, and perspectives.
2.2 Respect for Traditional Knowledge
Signatories honor Indigenous knowledge systems, committing to preservation efforts that protect these traditions. This also includes integrating traditional insights into health, wellness, environmental stewardship, and education.
Article 3: Economic Wellbeing and Personal Empowerment
3.1 Economic Participation and Priorities
Signatories recognize the importance of economic participation as a means to wellbeing. Economic cooperation among Treaty members is encouraged on an individual basis, allowing partnerships and opportunities that respect personal choice. These connections are intended to uplift both First Nations and Second Nations participants without mandating obligations.
3.2 Land and Cultural Preservation Initiatives
Where resources permit, Treaty signatories may establish funding pools dedicated to the purchase and return of lands to First Nations peoples. This is an optional endeavor to support Indigenous community development and heritage conservation.
Article 4: Commitment to Individual and Collective Well-being
4.1 Individual Priority and Solidarity
Through their commitment to the Treaty, individuals acknowledge that personal wellness and collective wellbeing are interconnected. Economic stability, cultural respect, and environmental sustainability are prioritized within this framework, reinforcing the support of First Nations goals through individual and community-based action.
4.2 Scholarship and Educational Support
Where resources permit, signatories may contribute to scholarship programs that support First Nations individuals in pursuing education and training, fostering opportunities for empowerment, leadership, and community advancement.
*Article 5: Declaration of Commitment
By signing this Treaty, individuals affirm their role in building a world of respect, equity, and sustainable practices. They recognize the importance of economic wellbeing, cultural exchange, and the ongoing empowerment of First Nations peoples, pledging to uphold these values in their actions and relationships.