The Indigenous Peoples Caucus met in Geneva, Switzerland, earlier this month to discuss the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The United Nations general assembly adopted the declaration last year but Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States -- the countries with the most significant indigenous populations -- voted against it.

"We are finding that the primary reason the U.S. did not sign on is the provisions on self-determination and land ownership," Duane "Chili" Yazzie, a member of the Navajo Nation, told The Farmington Daily Times.

Three tribal members, including Yazize, went to the meeting to discuss implementation of the declaration. The delegation asked for assistance with sacred sites and racism in border towns.

Get the Story:
Navajo reps join global discussion on human rights (The Farmington Daily Times 10/28)

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