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For Immediate Release
January, 16 2019, 11:00pm EDT
Contact:
Jesse Phelps
Press Director
805-798-4450
Press@LakotaLaw.org
Update: Rally for Tomorrow's Indigenous Peoples March Moved to Lincoln Memorial
Thousands expected at March highlighting worldwide indigenous justice concerns
WASHINGTON
Tomorrow morning, Friday, January 18, Thousands of Indigenous peoples and allies from around the globe will converge on Washington, D.C. to participate in the first annual Indigenous Peoples March.
The demonstration--a grassroots effort coordinated by a coalition of numerous independent organizers, tribes, influencers, activists, celebrities and Indigenous leaders comprising the Indigenous Peoples Movement--will begin with an opening prayer at 8 a.m. EST at the Department of the Interior Building. The march will proceed east on C Street NW and end with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial.
The rally had previously been scheduled for Henry Bacon Park but organizers said that the expected volume of participants made a small move necessary. More than 10,000 people are expected, including delegations from Australia, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Canada, the Caribbean and Tribal Nations across the United States.
"It's wonderful--and needed, now more than ever--to see so many tribes and organizations coming together to raise awareness about the ongoing need to preserve and respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples," said organizer Phyllis Young of the Lakota People's Law Project.
Organizers said that the march aims to raise awareness on issues that affect Indigenous peoples through the world, from missing and murdered Indigenous women to mistreatment of Indigenous peoples at the borders, from police brutality to protecting Indigenous lands.
Chase Iron Eyes, lead counsel for the Lakota People's Law Project, said his delegation will also advocate for a Green New Deal "as a way to combat climate change and create green jobs, especially in Indian Country."
Those attending the march and rally are encouraged to share opinions and pictures on social media using the official Indigenous Peoples March hashtags, #IPMDC19 and #WHYIMARCH.
"It's going to be a beautiful day," said Iron Eyes. "Our people are under constant threat, from pipelines, from police, from a system that wants to forget the valuable perspectives we bring to the table. But those challenges make us stronger. We look forward to gathering together and raising awareness. We must remind the world, again, that Indigenous people matter. We are all made better when we respect one another and lift each other up."
Details for Attendees
What: The Indigenous Peoples March
When: Friday, Jan. 18, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Begins with an opening prayer at the Department of Interior Building, located at 1849 C Street NW in Washington, D.C. and ends with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial.
Who: Everyone is invited to participate! Bring warm winter clothes, a reusable water bottle, food, and blankets for the rally.
Why: Human rights must be respected. It's time to end the genocide and begin listening to the wisdom of Indigenous peoples.
How: We gather together, we march, we educate! Bring signs and banners, but nothing mounted on wood, metal sticks, or posts for safety reasons. Service pets only, please.
More information is available here: https://indigenouspeoplesmovement.com/ipmdc19
The Lakota People's Law Project is part of the 501(c)(3) Romero Institute, a nonprofit law and policy center.
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