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Samdhana Institute Opens Manila Office at Manila Observatory

admin_samdhana — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 02:34:05 +0000

Samdhana Institute Opens Manila Office at Manila Observatory admin_samdhana Tue, 04/30/2024 - 09:34

Samdhana Institute in the Philippines has opened its Manila office, located on the 2nd floor of the Manila Observatory, inside the campus of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).

The blessing and opening took place on April 12, 2024. The blessing was officiated by Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ, former University President of ADMU, and current Director of Manila Observatory. Fr. Jett, as he is more popularly called, said that the kind of work Samdhana does embodies the integration of science and spirituality. His brief reflection connotes that we recognize and respect spirituality in different forms and expressions, and it is all-embracing, especially in our line of work with indigenous peoples and various groups. Many of the audience appreciated his message and prayer that, though we (and communities in the frontline) may get tired in this kind of work, it is the affirming kind of tiredness, because we fulfill our spirituality through the labor of our hands and hearts.

Mr. Jerome Montemayor, Executive Director of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) welcomed Samdhana through a message. He affirmed that it is a very good opportunity to be 'neighbors' because organizations such as ours that have common goals in protecting and promoting the environment need to work closer and better together. There is much potential to be able to bridge the support to Indigenous peoples and other grassroots groups who directly depend on and work for the environment. Mr. Montemayor also mentioned that FPE, being located in Quezon City, is also confronted by other kinds of environmental challenges like urban biodiversity. Again, the opportunities for collaboration and learning from one another institutionally is something that we look forward to.

'Shared inspiration' - this is the message of Fr. Pete Montellano, from the Indigenous People's Apostolate of the Prelature of Infanta. Fr. Pete is the former Head of Save Sierra Madre Movement. Fr. Pete said that Samdhana's support to Indigenous Peoples in their continuing struggle gives inspiration to them who are also supporting the community. On our part, the communities who are fighting against the threats and oppression they face also teach us what courage is.

Director of the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) of the Department of Agriculture, Dir. Bernadette San Juan, also welcomed Samdhana through a message. She looked forward to engaging with more farming communities and groups through Samdhana, as we have been building up our support for agro-ecology based farming with partner communities.

Mr. Filomeno Sta. Ana III, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Samdhana in the Philippines, said in his address, that there was a long deliberation before the final decision to hold office in the Manila Observatory. However, being there proved to be quite fitting in the end, since we are called to reflect on the work that is being done in the Observatory. The act and power of observation helps Samdhana in responding appropriately to the challenging situations that arise with communities, in such a manner that best engages and empowers the people involved.

Atty. Antonio La Vina, also a member of Samdhana's Board of Trustees, and a prominent figure of Manila Observatory, especially in the public governance and climate change policy work, said that he hopes that Samdhana can collaborate more, not just with their programs, but also with the other NGOs who are holding offices in the same building, such as Haribon Foundation and KLIMA.

The opening was graced by institutional partners such as Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center, The Asia Foundation, Mahalina Foundation and Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities. The Mr. Randy Cirio, the new National President of PAKISAMA and Ms. Jaymie Reyes, the Senior Policy Officer - Political and Human Rights/Law at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also attended the event. It was a delight to welcome student representatives from Miriam College and ADMU. Samdhana Fellows and other friends were also present for the opening.

The Samdhana Manila office will be a hub for networking with key institutions in the Philippines' civil society, and with national agencies as well as Embassies. We also hope to be able to provide a contact point for community and grassroots partners in other provinces in Luzon, and with national networks, to continue supporting them in national policy work.

