Peoples’ Cordillera Day 2025 Solidarity Message from IWGIA

Written on 25 April 2025. Posted in News

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) extends our warmest greetings of solidarity to all the participants of the 41st Peoples’ Cordillera Day celebrations. Unfortunately, this year we will not be able to attend the important celebration and summit in person. However, we are with you in spirit, and are pleased to at least share our solidarity through this message.

Peoples’ Cordillera Day is a strong manifestation of the unity of Indigenous Peoples in the Cordillera region and of your determination to continue the struggle for genuine self-determination manifested in the theme of the event for 2025 “Assert Peoples' Rights, Persist in the Struggle for Self-Determination, Advance the Politics of Change”

Unfortunately, the struggle and unity are still necessary to perform every single day. With over 100 mining applications in the Cordillera, and a government that is determined to extract every bit of minerals, eying enormous profit from the needs for minerals in the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy production, the rights of Indigenous Peoples living in the Cordillera, where these minerals remain in the ground, are at risk.

While shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy is necessary, it must respect Indigenous Peoples’ rights, ensure social equity, and prioritize sustainability. Indigenous Peoples hold generations of knowledge about sustainable practices and living in harmony with the environment. Yet, they continue to encounter barriers to exercising their rights to self- determination. A just transition must uphold Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), recognizing Indigenous Peoples leadership in decision-making.

IWGIA is proud of its long-lasting partnership with the Indigenous Peoples of the Cordillera. We admire the strength, resilience, perseverance, and unity that you continue to show - even when your lives are put at risk in your struggles, and you are continuously, being accused of terrorism to defend the rights of your peoples in the region. The unethical and unlawful charges and cases filed against your leaders requires resilience, perseverance, and unity – all qualities that the Indigenous Peoples’ movement in the Cordillera have. These virtues continue to be of great inspiration to other Indigenous Peoples all over the world – inspiring us all to stand stronger united in the vindication of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and in the struggle against vigorous powers and exploiters of Indigenous Peoples.

In these trying times IWGIA stands with you in solidarity. We are extremely encouraged by the fact that Indigenous leaders in the Cordillera, as well as all over the Philippines, continue the fight – despite the severe threats. During these times of struggle, the 41st anniversary and re-enforcement of solidarity is highly needed, and we hope that the celebration this year will be fruitful to all.

May your land be protected, your rights respected, and your honor and dignity retained.

In Solidarity,

IWGIA

Tags: Land rights, Business and Human Rights , Indigenous Peoples Rights