Telecommunications for Indigenous Peoples

Access to ICTs by indigenous peoples has proven to be an effective instrument for improving their quality of life and defending their rights. To cite just one example, the Chiapaneco case, the Internet was essential in publicizing the issue as they sought support from indigenous peoples in pressing their demands.

But how can these benefits be extended to the indigenous population in a context of respect for their identity and culture, given that, in terms of connectivity, many of these peoples are left out?

We believe the easiest, most effective way is to strengthen the social capital of indigenous peoples. We believe ICTs can play an important role in this area. Free access to information and the formation of ties facilitate a more efficient approach to development that respects indigenous cultures; and they help to bring together skills and resources that will help indigenous peoples attain their own objectives.

Following these principles, and in the context of commitments undertaken at the Summit of the Americas and the World Summit on the Information Society, CITEL is promoting the Site to Facilitate Telecommunications for Indigenous Peoples of the Americas project, which will use ICTs to strengthen capabilities, gather information, and form ties that will facilitate and strengthen the adoption of ICTs for their benefit.

The project will be conducted with funding from Mexico and the ITU-D, and in cooperation with a number of countries in the region. The countries will initiate a process of research and action that, through the formation of ties among interested parties, will gather information on successes in ICT applications, appropriate technologies, content creation, funding, and regulation. This information will be posted at the portal; here the indigenous user will find everything he or she needs to promote projects, and will be able to form alliances to implement them. A second phase will involve support to pilot projects that will demonstrate the usefulness of the site.

This is an ambitious undertaking, but the enthusiasm we derive from working for the benefit of our peoples will prompt us to do our very best.

For further information, or to comment on the project, please contact the rapporteurs, Christian Martinez [email protected] and Erick Huerta [email protected].

Erick Huerta - Christian Martínez
Coordinators