Short reflection from Fr. Jett before the blessing. (SAMDHANA/Mithi)

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Fr. Jose Ramon "Jett" Villarin, SJ, former University President of ADMU, and current Director of Manila Observatory, officiating the office blessing. (SAMDHANA/Joan)

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Festival PARARA 2023: Celebrating Local Entrepreneurship and Indigenous Products

admin_samdhana — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 04:48:11 +0000

Festival PARARA 2023: Celebrating Local Entrepreneurship and Indigenous Products admin_samdhana Mon, 10/30/2023 - 11:48

From 11 to 15 October 2023, the PARARA consortium, which includes the Samdhana Institute, is hosting Festival PARARA 2023 in Jakarta. The event aims to showcase a range of curated entrepreneurial products, representing a diversity of communities and Indigenous Peoples in Indonesia. Each product is rooted in the wisdom and traditions of its makers, while also being emblematic of communities’ desire for harmony with nature.

Inspired by the layout of an urban house, the products are displayed in a unique and eye-catching way in the House of PARARA. In the front area, there are woven display case that showcases cloth bags and clothing accessories created by a community of weavers in Kalimantan. In the middle of the house configuration is a kitchen selling delicious frozen food products from Bali, including a range of coffee bean products made by Gerai Nusantara (AMAN) and WALHI.

Another display case showcases a selection of dry foods from various regions, including a range of select products created by Samdhana partners. Some of our product highlights include Sekar Langit Organic Tea from Central Java, Cibarani Palm Sugar from West Java, LSDP SD Inpers’ Cajuput Oil from East Java, and Pilemon Natural Soap and VCO from Sarmi, Papua. Each of these products is authentic and unique, handmade by forest communities using natural materials and generations of experience.

Indigenous communities' products participating in Festival PARARA 2023. (SAMDHANA/Naely Himami)

The theme of Festival PARARA 2023 is ‘Young, Sovereign, and Empowered' (Muda, Berdaulat, dan Berdaya), featuring a line-up of esteemed speakers, as among others: Robertus Aries Bastian (Perwakilan Biboki Art Shop), Calvin Kororem (BUMDES Desa Martewar, Papua), Lintang Gustina (Koalisi Ekonomi Membumi), Ratna Hartine (Senior Adisory ANGIN), Anang Setiawan, who is the Chair of the PARARA Consortium; and Tosca Santoso, an expert coffee farmer.

The messages conveyed in the discussions include: the importance of synergy across various sectors, from government support to community involvement in forests and the management of coastlines. Collaboration among communities and CSOs is also seen as the key to unlocking market access and achieving more efficient product distribution. Crucially, by collaborating with the tech-savvy younger generation, local businesses can utilise social media platforms, reach a wider audience and ultimately raise awareness of local products in Indonesia.

Over the five days of Festival PARARA 2023, attendees were discussing and collaborating around a range of topics, including social business, business incubation, capital entrepreneurship, new business ventures from youth groups and women’s use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The event also focussed on the growing trend of wearing local clothes and reducing reliance on imported products; the benefits of local ingredients in a balanced diet, such as tempeh, which is considered healthier than granola; and various other discussions related to local products made by Indigenous communities. Dances from Jakarta (or Betawi tribe) and Papua were also performed, depicting communities’ livelihood activities.

Weaving fashion show from local artisan. (SAMDHANA/Neni Rochaeni)

From local handicrafts and food sovereignty to seminars, social media, and cultural performances, Festival PARARA 2023 promises to be both a celebration of tradition and a stepping stone forward for the Indigenous communities of Indonesia. For more information about Festival PARARA 2023, go to the festival website.

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Visitors enjoy free coffees from local farmers. (SAMDHANA/Naely Himami)

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Partners' solidarity for World's Indigenous Peoples Day

admin_samdhana — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:53:23 +0000

Partners' solidarity for World's Indigenous Peoples Day admin_samdhana Sat, 09/09/2023 - 17:53

