An Indigenous Youth in Durban
by Tansey K. Smith

My objective in Durban was to get a better sense of what the whole World Conference Against Racism was about. Here in the state of Nevada racism is present — maybe not as much as other places, but it is here. As Native American people, we may even look past some of the racism that affects us. We have become almost numb to racist remarks and other forms of intolerance.

The trip to Durban helped me realize that there are people out there like us, who have to put up with the same issues as we as Native Americans do.

In Durban, it was a very enlightening experience to be able to hear different accounts of racism from other nations around the world. I had always wanted to travel to another country to see how other people of colors’ lives are affected, since you don’t hear about them in the news here. The trip to Durban helped me realize that there are people out there like us, who have to put up with the same issues as we as Native Americans do.

I attended the International Youth Summit from August 26-28, where 750 youth representatives from Africa, Asia & the Pacific, the Americas, and Europe participated. The Youth Summit was broken down into several working groups on issues that affect youths in our daily lives. I participated in the Health and Environment working group. I was able to voice my concerns about urging governments to give full rights to Indigenous peoples to access our traditional lands and our fishing and hunting rights. These rights should be implemented and monitored. I also called on states to cease the appropriation and exploitation of Indigenous peoples, especially our traditional medicine and traditional food sources. I think that it is very important for youth to become involved in government issues, as their decisions affect us every day. This was the first time that youth had participated fully in a world racism conference.

After the Youth Summit, I also attended the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Forum. There was a good focus on Indigenous concerns there, as there were representatives from First Nations in Canada, Navajo, Sioux, Alaskan Natives, Pueblo, Pomo, Hawaiians, Mesoamericans, and other Indigenous peoples. It was neat to see so many people "united to combat racism" (the theme of the conference), and willing to stand by one another in peace and harmony. There was such a strong presence by many different people, who had come to the WCAR to bring their specific issues to the forefront. Unfortunately, not a whole lot was done at the WCAR by the governments, so we must still continue to push these particular issues.

I feel that I have entered a whole new world, just because I have met so many different people from all over the world. As a result, I will be able to call upon my Roma, African, Asian, Indigenous and African-descendant friends to lend a helping hand to our own issues.

Personally, I am working to follow-up on the WCAR in different ways. I am sharing my Durban experience in public meetings on the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Reservation. I also may be making a presentation on my WCAR experience at the upcoming National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Conference in Spokane, Washington.

I feel that I have entered a whole new world, just because I have met so many different people from all over the world. As a result, I will be able to call upon my Roma, African, Asian, Indigenous and African-descendant friends to lend a helping hand to our own issues, which affect youth all over the world. It could be just an email, a letter, a phone call or another simple means of support, just to know that someone is out there and can give me that sense of reassurance. Together, from all parts of the world, we will fight the battle against racism and other related intolerances.

Tansey Smith is the Native American Graves Protection Act project coordinator for the Great Basin Inter-Tribal Coalition. Based out of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, she works on the repatriation of tribal ancestors. She attended the WCAR as a member of a youth delegation sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee. Tansey may be reached by email at dosa_haywee@yahoo.com