A group of indigenous leaders from various countries and regions have inaugurated the world’s first Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem, in a show of solidarity and friendship with Israel.
The opening ceremony of the Indigenous Embassy took place on February 5, 2024, at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, and was attended by more than 200 people, including diplomats, politicians, activists, and journalists. The event was also broadcast live on social media platforms, reaching millions of viewers around the world.
The Indigenous Embassy is not a diplomatic mission of a specific state or country, but rather a platform for indigenous voices and perspectives to be heard and respected in the international arena. The embassy aims to promote the rights, interests, and cultures of indigenous peoples, as well as to foster cooperation and dialogue with other nations and peoples, especially Israel.
The embassy is led by an executive committee of seven indigenous leaders, who represent different regions and backgrounds, such as North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The committee members are:
- Chief Joseph RiverWind, the Ambassador of the Indigenous Embassy and the leader of the Northern Arawak Tribal Nation in the United States.
- Pastor Becky Keenan, the Deputy Ambassador of the Indigenous Embassy and the president of the Gulf Meadows Church in Houston, Texas.
- Chief Kenny Blacksmith, the Secretary-General of the Indigenous Embassy and the founder of Gathering Nations International in Canada.
- Pastor Peter Tsukahira, the Director of Public Affairs of the Indigenous Embassy and the co-founder of Kehilat HaCarmel Congregation in Israel.
- Chief Edwin Samot, the Director of Education and Culture of the Indigenous Embassy and the chairman of the B’laan Tribe in the Philippines.
- Chief Jerry Daniels, the Director of Economic Development of the Indigenous Embassy and the grand chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization in Canada.
- Chief Yoseph Muyambi, the Director of Social Welfare of the Indigenous Embassy and the leader of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders in South Africa.
A Shared Vision and Mission
The indigenous leaders who established the embassy share a common vision and mission, which are based on their spiritual, historical, and moral bonds with Israel and the Jewish people. They believe that Israel is the ancestral homeland of the Jews, and that they have the right to live in peace and security in their land. They also believe that Israel is a source of inspiration and hope for the indigenous peoples, who have faced similar challenges and struggles, such as colonization, oppression, and discrimination.
The indigenous leaders also share a common goal, which is to support Israel and to stand with it against its enemies and detractors. They say that they are not afraid to speak the truth and to defend Israel’s legitimacy and sovereignty in the face of lies and propaganda. They also say that they are ready to partner with Israel and to learn from its achievements and innovations in various fields, such as agriculture, technology, and medicine.
The indigenous leaders also express their gratitude and appreciation to Israel and to the Friends of Zion Heritage Center, which hosts and sponsors the embassy. They say that they feel welcomed and honored by the Israeli people and government, and that they consider Jerusalem as their spiritual home and capital.
A Message of Peace and Friendship
The indigenous leaders who launched the embassy in Jerusalem have a message of peace and friendship to the world, especially to the indigenous peoples and to the people of Israel. They say that they are proud of their identity and heritage, and that they respect and celebrate the diversity and richness of the human family. They say that they are not enemies or threats, but rather friends and allies, who seek to build bridges and to promote harmony and cooperation.
They also say that they are praying for the peace of Jerusalem and for the peace of the world, and that they hope that their embassy will serve as a beacon of light and a catalyst for positive change. They invite other indigenous leaders and peoples to join them in their mission and vision, and to support the Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem.
