this is last minute but if you're passionate about indigenous rights/sovereignty, please take a few minutes to send a submission against the Principles Treaty of Waitangi Bill that is up for vote in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our Māori siblings are calling for our support in this moment, as this bill could effectively strip away the rights of all Māori. The NZ government is choosing to "revise" a treaty without the consent of the Māori, a treaty which has successfully maintained their sovereignty and rights for many decades.
You have until midnight January 7th 2025 Aotearoa time to send a submission!
This instagram post can explain the treaty and the current situation, as well as how to make a submission for comment.
This site will help you generate a submission.
This is the parliamentary site where you can submit or write your own submission! Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to find the blue button to submit.
Here is an example of my submission as reference if you struggle to find your words (I believe the second link may have a script as well):
"To the Justice Select Committee,
Hello, My name is Matteo and I am a detribalized mixed indigenous Mexico living in the so-called United States. I am a staunch supporter of indigenous rights, sovereignty, and life. This treaty will actively and intentionally violate the rights of our Māori siblings in Aotearoa. This treaty is unjust and does not deserve to pass. The world is watching New Zealand, and I am one of the spectators who wishes to do his small part by writing this submission to show my disapproval for this treaty. Protect Māori rights, because as fellow humans on Aotearoa, you have a responsibility of honoring the humanity of all your inhabitants. Acknowledging and honoring the cultural differences and therefore different cultural rights that the Māori have is not in any way shadowing the rights of all other inhabitants in your country. You must involve Māori knowledge and understanding into your government processes. The preservation of Māori life in government means the preservation of all life on Aotearoa.
Thank you."
Please do what you can! Let's all do our part to protect Te Tiriti!
