New York, September 25, 2024
Under the theme “Empowering Indigenous Peoples for a Better Future for All,” Pawanka Fund’s 10th anniversary was commemorated. The event, held in New York, brought together donors, friends, and counterparts from around the world to honor a decade of commitment to Indigenous values and the self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
The ceremony began with a heartfelt land acknowledgment by Shane Weeks, a member of the Shinnecock Warriors Society, who recognized the importance of honoring the ancestral lands on which the event took place. This act underscored the deep respect for Indigenous territories and their significance to the identity of Indigenous peoples.
Following this, a spiritual ceremony was led by Guiding Committee members Namaka Rawlins and Teresa Zapeta, who invited the attendees to deeply connect with Mother Earth and the cosmos. They were joined by young Indigenous filmmaker Kynan Tegar from Sungai Utik, and Tom Sargent, one of Pawanka Fund’s co-founders and a member of Tamalpais Trust. Through chants, prayers, and offerings, the ceremony emphasized the importance of preserving and revitalizing ancestral knowledge, highlighting that unity and interconnection with nature are essential for the survival of humanity.
After this emotional opening, Guiding Committee members Isaack Hussein and Joan Carling welcomed the attendees, emphasizing Pawanka’s achievements over the past decade and the need to continue working collectively to face global challenges. Their speech reflected the spirit of Pawanka: a collaborative space that has enabled Indigenous peoples to lead their own development.
Next, Mateo Hinojosa, a filmmaker from The Cultural Conservancy, presented a video preview of an oral history documentary. The documentary seeks to weave together the meaning of Indigenous philanthropy and explore the paths of Indigenous self-determination through the voices of its protagonists. Attendees had the opportunity to watch this exclusive preview and were invited to explore the documentary trailer, available at the following link: Pawanka Event Sizzler – Oral History.
Actress, Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights at the Organization of American States (OAS), and member of the Wayúu Indigenous people, Patricia Velásquez, shared words of gratitude, emphasizing the value of ancestral knowledge for the preservation of the planet: “Thanks to the ancestral knowledge of Indigenous Peoples, we hold the key to preserving the planet. By helping us help, by supporting Pawanka, you hold that key to caring for the Earth and the beings we love.” Her message inspired those present to support Pawanka and its mission to preserve Indigenous cultures, which are essential for the well-being of the Earth.
Following this, María Fernanda Espinosa, Goodwill Ambassador for FILAC (Fund for the Development of Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean) and former President of the UN General Assembly, reflected on the global impact of Pawanka Fund: “Pawanka Fund has been a bold response to the challenge of implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” Espinosa highlighted how Pawanka has empowered Indigenous peoples by facilitating the exercise of their rights and promoting their self-determination, in line with international guidelines.
One of the most vibrant moments of the evening was the “Black Duck” dance performance, a symbolic presentation by our colleagues from Community First Development, an Indigenous-led Australian organization focused on supporting Aboriginal Indigenous Peoples in their region. This dance, full of history and spirituality, reaffirmed the value of Indigenous culture as a living and resilient expression.
Tom Sargent, co-founder of Pawanka Fund and Tamalpais Trust, shared the story of the fund’s creation, stating: “Pawanka was created to promote and serve Indigenous cultures with their knowledge, traditional values, and ways of life. (…) We’ve learned that communities with lived experience should be the ones to decide how to lead and support their own communities.” Sargent reminded that Pawanka has been forged with the vision of respecting and strengthening the inherent capacities of each Indigenous people, leaving key development decisions in their hands.
The panel discussion, moderated by Melissa Nelson, a member of the Guiding Committee, featured Indigenous leaders such as Eduardo Peralta, Denisa Levingston, Kynan Tegar, and Kimaren Ole Riamit, who shared their experiences and reflections on Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and the crucial role of Indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation.
Another notable moment was the intervention of Indigenous actress Kali Reis, who moved the audience by expressing: “We (Indigenous people) do not own the land, we are the stewards of the land, we belong to the land. Thank you, Pawanka Fund, for 10 years of preserving our joy and our love for our land.” Kali reminded everyone that the relationship with the land is sacred, and Pawanka’s work is key to keeping that connection alive.
The ceremony concluded with remarks by Dr. Myrna Cunningham, chair of Pawanka Fund, who expressed her deep gratitude: “We have over 1,000 beautiful stories from partners who have done so much with few resources and trust, recognizing that they make the best decisions when they are empowered to do so. That’s what we have been doing, inviting our partners to exercise their right to self-determination. This celebration is in their name, our partners who are changing the world.” Myrna emphasized that Pawanka’s true success lies in the leadership of its community partners, who have transformed their realities through their wisdom and self-determination.
The evening culminated with a vibrant musical performance by the Ecuadorian group Aya Uma, whose ancestral melodies resonated powerfully, closing the celebration with a spirit of unity and hope for the future.
This event not only commemorated Pawanka Fund’s 10 years but also reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to defending and promoting Indigenous values. Pawanka Fund will continue its work, empowering Indigenous peoples and striving for a future where ancestral wisdom guides the care of our planet and its inhabitants.
For those who could not attend the event, you can relive the celebration through the full broadcast on Pawanka Fund’s YouTube channel. The event link is as follows: Empowering Indigenous Peoples for a Better Future for All – Pawanka’s 10th Anniversary.
You can also access the photographic record of the event at this link.
