The Right to Maintain Their Culture

A group of Native Americans form two large circles around a ceremonial fire in an open field, some playing on drums, some playing other instruments, some dancing.

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THE RIGHT TO MAINTAIN THEIR CULTURE

Adapted from The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous peoples have the right
To practice and revitalize
Their cultural tradiations and cultures.
This includes the right
To maintain, protect, and develop
The past, present, and future manifestations
Of their cultures, such as
Archeological and historical sites,
Artefacts, designs, ceremonies,
Technologies, and visual and performing
Arts and literature.

States shall provide redress
With respect to cultural, intellectual,
Religious, and spiritual property
Taken without their free, prior,
And informed consent,
Or in violation of their laws,
Traditions, or customs.

Indigenous peoples have the right
To practice, develop, and teach
Their spiritual and religious traditions;
The right to maintain, protect
And have access in privacy
To their religious and cultural sites;
The right to the use and control
Of their ceremonial objects;
And the right to the repatriation
Of their human remains.

Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.

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