In one day, 2,582 seedlings were planted, achieving 10% of our target to plant 20,000 trees in this year! On August 9, 2023, as we celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 60 groups/ organizations joined us in simultaneous tree-growing activities. Our collaborative effort to nurture back forest areas is spreading! We started with around seven partner communities in Northern Mindanao in year 2020 (at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic). For the August 9 simultaneous tree-growing, 13 more partner communities joined us and contributed their efforts to be counted as part of the 20@20 campaign. Tree-growing took place in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Cagayan de Oro, and Culion in Palawan in the Philippines. In addition to these areas, the Indigenous youth in Papua and South Papua provinces, Indonesia are joining this effort to grow 20,000 trees and more. Almost half of the groups who joined, (29 groups/ organizations) participated from Indonesia. Komunitas Tuli Sorong (Sorong Deaf Community) was one of the active groups during this event. The participants reported planting fruit trees such as rambutan, longan; moringa; and hardwood species such as molave, lawaan (meranti), and narra; and mangrove trees by Calamian Tagbanwa partners in Palawan, and fisherfolk in Lanao del Norte.

The 20@20 tree growing is an ongoing conservation and fundraising campaign facilitated by Samdhana Institute, to support primarily indigenous communities that are working to restore and protect their forest areas. Since we began the tree-growing fundraising campaign in late 2021, we have worked with Indigenous youth groups who have led the establishment of their community tree nurseries, through collection of wildlings and seeds, and exchanges of seedlings with other IP communities. In the pilot Higaonon tribe community of Awang in Opol, Misamis Oriental, within the Dulangan Unified Ancestral Domain, since 2020, we have planted around 6,000 seedlings and counting, through the hard work of the tribal community leader, youth and women; alongside volunteers from faith-based, academe and civic organizations, and Samdhana team and family members.

Our heartfelt thanks to the tree-growing partners:

Indonesia

Noken Mamta
MAPALA USTJ
Jayapura Deaf Community
Youth Hena
Youth Yotoro
PAM Imanuel Ifar Gunung
SILVA
GAP
Rindan Ifar Gunung
GAPAI Papua
Students of Biology Faculty – Cenderawasih University
Pertamina Foundations
Taman Baca Efata
Earth Hour
KOMPIPA community
Youth of Sorpus
Taman Faith’s participants
Nokeners of Domberai Sorong
Komunitas Tuli Sorong / Sorong Deaf Community
Sorong Neighborhood residents
Youth of Sire Village
Papua Paradise Center
Sekolah Alam Paradise
Nokeners of Animha
Youth of GPI Syalom Merauke
Malind Imoh IP group
GMKI Merauke (Gerakan Mahasiswa Kristen Indonesia)
Women/Mamas of Papamarba (Pengrajin Atribut Budaya Mappi)
Women/Mamas of Perajut (Knitter) “Katin Sai”

Philippines

Serukadang Manobo Tribal Organisation (SMTO)
NMTU
NMMTS
Unified Kiriteken Ilantungen Tribal Council (UKIMTRICO)
NMKI
Basak Masayon Farmers Irrigators Association
Awang BLGU
Panaghiusa sa mga HIgaonon sa Awang (PAHINA)
Kababayen-an sa Panlablaba (KASAP)
Panlablaba Youth Organization (PAYO)
Nangcaon Higaonon Youth Organization (NAHIYO)MMO
Dulangan Youth Group (DUYOG)
PAGBATI
Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH)
Society of St. Columban
Columban Lay Missionaries
ICON-SP
NABIMINA
CMEM
UBJP
La Bugal
CALM Ancestral Domain IPS
CALM AD Women Group
CALM AD Youth Group
SINLA
Barangay Tumpagon Tribal Council
Sanggunian Kabataan
Subang Foundation
HEED (Human Economic and Ecological Development INC.)
Panaghiusa alang sa Kaugalingnon ug Kalingkawasan Inc. (PASAKK)
Lanao Aquatic and Marine Fisheries isheries Center For Community Development, Inc. (LAFCCOD)

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Grant Advisers Meeting in Chiang Mai

admin_samdhana — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 06:52:09 +0000

Grant Advisers Meeting in Chiang Mai admin_samdhana Tue, 08/08/2023 - 13:52

From 27-29 March 2023, Samdhana convened its Grant Advisers at the Furama Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, this was the first offline gathering in almost three years. For many Samdhana Advisers it was a chance to meet their colleagues – and some of their key Partners – for the very first time.

