WILTON LITTLECHILD, I.P.C.,C.M., F.P., Q.C.
Barrister and Solicitor
Box 370
Hobbema, Alberta, Canada
TOC 1NO

North America Regional Preparatory Meeting for the UNPF6, April 21- 22, 2007

North America Indigenous First Nations, Organizations and Communities:

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Warm Greetings to all.

As the Indigenous Independent Expert Member from North America on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), I would like to extend an invitation to you all to attend this year’s North America Region Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 6th session. The Preparatory meeting will be held from April 21st and 22nd, 2007. It will take place in the same location as our very successful preparatory meeting last year, the University of Minnesota Law School Human Rights Center.

Enclosed is a provisional agenda for the meeting. Of course your input and suggestions are very welcome.

Last year we were able to develop a very comprehensive collective regional statement addressing a range of issues including the Millennium Development Goals which were the focus and theme of last year’s session. Parts of this statement were presented under various agenda items during the Permanent Forum session in New York.

As many of you know, based in part on the advocacy of our region, the Permanent Forum’s theme this year will be Land, Territories and Natural Resources. For North America, this includes a strong focus on Treaties. As part of our discussion, we can consider how to include and present the recommendations from the UN Seminar on Treaties and Agreements that was held in Samson Cree Nation in November last year.

We may also organize a side event on Treaties, Agreements and Constructive Arrangements during the Permanent Forum Session in May, focusing on presenting a Treaty rights perspective on the theme of the 6th session as well as on the range of agenda items within the UNPFII’s mandate.

There are many critical issues, struggles and perspective on the theme of Land and Natural Resources to present from throughout our region. This preparatory meeting will provide the opportunity for us all to share important information on what is happening in our respective Nations and to develop regional positions and recommendations on key issues.

Since unfortunately the Permanent Forum does not have a budget to support regional preparatory meetings, the travel and lodging costs will need to be “on our own” like last year. A few Indigenous organizations are working to help raise funds to cover costs for at least some of the meals for participants during the meeting, but this effort is still in process. You should plan at this point to be able to cover your own meal costs as well.

The Human Rights Center has informed us that the Minneapolis Indian Community is planning to hold a reception/pow wow at the Minneapolis Indian Center or elsewhere in the community on Saturday evening the 21st. I was told that the organizers are inviting all participants to bring their traditional clothing or regalia so that they can honor and highlight the many nations from our region.

The University of Minnesota Human Rights Center has offered to provide meeting space at the

University of Minnesota Law School
229 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
Tel: (612) 626-0041
Fax: (612) 625-2011
Contact: Kristi Rudelius-Palmer

The specific room they will give us will depend on how many participants we are expecting. We request your RSVP for that reason and also for a headcount for the information packets.

The hotel nearest the site, within close walking distance, is the Holiday Inn Metrodome
1500 Washington Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Tel: (612) 333-4646
Fax: (612) 338-4049
toll free number: 1 (800) 448-3663

Let them know that you are attending a meeting at the University of Minnesota Law School to receive a discounted rate(about $100 US per night).

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. Also please call Emily @ (780) 585-3038 in my office to confirm your participation or e-mail @ jwlittle@incentre.net.

I hope to see many of you at this regional preparatory meeting and also at the Permanent Forum’s 6th session this May in New York.

Yours Truly!

Mr. Wilton Littlechild, I.P.C.
Member, U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues