The World Wilderness Congresses have always operated on the principle that indigenous knowledge and perspectives must be included in any wilderness discussion to ensure a full understanding of the wilderness concept. In keeping with this approach, the 8th WWC will integrate indigenous participation throughout its extensive agenda of panels and discussions, both in plenary and in working sessions. This will range from testimonials on climate change, to discussions on large landscape conservation and marine conservation, to lots of participation in the cultural program, youth initiatives, and many other Congress elements.

One event in particular, the Native Lands and Wilderness Council, will be entirely focused on indigenous conservation initiatives on native lands. This session will meet the afternoons of 3-4-5 October, chaired by Grand Chief Herb Norwegian of the Deh Cho First Nations (Canada) and Terry Tanner of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe (Montana). Julie Cajune of the CSKT is the program manager juliecajune@yahoo.com .

Representatives of up to 15 native communities will present how their people are managing their wildlands and marine areas to keep them wild, while still meeting their community needs. This is primarily a session for native communities to communicate with each other, share models, customs and knowledge, and contribute to a handbook that will be published afterwards as part of the Wild Planet Project (The WILD Foundation) to assist native communities worldwide. Case studies will be presented from Brazil, Guyana, Bolivia, Columbia, Madagascar, Mozambique, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Australia, Canada, the USA, and others.

Find out more about the Native Lands and Wilderness Council. (word doc)