In total, 16 advisers attended the meeting. Twelve came from Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, while another four Advisers and one staff/fellow joined online. This ‘hybrid’ format has become the norm in recent times, and enabled those Advisers who were unable to travel to get involved – this was especially beneficial for the two Advisers currently based in Canada and Australia.

As this was the first time many of the Advisers had met in person, the event featured an evening of introductions to foster a sense of commonality and solidarity, with Partners who were based in Chiangmai, including organizations from Myanmar, Cambodia, and from the Chiang Mai University- School of Public Policy. All in attendance presented and shared a part of their respective cultural backgrounds and highlighted the diversity of the group, while also revealing a good deal of common ground on which to build in future.

Organised by Samdhana’s Grants team and Mekong team, the primary purpose of the meeting was to revisit Samdhana's grants-making strategy in response to recent developments and to identify ways in which the current grants-making process could be improved. Participating staff and Advisers shared their insights about the origins of Samdhana’s grants-making, the current state, what lessons have been learned, and how the current approach could be made more relevant, effective and impactful to the lives of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

The Advisers shared their experiences working with partner communities, such as the highland groups in Vietnam, and Indigenous peoples in the Philippines, outlining the challenges and opportunities they had encountered. They also reflected on the common social and environmental issues being faced by communities, and the solutions they availed or the innovations they discovered to overcome such obstacles to their development.

They discussed their role as Grant Advisers and how they can be more effectively engaged in the grants-making process. They recognised that Advisers play a crucial role, not only in reviewing proposals, but even more in helping reach out to new local groups and organisations that may be in need of funding support. In providing their analyses of communities and groups that we are supporting, they helped to ensure support is strategic and conducive to the building of local movements, rather than being too preoccupied with projects.

During the three-day event, Advisers and staff visited Ban Nong Tao community. Here they learned about the Indigenous Karen people’s integrated agriculture and forest management practices. Ban Nong Tao is a current Samdhana grantee-partner, so the Advisers had an opportunity to see the community situation first-hand, and meet the individuals who are currently building a cultural learning centre.

During this visit, the group met Mr. Johnny, who is a key figure in the community’s campaign for recognition of their land and forest management rights. Seeing this campaign at ground level was vital for the advisers, especially as some were in the process of reviewing proposals.

The visit affirmed Samdhana’s vision of being able to “fund the un-fundable.” It served as a valuable way to renew advisers’ commitment and facilitate more open communication between them and the Grants Programme team. By revisiting their grants-making strategy, Samdhana Advisers and team members discovered a renewed sense of purpose, which they will utilise to further their support for IPLCs.

Through proactive efforts identifying new ways to engage with partner communities, Samdhana is better positioned to continue its mission of promoting social and environmental justice in Southeast Asia for the next 20 years and beyond.

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Samdhana was held Grant Advisers Meeting, 27-29 March 2023. In total, 16 advisers attended the meeting.

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Press Release: Bali to Host Regional Learning Exchange on Tenure Reform Processes with Civil Society Organisations across Asia

admin_samdhana — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:54:22 +0000

Press Release: Bali to Host Regional Learning Exchange on Tenure Reform Processes with Civil Society Organisations across Asia admin_samdhana Thu, 06/01/2023 - 16:54

“Water is sacred resource for our livelihoods, apart from the forests. A potential investor came to our indigenous community and said that ‘the natural resources, cultures, rituals, that your community have is amazing. It would be attractive for external visitors,’” said Putu, an Indigenous community member from Dalem Tamblingan, Buleleng, Bali, as he recalled his encounter with an investor who had managed to attain a business permit from the local government to open a tourism facility in his village.

