International Indian Treaty Council

Overview

The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the sovereignty and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples across North, Central, South America, the Arctic, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Founded in 1974 on the land of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, the IITC was established to promote and protect Indigenous rights, treaties, traditional cultures, and sacred lands[1][2].

History

The IITC was formed during the First International Indian Treaty Conference, which was convened by the American Indian Movement and attended by delegates from 97 Indian tribes and Nations from North and South America. This pivotal gathering set the stage for subsequent international conferences and the recognition of Indigenous rights globally[1].

Objectives

The primary objectives of the IITC include:

• Promoting Participation in International Forums: The IITC seeks to increase Indigenous Peoples' involvement in the United Nations and other international organizations to advocate for their concerns[1].
• Recognition of Treaties: It aims to achieve international acknowledgment of treaties and agreements between Indigenous Peoples and nation-states[1].
• Supporting Human Rights and Self-Determination: The organization works to uphold the human rights, self-determination, and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples, opposing colonialism and its impacts[1].
• Building Solidarity: The IITC fosters solidarity among Indigenous communities worldwide, respecting each culture's uniqueness while promoting mutual support[3].
• Disseminating Information: It disseminates information about Indigenous Peoples' rights, struggles, and perspectives, enhancing awareness among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities[1].

Guiding Principles

The IITC operates based on several guiding principles, including:

• Respect for Traditional Cultures: The organization values the sacredness of life, wisdom of elders, and traditional teachings[3].
• Self-Determination: It respects each Indigenous Nation's right to define their objectives and strategies[3].
• Gender Equality: The IITC seeks active participation from both men and women in its activities[3].
• Youth Leadership Development: Efforts are made to increase Indigenous youth participation and leadership[3].
• Consensus Process: Decisions are approached through consensus-building to promote unity among its members[3].

Notable People

The IITC was co-founded by Bill Means (Oglala Lakota) and has involved notable figures such as Jimmie Durham, Paul Chaat Smith, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, and Andrea Carmen, who currently serves as Executive Director[1].

Financial Structure

As a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3), the IITC relies on donations from foundations, Indigenous Nations, and individual donors to sustain its activities without receiving state or federal funding[4][5].