Introduction
Presentation

In accordance with the meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations, Mandat International, since 1998, has organized an annual Cultural Day for Indigenous Peoples. Due to the event`s incredible success in previous years, Mandat International and Traditions for Tomorrow have combined forces for the second year to co-organize an even bigger Cultural Day for Indigenous Peoples, with the support of the United Nations High Commisioner for Human Rights, the Swiss Commission of UNESCO and the Geneva Federation for Cooperation and Development.

We cordially invite you to discover and explore the cultural riches of indigenous peoples from throuought the world through dance, chanting, music, storytelling, cuisine, art and craft sales and expositions, traditional dwelling structures, horses cloaked in traditional Cheyenne garments, not to mention the many other surprises that will take place throughout the course of the day. In addition, we have planned a special program for children.

Access to the event is free.

The United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations : Indigenous peoples represent close to 400 million of the world’s population. Though they have continued to retain their unique knowledge and cultural traditions, they have also faced economic marginalization and have confronted numerous other problems. It is for this reason that the United Nations created, in 1982, a “Working Group for Indigenous Populations,” in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which meets once a year at the United Nations Office in Geneva and brings together more than a million delegates representing different indigenous populations. Thus, each year, Berbers, Native Americans, Pygmies, Bushmen, Papuans, Inuits and other indigenous nationalities convene during one week in the summer in order to voice concerns ranging from the preservation of cultural heritage, health, conservation of the environment, protection of human rights, etc.

Mandat International is a public utility foundation that supports the participation of non-governmental delegates (NGOs, indigenous communities, thinktanks, etc.) in international conferences. We manage the Welcome Center for Non-Governmental Organizations and Delegations, which provides housing, information, orientation and aid for delegates from developing countries. Most of our projects depend on volunteer work, and aim to promote international cooperation. (www.mandint.org)

Traditions for Tomorrow, through their support of endemic projects, aids indigenous peoples of Latin America in their efforts to safeguard their identities, or at the very least, affirm their existence. This international network also contributes to these efforts by bringing an institutional conscience to the reality of indgenous peoples and their diverse cultures.
(Prom. John Berney 12, 1180 Rolle, Tel.:021 825 23 31, email: trad@fgc.ch , site web: www.tradi.info).