Several civil society organisations (CSOs) in Asia participated in the Asia Learning Exchange on Social Inclusiveness and Youth. The event, organised in Bali, Indonesia, from 29 May to 2 June 2023, aims to create a space for dialogue among CSOs across Asia and strengthen solidarity in advocating for land rights.

“We learned so much about how the communities managed natural resources using traditional knowledge. Both women and men work hand in hand to do this,” said one participant of the event, who came from Nepal.

The event organisers include the Indonesian Coalition for Tenure Justice (Koalisi Tenure), Tenure Facility, International Land Coalition (ILC), and Samdhana Institute. The organisers emphasised that the main objective of the event is to formulate the various insights and ideas into promoting meaningful participation of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalised groups to protect the right to land and natural resources, Indigenous territories, and the environment.

“Indonesia has an extensive history in structural land inequality. The central government plays a role in land grabbing incidents in indigenous territories, by issuing land concessions for businesses in various sectors, or in the name of infrastructure projects for development. This is often done without consent from Indigenous Peoples and local communities,” said Rukka Sombolinggi, Secretary-General of the Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of Nusantara (AMAN), who is part of the organising committee.

Land and customary territories that provide bountiful resources, food, and place of residence for local communities are vulnerable to land conflicts and land grabbing incidents. Similarly with forests with rich ecosystems, such as mangroves, peatland, and karst. In turn, Indigenous Peoples, peasant farmers, fisherfolk, and local communities are prone to criminalisation for peacefully protecting their right to land and natural resources.

Learning Exchange

The Asia Learning Exchange event started with a two-day visit to communities in four locations spread across Java, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara provinces.

Participants from Nepal, India, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Timor Leste, the Philippines, Thailand, and Bangladesh held discussions with local communities, peasant farmers, rural women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples, before returning to Denpasar, Bali, to exchange ideas and experiences in advocating for land rights and tenure justice from the grassroots level.

The community visits not only showcase the complexity of agrarian issues in Indonesia, but also the strength and perseverance of the civil society in the country in promoting genuine and inclusive agrarian reform, which does not only entail issuing land certificates for the people. Women and youth are encouraged to be actively involved in the event as resource persons.

“With this forum, the agrarian reform movement in Indonesia emphasises that our struggle for land rights is built upon the practices and initiatives of local communities that promote genuine agrarian reform and tenurial justice for peasant farmers, fisherfolk, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples. This can only be realised with a strong people’s movement,” said Dewi Kartika, Secretary-General of the Consortium of Agrarian Reform (KPA), also a member organisation of the ILC.

Tenure justice for Indonesian people

The learning exchange is part of the preparatory process for organising of the Tenure Conference in September 2023. With the theme “Realising Social and Environmental Justice: Tenure Justice for Indonesian People”, this learning exchange provides a moment of reflection and an opportunity to enrich knowledge about tenurial security across Asian countries with its own context. The organisers hope to gain insight from local communities, women, and youth, as a guideline to prepare for the 2023 Tenure Conference.

“The Asia Learning Exchange is a great medium to strengthen the struggle of communities for tenurial justice, either for local or international participants, or even for the local communities who have kindly hosted this event,” said Mardhatillah, Indonesian Coalition for Tenure Justice.

The previous Tenure Conference was held in 2011 and 2017. The 2023 Tenure Conference will emphasise on the voices of local communities as an effort to promote people-centred development.

Editor’s note:

The Asia Learning Exchange on Social Inclusiveness and Youth is organised by the Indonesian Coalition for Tenure Justice (KT), International Land Coalition (ILC), Samdhana Institute, and Tenure Facility (TF).
About Koalisi Keadilan Tenurial di Indonesia (KT): https://koalisikeadilantenure.com/kami/
About Tenure Facility: https://thetenurefacility.org
About International land Coalition (ILC): https://www.landcoalition.org
About Samdhana Institute: https://samdhana.org
The community visits were organised and coordinated by members and partners of ILC and Tenure Facility in Indonesia: Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of Nusantara (AMAN), Ancestral Domain Registration Agency (BRWA), Consortium for Agrarian Reform (KPA), and the Sajogyo Institute (SAINS)

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Plenary session Asia Learning Exchange on Social Inclusiveness and Youth at Sanur, Bali, May 31, 2023.

