When one looks at the spiritual relationship with our mother earth, it means indigenous peoples. While we appreciate the efforts of some delegations, we note and draw attention to the very weak references to indigenous people in the Rome Declaration and no reference at all in the Plan of Action, especially when it is the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Peoples. We are concerned that trade is expressed as the key to food security and that emphasis on markets does not recognize indigenous food systems. The negative impact of tourist development, land conversions and the food monoculture also erode traditional Indian food systems. The access to lands for traditional foods must be protected.
Indigenous peoples have a land-based culture.
Food from our mother earth is intrinsically related to our cultural and spiritual way of life. Food is an essential part of many of our spiritual ceremonies. Our religious feasts require certain traditional foods like wild berries and meats, herbs and water. These are integral parts of our culture that are currently impacted or interrupted in many ways. Our ancestors in some areas have secured our traditional ways and food systems in Treaties.