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Here
is how their declaration begins:
We,
the indigenous peoples from all parts of the world assembled here,
reaffirm our relationship to Mother Earth and responsibility to future
generations to raise our voices in solidarity to speak for the 
protection
of water. We were placed in a sacred manner on this earth, each in
our own sacred and traditional lands and territories to care for all
of creation and to care for water.
We recognize, honor and respect water as sacred and [that it] sustains
all life. Our traditional knowledge, laws and ways of life teach us
to be responsible in caring for this sacred gift that connects all
life.
Our relationship with our lands, territories and water is the fundamental
physical, cultural and spiritual basis for our existence. This relationship
to our Mother Earth requires us to conserve our freshwaters and oceans
for the survival of present and future generations. We assert our
role as caretakers with rights and responsibilities to defend and
ensure the protection, availability and purity of water. We stand
united to follow and implement our knowledge and traditional laws
and exercise our right of self-determination to preserve water, and
to preserve life.
The challenges for the water sector have been highlighted in many
forums from local to international levels. The World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD) provides impetus and political support for solving
the water crisis. The political declaration, the Plan of Implementation,
and many head of state and government declarations confirm that water
is a key issue for poverty reduction, sustainable development and
the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on Water.
In Johannesburg, South Africa, during the WSSD, the international
community reconfirmed its solid commitment to these goals: by 2015,
reduce by half the proportion of people who do not have access to
safe drinking water and adequate sanitation: by 2005, develop integrated
water resources management and water efficiency plans in all countries.
“The Water for Life and Peace Dialogue” coming in October
of 2003, will be a benchmark in the current efforts to reestablish
a viable working relationship with this precious resource. Please
contact local groups, agencies and organizations in your community.
Get involved now on the issue of pure drinking water and water rights.
We are the ancestors of the future. When our children look back, it
is our efforts that will become the legacy on which they will stand.
Tom
Blue Wolf, director of EarthKeepers & Company, a local environmental
non-profit organization, may be contacted at 770.495.l9496, bluewolf@earthkeepers.net,
or P.O. Box 82, Talking Rock, GA 30175.
Nature