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Asia Learning Exchange on Social Inclusiveness and Youth

admin_samdhana — Sun, 28 May 2023 22:55:19 +0000

Asia Learning Exchange on Social Inclusiveness and Youth admin_samdhana Mon, 05/29/2023 - 05:55

Asia Learning Exchange on Social Inclusiveness and Youth is taking place in Bali, 28 May to 2 June 2023. This event is co-organized by the Coalition for Tenure Justice in Indonesia (Koalisi Tenure/KT), Tenure Facility, International Land Coalition (ILC) and Samdhana Institute. The Exchange brings together partners, coalition members and allies in Southeast Asia region, working to strengthen the protection of peoples' land rights.

The program starts with two days of field visits to communities in Lombok, Bali, and East Java. It will be followed by three days of conference in Bali, with inputs, dialogues, and workshops.

The Exchange aims for participants to get together, listen, learn, inspire, and coordinate on how to best advance different aspects of tenure security in the context of Asia.
The discussions will explore what are the gaps and the effective practices that enhance inclusion, such as that for the youth, in securing tenure rights.

Participants will deep-dive into community-specific dynamics around mapping and data for tenure rights recognition, locally anchored management plans of land/territories, community-based conservation, livelihood and local economic development, conflict resolution processes, leadership regeneration and youth engagement in the land rights movement.

Participants will also exchange on
broadening and enhancing inclusion to advance tenure rights of women, youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Some participants are invited to share on women's leadership, and the next generation.

This learning exchange is part of the preparation process leading up to the National Tenure Conference in August 2023, organized by the Coalition for Tenure Justice in Indonesia. The results from this week's dialogues will contribute to the design of National Conference.

The organizers and participating institutions join hands in this event, driven by the same vision to support peer-to-peer exchange among Asia civil society.

This is one of the three Regional Exchanges planned by Tenure Facility for 2023, to facilitate sharing and learning between partner organizations. As for ILC Asia, the event offers an opportunity to learn about the progress and challenges of strengthening youth leadership as an important aspect of social inclusion in Indonesia. It will feed into ILC Asia’s work on youth in the years to come. For Samdhana, the event is an important moment to reflect on what Partners have gained, and how to continue supporting this, along with fostering more learning in the region.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3GiKlqg

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Kick-off WEHRDs Summit 2023

admin_samdhana — Wed, 24 May 2023 02:28:35 +0000

Kick-off WEHRDs Summit 2023 admin_samdhana Wed, 05/24/2023 - 09:28

May 23, the 2023 South East Asia Women Environmental Human Rights Defenders (WEHRDs) Summit officially opened, taking place in West Adonara District, East Flores Regency, Indonesia. Dozens of indigenous peoples and local communities from Southeast Asia attended this event.

The SEA WEHRDs Summit aims to foster knowledge exchange on environmental damage, climate change, and sustainable practices. It provides a platform for sharing stories, experiences, and skills related to these issues. It showcases inspiring examples of good practices and innovations in maintaining the environment, such as sustainable agriculture, local food campaigns, organic products, handicrafts, and local food processing. The initiative also facilitates dialogue with various stakeholders, including government agencies, legislators, academia, private sector, and media, to garner support for forest conservation/restoration and forest-friendly livelihoods. Ultimately, it seeks to establish a Southeast Asia network of Indigenous and local women and young women who actively engage their communities and different sectors to enhance food production, livelihoods, and forest conservation/restoration efforts.

Joining the Summit are IPLC women and a member of the LGBT, coming from various communities in Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines and Indonesia.

