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| | Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force | | | BACKGROUND
In 1992, the Haudenosaunee sent a delegation to the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to spread the words of the Thanksgiving Address, the philosophy of our people. This delegation reminded the entire world that we have a responsibility to act as caretakers of the natural world. Following the Earth Summit, the Haudenosaunee held a Grand Council to discuss the environmental degradation of our communities. In accordance with the Kaianerekowa (Great Law of Peace), the Grand Council passed and agreed, based on Haudenosaunee protocols and cultural beliefs, to establish the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force (HETF). The Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force is composed of delegates (Haudenosaunee leaders, environmental technicians and scientists) chosen by each of the Haudenosaunee Nations who are committed to identifying environmental problems in their communities and working to find solutions to these problems. Over the next two years, the HETF worked collectively to put together a document called Haudenosaunee Environmental Restoration: An Indigenous Strategy for Human Sustainability. The Restoration Plan begins with a short history of the Haudenosaunee and discusses how we have always interacted in an international level by signing treaties with other Nations. The plan then addresses the environmental concerns of each of the Haudenosaunee Nations, followed by a comprehensive strategy to do research to find solutions to environmental problems. In July of 1995, the HETF presented the Haudenosaunee Restoration Plan to the United Nations at the Summit of the Elders. When the HETF presented the Restoration Plan to the UN, it set a precedent as it was among the first comprehensive responses to Agenda 21, Chapter 26, and helped mark the beginning of the International Decade for Indigenous Peoples. Since the Summit of the Elders, the HETF has been working to implement the strategies outlined in the Haudenosaunee Restoration Plan. In 1998, the HETF received an Environmental Justice Through Pollution Prevention Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The major outcome of this grant was the development of the book called "Words That Come Before All Else: Environmental Philosophies of the Haudenosaunee." The HETF presently administers a grant from the EPA to assist the Cayuga, Tuscarora, and Tonawanda Seneca Nations as they develop environmental protection programs. |
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| The leaders of the Haudenosaunee have always considered three principles when making decisions: will a decision threaten peace, the natural world or future generations. The delegates of the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force have accepted these principles and use the following questions to guide us in our decision making: What effect will our decisions have on peace? What effects will our decisions have on the natural world? What effects will our decisions have on future generations?
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| The mission of the HETF is to assist Haudenosaunee Nations in their efforts to conserve, preserve, protect, and restore their environmental, natural and cultural resources; to promote the health and survival of the sacred web of life for future generations; to support other Indigenous Nations working on environmental issues; and to fulfill our responsibilities to the natural world as our Creator instructed without jeopardizing peace, sovereignty, or treaty obligations. However, as Indigenous Nations, we realize that all things are interconnected and do not wish to limit our activities to those listed above. |
To implement strategies, including those outlined in the Haudenosaunee Environmental Restoration Plan, that will restore environmental and community health within the territories of the Haudenosaunee. To improve communications within and between the communities located within the territories of the Haudenosaunee. To inform Haudenosaunee about pollution issues and to promote local pollution prevention activities. To support community based education on environmental issues and develop culturally appropriate educational curricula for Haudenosaunee youth. To enhance the skills of Haudenosaunee to conduct scientific research, including sampling and testing for toxicants. To protect the natural world by making recommendations regarding environmental policies and standards. To support community programs that promote waste management, including composting, recycling, roadside and underwater clean-ups. To develop culturally-based environmental protection processes for implementation within Haudenosaunee communities. To network with other environmental and legal professionals on environmental issues.
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For more information contact: Oren Lyons, Political Co-Chair Henry Lickers, Scientific Co-Chair Dave Arquette, HETF Acting Director Via P.O. Box 366 Rooseveltown, NY 13683 Phone: 518-358-3381 Or visit the HETF site at: www.hetf.org |
| | | 2006 HETF Search Conference |
 HETF Search Conference: A Vision for the Future Site: Eagle's Nest Location: Blue Mountain Lake, Adirondacks Date: August 8-10, 2006 What is a Search Conference?
The HETF Search Conference is an opportunity for us to step back from our regular routines and relationships and think creatively about how we might work together to bring about future change to our environment. This Search Conference brings together Haudenosaunee leaders and HETF members and staff to look at our accomplishments and barriers to success and brainstorm about desirable futures toward which the group would like to move. The process begins: A review of our shared history. Open discussion to think creatively about the future of our communities. Consider what the future is most likely to be if no action is taken. Ends with the development of an action plan for setting the change process in motion. What is the Outcome of the Search Likely to Be?
The outcome of the HETF Search Conference is likely to be general agreement among the participants on specific action plans for the Haudenosaunee to follow when making environmental plans for the future. Because participants will come from diverse backgrounds and will represent different perspectives, this general agreement will reflect the interest of the broader population. The outcome will be a common vision shared by the participants in the environmental future of the community - A Vision for the Future. |
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