SHILLONG: The inauguration of Indigenous Terra Madre, that will bring over a 100 tribes from 58 countries to the State, will be held at the Convocation Hall, NEHU on Tuesday.
Indigenous representative leaders from the seven Continents will be welcomed by chief/Khyrm of Mawlai in the ceremonial traditions of the land. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will unveil a video CD of a series of 12 films which were developed by NESFAS and the Department of Arts & Culture. He will also release the ITM 2015 Coffee Table book, “Sifting through the Clouds”.
Winona LaDuke, American activist, environmentalist, economist, and writer, known for her work on tribal land claims and preservation, as well as sustainable development will give the keynote address. Joining the global voices in supporting this gathering will be two video messages, specially sent for the ITM 2015. One is from Prince Charles, well known for his humanitarian and social interests and championing organic farming while the other is from Dr. M.S.Swaminathan, described by the United Nations Environment Programme as “the Father of Economic Ecology” and one of three from India included in Time magazine’s 1999 list of the “20 most influential Asian people of the 20th century”. The theme song – Spirit of Collaboration – will be presented by eminent musicians from Shillong. Young voices from India and North America will present their perspectives. Dr. Carlo Petrini, Founder and guiding philosopher of the successful Slow Food revolution, and the Head of SAPMI delegation, Sweden will address the gathering.