Participants from the Philippines come from the Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Tboli and Calamian Tagbanwa tribes. Through this event, they are able to meet other WEHRD from indigenous communities. From the preparatory period when the participants arrived, up to today’s opening ceremony, they have been sharing and learning from one another’s experience, knowledge, and culture.

This event is taking place at Maria Loretta's sorghum plantation in Waiotan, Pajinian Village. Maria Loretha, is pleased to be able to host a delegation of women defenders, environmentalists and human rights activists from various countries. In her speech, Maria again reminded us of the role of women in the life process from the beginning to the end.

“Women are involved in the production process, from planting food sources, harvesting, and serving dishes at the dinner table. It's amazing," said Maria.

In Pajinian Village, the women plant sorghum, which is a source of food for the residents. In fact, this location is the largest producer of sorghum in the Province of East Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Timur/NTT). This cannot be separated from the role of women. This early on, the WEHRDs Summit is already celebrating the fact that women are the mothers of life.

Participants from the local community, students, and representatives of the East Flores Regency government attended the event's opening.

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Womens of indigenous peoples and local communities from Southeast Asia attended SEA WEHRDs Summit 2023 in West Adonara District, East Flores Regency, Indonesia. (SAMDHANA)

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Training the Future Trainers

admin_samdhana — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:17:28 +0000

Training the Future Trainers admin_samdhana Thu, 04/27/2023 - 02:17

Young Indigenous people from various regions in Indonesia joined the “Good Facilitator Training for Indigenous Youth” in Yogyakarta from 15 – 17 December. Around 20 youth, whose organizations had received support from Samdhana Institute before, such as BRASTI from Bali, Barisan Pemuda Adat Nusantara (BPAN), Sanggar Seni Alegra Lembata in NTT, and Komunitas Menoken Jayapura in Papua attended this event.

Social and behavioral changes are more genuine when these are being experienced. Thus, to support and encourage the next generation to become change agents in their communities, the training focused on participatory facilitation methods. It introduced the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools and taught the participants to adopt the lens for identifying the gender equity, disabilities, and social inclusion (GEDSI) needs and concerns.

They underwent sessions and corresponding learning activities on the topics: introduction to GEDSI, management of youth issues in indigenous and local communities, facilitation of change processes, and evaluation. The participatory training methods allowed all to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and interpret learning as critical reflection. In the training, participants also got the opportunity to present their work in various forms as a form of self-expression, and they practiced providing constructive criticism for each group’s presentation.

The discussions brought up many issues about how to provide effective assistance to the community in every stage of the process, starting from identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and potentials. It was very helpful for the young participants who are just in the beginning stages of their engagement.

“Why bring them in? Because they are young people who are involved in their communities as facilitators”, said Nurul Hidayah, Capacity Development Coordinator in Samdhana.

Lastly, after receiving inputs both in theory and in practice, each of the participants designed a RTL (Follow-Up Plan) according to the activities to be carried out in their respective places or communities. Gender equality, disability, social inclusion (GEDSI), the Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (PMEL) framework, and creativity were among the frameworks and tools they applied to craft their plans.

You can watch the full story here.

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Wed, 04/12/2023 - 12:00

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Young Indigenous people from various regions in Indonesia joined the “Good Facilitator Training for Indigenous Youth” in Yogyakarta from 15 – 17 December. (SAMDAHANA/Sandika)

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Finding Common Ground Amidst Diversity: The Subanen Youth Camp in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur

admin_samdhana — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 05:39:38 +0000

Finding Common Ground Amidst Diversity: The Subanen Youth Camp in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur admin_samdhana Wed, 01/04/2023 - 12:39

By Bing Mordeno and Sr. Ashwena Apao

The Subanens, the indigenous peoples inhabiting Western Mindanao, perceive non-Subanens, particularly the Bisaya, as land-grabbers having a superiority complex, the kind of people that need to be avoided. On the other hand, Subanens are being thought of as unclean, uncivilized, and devoid of good manners, among other negative traits.

