Additional programmes are being presented at the American Museum of Natural History on 9 and 10 August.  Focusing on the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana, Africa and Mexico, these programmes are free and open to the general public with suggested museum admissions.  For additional information, please contact the American Museum of Natural History at (212) 769-5758 or see their website at

*The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is commemorated annually on 9 August in recognition of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Geneva.

**The Lenape Indigenous Nation is part of the Algonquin language and cultural group, who were the Indigenous Peoples of Manhattan Island.

A press conference will take place at 11:00am in Room S-226, United Nationa Headquarters, with the participation of the President of the Economic and Social Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Sacred Place Protection Programme Coordinator of the Association of American Indian Affairs

Indigenous Peoples:

Ancient Traditions in a Changing World

Saturday, August 9, 2003
This programme explores the increasing challenges faced by indigenous peoples seeking to maintain their ancient  traditions in the face of globalization. Presented in collaboration with the NGO Committee on the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.

The Indigenous Peoples of Guyana

Saturday, August 9, 2003, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Guyana is the only country on the mainland of South America where English is the official language, but it is also home to nine different indigenous languages. In this presentation, author Lal Balkaran examines the current situation of these nine cultural groups as described in his recent book, Dictionary of the Guyanese Amerindians—and Other South American Native Terms. A question-and-answer period follows.

Passing on Traditions: Aztec Music and Dance

Saturday, August 9, 2003, 2:15–3:15 p.m.

The performing group Cetiliztli Nauhcampa Quetzalcoatl in Ixachitlan, which means "Group of the Four Directions on the East of the Continent, Land of the Red People" in Nahuatl, an ancient language of Mexico presents the traditional music and dance of the Mexica, or Aztec, people. A question-and-answer session will follow

Kotchegna Dance Company

Sunday, August 10, 2003, 1:15–2:15 p.m. and 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Stories and legends of the Ivory Coast—the largest chocolate-producing country in the world—come to life
via the choreography of Vado Diomande and the Kotchegna Dance Company, with masked dancers, stilt
walkers, and drummers.  Co-presented with the Center for Traditional Music and Dance.

Africa: Facing the Challenges of Globalization

Sunday, August 10, 2003, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
As African leaders pledge to eradicate poverty and embrace sustainable development, partnerships with multinational chocolate, cotton, and other companies continue to transform the continent and its people. This panel examines controversial initiatives as well as the effects of rising consumer demands of Western countries on the local economies and peoples of Africa.

Invited speakers include John Langmore, International Labour Organization Liaison Office to the United Nations; Queen Mother and Akan Chief Nana Apeadu, Apeadu Children’s Peace Center; Goodluck Diigbo, Partnership for Indigenous Peoples’ Environment; and Kevin Bales, author of Disposable People.

For more information on these programs, please check the website at:

http://www.amnh.org/programs/special/global/index.html?src=p_sp