Putting their best foot forward: Bidayuh women looking resplendent in their traditional costume for the Gawai Dayak parade in this file photo. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: More than 200 indigenous leaders and representatives from across Malaysia have come to Redeems Centre in Bau as Sarawak hosts the national-level Indigenous Peoples Day this week.
Organised by the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (Joas), the event kicks off with a forum today, followed by a showcase of culture tomorrow.
Muna Getor from Sarawak Joas said the forum will discuss issues affecting indigenous communities, including education, poverty and health.
“We have nine speakers who will present papers. Former Chief Justice Tun Richard Malanjum will be speaking online about legal, national and international issues,” she said when contacted yesterday.
Muna said the highlights of the celebration tomorrow include a demonstration of traditional food, traditional games and a cultural show at night. She said about 240 participants representing Malaysia’s indigenous communities are attending the celebration.
“They will be wearing traditional costumes to showcase their heritage,” she said.
Muna added that the celebration is being held in conjunction with the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which is observed on Aug 9 annually.
“We are celebrating together with the whole world. Our objective is for the government to recognise our people and our rights,” she said.
This year’s global theme focuses on “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact”.
According to Joas, the national-level forum today explores the interplay between corporate interests and indigenous rights, with a focus on youth empowerment and evaluating the impact of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia.
“The role of women in self-determination, land rights, resource management, health, energy transition, socioeconomic challenges, education and traditional knowledge will also be among the key discussion topics,” Joas said in a statement.
It added that the forum is aimed at fostering dialogue and inspiring collective action to address the challenges faced by indigenous people in Malaysia.
“It will also strive to generate actionable outcomes that respect and promote the rights, cultures and traditions of indigenous communities,” it said.
