ICEED co-sponsored this event with the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Center for Earth Ethics (host of the event at UTS). Father Augusto Zampini represented the Vatican Dicastery on Integral Human Development and engaged in a two-day dialogue with indigenous representatives from North, Central and South America. Although Pope Francis has been engaged in dialogue with indigenous communities of South America-to culminate in the Amazon Synod (Synod of Bishops of the Pan-Amazon region), there has been no focused engagement with indigenous communities of North America. This was the first time that the Vatican-through a representative, met with and had dialogue with indigenous representatives from North America “Turtle Island.” Topics discussed were: the wisdom that Indigenous traditions offer to the world as we forge a new development paradigm, and how we all may support them as they protect their land.
The program of the event can be seen here.