Indigenous communities' contributions crucial in nation-building: Province Chief Gurung

Gandaki, Aug 8 : Gandaki Province Chief Prithivi Man Gurung has said that the contributions of indigenous communities in nation-building was important along with the political changes

In a message of best wishes on 29th International Day of the World's Indigenous People here today, the Gandaki Province Chief said that the indigenous communities had also made special contributions towards further strengthening nationality, maintaining social harmony and keeping tolerance among tribal communities.     

Indigenous communities all over the world are celebrating the Day under the slogan- 'Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination.' At the call of the United Nations, the Day is observed on August 9 every year to raise awareness of the needs of the indigenous populations. Nepal in 2007 approved the ratification of the Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples No. 169 adopted by the ILO in 1989.     

Chief Gurung in his message said that we all should the respect the diversity of ethnicity, religions, languages and cultures that have remained as the unique properties of Nepal and recognized by the constitution of Nepal for appropriate and fair representation of indigenous people in all state apparatus.     

He wished that may this day encourage all to move ahead through peaceful, constitutional and democratic means to exercise social, cultural, political and economic rights guaranteed by the constitution people for the indigenous people. (RSS)