“Indigenous peoples must be the ones to gather their own data in their respective communities.”
Jimrex Calatan, Global Communications and Outreach Coordinator of Indigenous Navigator Initiative (IN), emphasized the need for indigenous peoples to collect their own information during his talk at the 4th Quarter Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWDL-Net) Learning Conversation held last 24 October 2023 at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Training Center in Baguio City, Philippines.
He presented the IN framework and tools, methodologies and approaches that are used in gathering data from indigenous Peoples’ communities. He also highlighted the importance of obtaining free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of indigenous peoples when gathering data about them.
In addition, Calatan emphasized that the IN is an important tool in monitoring the level of recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the outcomes of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP). The IN is also important in monitoring the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The activity was attended by SWDL-Net members from civil society organizations, academe, non-government agencies, as well as groups and individuals who are engaged in poverty alleviation and social protection. Tebtebba is an active member of the learning network.
The activity was organized by the DSWD SWDL-Net – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).