The Caucus of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) was officially launched on the final day of the 13th National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference yesterday.
Tony James, a representative of the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), informed conference participants that considering the fact that the CIP is in the process of consolidating and a number of organisational and administrative matters are yet to be addressed, the months-old group has elected a steering committee, which will work to draft an action platform and work plan and refine the roles and functions of the grouping.
Further, he said, the caucus board will be named the National Indigenous Advisory Council (NIAC), which will have two members from each indigenous non-governmental organisation, district councils and the NTC. Representatives for women, youth and community-based organisations will also be included. James said that all members of the board must have experience and working knowledge of issues such as indigenous rights, REDD+, and land rights, among others.