66 Anira and Peter Rose Sts., Queenstown, GeorgetownEmail: ind_pc@yahoo.comTelephone No.: (592) 231 – 5280Facsimile No.: (592) 231 - 5391

Building competence and promoting

rights of indigenous peoples

VALUE OF EXTRACTIVE MATERIALS

ECO-SYSTEM SERVICES / FOREST

Shifting dynamics

Current situation

• There are improvement that are evident, including transportation (regional roads and more regular air and boat service) and other public services in the hinterland. However the Amerindian community initiatives are limited to the interventions made by donors or technical advice agencies. The national and regional authorities have increased support to the Amerindians over the years, but the communities are currently not sufficiently organized to take advantage of this support.

Current situation

• Whilst there remain high level of concern and willingness among the national authorities and external agencies over the situation of the Amerindian peoples, the administration is also plagued with a number of critical human and other resources to address specific preferences and problems that are logistically distant and can be difficult.

Current situation

• One problem that has emerged from the type of donor assistance given to the communities is a culture of dependence on charity and gifts.

• This has undermined the willingness of the Amerindians to grapple with their situation and to find endogenous solutions to challenges of development.

Indigenous Peoples’ Commission

GUYANA’S Constitutional Reform in 1996 saw the creation of the “Rights Commissions”.

Section 212G of the Guyana Constitution states: “There are hereby established the following

Commissions…………….,

Goal: “….to strengthen social justice and the rule of Law.”

“Commission shall be independent, and shall discharge its functions fairly.”

“Establish mechanisms to enhance the status of indigenous peoples and to respond to their legitimate demands and needs.”

The Constitution mandates

PARLIAMENT

National Public Service

Providers / Stakeholders

Indigenous Peoples’

Commission

“Within the next five years, IPC will have recommended, promoted and actively contributed to the implementation of relevant policies on rights, empowerment, consultative processes, training and technical assistance, protection and preservation of the cultural heritage of a more informed and more conscious Indigenous peoples. With stronger partnerships, more stable resources and improved services, IPC will be a fully recognized and respected commission representing IP’s rights.”

VISION

COMPETENT

Communities with various

strengths

Way of Thinking Way of Working

Level 1

We are AWARE

Level 2

We React

Level 3:

We consciously

ACTLevel 4

We ACT systematically

/ continuously

Level 5

We ACT naturally

Mandates RESULTS

Way of Thinking Way of Working

Outputs Outcomes

1. Promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples

Outreaches conducted

PSAs / IECs published and disseminated

Training in Amerindian Act (2006) conducted

Indigenous people trust & have confidence in the IPC and within their communities

Indigenous people competent in the management of their sexual & reproductive health and family life

Amerindians have knowledge and understanding of the Amerindian Act (2006) and human development; especially knowledgeable about existing of laws and policies on Land use and disputes and benefiting from same.

Priority RESULTSWay of Thinking Way of Working

Outputs Outcomes2. Educate employers and the public and make recommendations to improve employment practices related to indigenous peoples

Existing labor standards and practices reviewed

Improved and effective labour standards and practices in the hinterlands , implemented Mechanism for implementation/enforcement of policies

Indigenous people competent with the interpretations of laws and policies with regards to employers/employees and labor issues

Priority RESULTS

Way of Thinking Way of Working

Outputs Outcomes

3. Raise awareness of the contributions of, and problems faced by, indigenous peoples

Root cause of concerns / issues ascertained for better resolution and policy guidance, documented

An effective and efficient complaints mechanism with an internal process for the receipt, recording, investigation and resolution of complaints, established.

Priority RESULTS

Way of Thinking Way of Working

Outputs Outcomes

4. Promote empowerment of indigenous peoples, especially with regard to the village council in the local government system and the scope and authority of the Council of Toshaos

Assessment conducted of the North Rupununi District Toshaos Council as an established institution for lessons learnt and develop best practices and share within other Indigenous Peoples’ Communities

Amerindian people competent as natural leaders & have management capacity to function as councillors while effectively collaborating with the local government system.

Priority RESULTS

Way of Thinking Way of Working

Outputs Outcomes

5. Make recommendations on economic and education policies to advance the interests of indigenous peoples

GAP analysis of hinterland schools for minimum standards for Early Childhood Development

Study of education initiatives done by CRS, IDCE and Youth Challenge to build capacity within discrete clusters in Regions 1, 8 and 9.

Understanding the needs for continuing education and universal access

Indigenous people competent in establishing and maintaining a sustainable livelihood Indigenous people competent to utilize the opportunity available within the education system

Mandates RESULTSWay of Thinking Way of Working

Outputs Outcomes

6. Promote consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples especially with regard to their participation in national decision-making and other decisions that affect their lives

By 2014 the Amerindian Review introduced to the biennial conference of the National Toshaos Council as a medium for participation in national decision-making and other decisions that affect the lives of indigenous people.

ALL works (plans, research, study) related to Amerindian development will be presented, discussed and documented.

Indigenous people aware of the application of Free Prior and Informed Consent in transactions (business, political, social, cultural) at ALL levels

Priority RESULTSWay of Thinking Way of Working

Outputs Outcomes

7. Administrative improvementStrengthened Administration’s Way of Working (WOW) to meet the mandates of the Commission and legitimate needs and demands of the indigenous peoples.

Implement appropriate and effective documentation system

Office equipment and supplies (Multi-media projector, radio set, sat-phone, laptops) acquired

Competence of Staff on efficient management of a successful Commission, improved

The secretariat is competent in executing its functions and achieving the mandate of the IPC.

Priority RESULTSWay of Thinking Way of Working

Outputs Outcomes

8. Fundraising Funding needs met to facilitate the work of the Commission for the next 5 years

Financial and Technical Expertise in place to support the work of the IPC

Strategic plan Preparatory Evidence

informed PolicyRecommendations

Measure change adopt response

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5• Awareness o IECs/PSAs• Ground worko Amerindian

Acto Establish

working relationships

• Equipment• Documentati

on• Tracking

system

• Awareness

• Research

• Training

• Investigations

Monitoring system implemented and maintained

Monitoring Monitoring

Monitoring and Evaluation