Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 1, Number 9, 1 Nowemapa 1984 — OHA Trustee Named a WCIP Vice President [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA Trustee Named a WCIP Vice President

OfFice of Hawaiian AffairsTrustee Hayden Burgess was named as one of the two vice-presidents of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) during that group's recent Genera! Assembly in Panama City, Panama. The organization elects both an English-speaking and a Spanish-speaking individual to serve in the vicepresidency. Burgesssaid his responsibilities includethe coordination of activities of the Pacific, North Ameriean and Nordic regions of WC1P.

According to Burgess. WCIP was organized in 1975 by representatives of indigenous peoples from around the world. One of its goals, as stated in a "Solemn Declaration" issued at the time. is to "control again our destiny and recover our complete humanity and pride in being Indigenous People." WC1P is comprised of five regions — South America, Central America, North Amenea, the Nordic areas and the Pacific. lts membership includes 30 nations from around the world, and the organization has been given formal recognition by the United Nations.

Burgess said the eouneil, during its meeting in Panama Sept. 23-30, adopted the Pacific Region's resolution calling for an independent and impartial investigation into the U nited States' involvement in the overthrow of Hawaii and its subsequent occupation and rule over Hawaii's affairs. He said the eouneil also adopted a resolution calling for an immediate halt to bombing of both the Island of Kahoolawe and Makua Valley on Oahu. Burgess said: "A new door is opening whieh will bring Hawaiian issues before the international community." In addition to Burgess, Hawaii's delegation included OHA Trustee Rodney Burgess, Francis Kauhaneand observer Harry Kunihi Mitchell.

OHA Kupuna Coordinator Betty Jenkins at far left eoa xes the same Haleiwa kindergarten class to respond to greetings extended by Principal Aiko Eckerd, center, and State Rep. Joseph Leong. Mostfocustheir attention on the proceedings while others prefer to "cheese it" for the Ka Wai Ola camera.