These prejudices, along with other issues like bullying and discrimination, were tackled during the youth camp on October 7-9, 2022 attended by at least a hundred young Subanens and non-Subanens at the Midsalip Subanen Ministry Inc. (MSMI) based in Midsalip town in Zamboanga del Sur.

Inputs on climate change, biodiversity, culture and leadership were also given by MSMI partners and the parish of Midsalip. These helped the youth participants in relating the issues to their actual situations, which they portrayed through creative dramatics. All the 10 groups acted out their understanding of prejudices as well as the imperative of caring for the earth. They said the planet, humankind’s only home, is presently on fire, hence the call for all people to participate in every little way that they can.

"Psychological interventions focused on unloading emotional baggage and confronting deep-seated biases among young people are greatly needed and can happen only by chance and experience. This is happening through our youth camp, which builds bridges between Subanen and non-Subanen, builds self-confidence and a better understanding of oneself and others. It promotes peace with creation,” said Sr. Ashwena Apao, the Subanen ministry in-charge.

“Through dialogue with the tribe and other affiliations, non-IP youth’s understanding of the indigenous peoples’ lives and living that are connected to the environment will be deepened and respected, and will result in a peaceful community and a better future,” she added.
Sr. Ashwena is one of the Emerging Leaders under this year’s Cohort and Fellowship Programme of Samdhana Institute. It is part of the Women Environmental Defenders’ Project which Samdhana is implementing as part of a consortium under The Asia Foundation.

Two Columban religious sister postulants from Myanmar, (Sophia and Helena), were impressed with the solidarity among the youth amidst diversity as regards religion, gender preferences and economic status.

The youth camp took place nearly three years after the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, affecting the mobility, survival, and mental health of people, not only those in the cities but also those in indigenous and rural communities.

The Subanen indigenous peoples, who claim themselves to be peace-loving, inhabit the western part of Mindanao. They are taking the lead in protecting Mt. Pinukis mountain range, its forests and water sources. The mountain supplies water to the rice fields of Zamboanga Peninsula and part of Misamis Occidental.

For the past years, the Subanens, with the support of local and international partners, have resisted the entry of some mining companies. They believe that once the forests and its resources are gone, their tribe will die. Hence, the continuing and massive forest protection and tree-growing activities implemented with the local community stakeholders. ###

Youth Noken Philippines 2022

admin_samdhana — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:04:58 +0000

Youth Noken Philippines 2022 admin_samdhana Mon, 11/21/2022 - 14:04

"Be proud, don't be ashamed, and continue to live the culture." This is the pledge of the indigenous youth who attended the second Youth Noken Philippines held last November 12, 2022, online. With the theme "Indigenous Youth: Unite, Help Each Other to Develop, Stabilize and Strengthen Culture", it aimed to give the various tribal youth groups a platform to meet and ato share their initiatives towards the development of their culture and communities.

Eleven youth organizations prepared video presentations, spoken words, handicraft demonstrations, and traditional games, songs, and dances to express their respective cultural practices that they strive to live by. They desired to share their experiences, that despite the challenges they face, such as discrimination and modernization that gradually eroded their traditions, they still want to live on with their Indigenous identities. As a closing to the one day gathering, the Noken participants crafted their appeals to the government, to schools and other institutions, and to their elders: Respect Indigenous Peoples rights and treat them justly; More support for their studies through scholarships; and continuous guidance of their Elders to deepen their understanding and living of their culture.

The second Noken was attended by approximately 400 young people from the communities of Calamianes in Palawan, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Surigao del Norte and Maguindanao, in simultaneous online and on-site activities. This national level Noken is also a preparation for the Regional Youth Noken 2022 to be held on November 27, 2022, where young people from Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos will be meeting in the host community in Indonesia.

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The participants of Youth Noken Philippines 2022

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