Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day: Empowerment, Unity, and Advocacy in Enchey Village
On August 23, 2024, Enchey Village came alive with the celebration of Indigenous People’s Day, an event that honored the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Kuy and Bunong communities. The event was a reminder of the deep connection between Indigenous culture and land, and it served as a platform for promoting the critical issue of Community Land Titles (ICLT). By bringing together Indigenous groups, local authorities, government representatives and NGOs, the day fostered unity and amplified Indigenous voices.
The event was designed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Indigenous lands and traditions. Through celebrations and advocacy, it sought to build collaborative partnerships for the future protection and development of Indigenous lands, while also empowering Indigenous communities to take charge of their cultural and environmental preservation efforts.
Event Preparations: Community Effort and Cultural Collaboration
In the days leading up to the event, youth and committee members from Enchey met to finalize the details. they collaboratively decided to write a speech that would be read by one of the young women of the group and to prepare banners with quotes and proverbs for the day’s proceedings. This preparation created an opportunity for the community, including children and elders, to engage in hands-on participation, decorating the village and preparing for a memorable celebration.
On the evening of August 22, a traditional dance group from Stung Treng arrived. Their leader, who is also a respected village chief, encouraged the villagers to reconnect with their heritage. The group performed traditional dances that illustrated aspects of Indigenous life, inviting the community to learn the steps and participate. The performance was not just entertainment; it sparked an interest in reviving traditions, especially among the youth of Enchey. Srey Nung, a young woman from the village, expressed her excitement, saying, “I hope we can form a dance group here. It’s empowering to showcase our roots, and I want to learn more.“
A Day of Celebration and Advocacy
The event on August 23 began with a parade at the village entrance. Indigenous participants, accompanied by traditional drums and singing, marched proudly through the village, carrying hand-crafted banners. “As we walked together, I felt a deep connection to our culture and our people. It was truly empowering,” reflected Nat Sae, a young man from Enchey.
With over 300 people from 4 different villages attending the event, the formal ceremony began with a traditional offering and prayers, followed by a welcome speech from the president of the ceremony. He spoke about the cultural significance of the event and the importance of securing Community Land Titles to protect Indigenous lands from external threats.
The cultural segment of the day was highlighted by the dance crew’s performances, which offered the audience a deeper understanding of Indigenous life. These traditional dances, accompanied by artifacts and instruments, captivated both the young and old. San Sophai, an 18-year-old woman from Enchey, delivered a moving speech on behalf of her community. She spoke of the challenges faced by the Kuy people, including land grabbing and deforestation, and called on the authorities to expedite the land titling process and protect forests. “It took courage to speak, but it made me feel strong,” she said. “I feel brave to advocate for my community.”
Government representatives attending the event, including those from the commune and from the Departments of Rural Development and of Traditional culture and Fine Arts echoed San Sophai’s concerns. They promised to raise these issues with relevant authorities, signaling a step toward stronger collaboration between Indigenous communities and government agencies.
The day concluded with a shared meal of traditional Kuy dishes, fostering camaraderie among participants. Traditional artifacts were displayed on stage, and elders shared stories about the items, offering insights into Indigenous craftsmanship and history. As traditional music played, the village resonated with unity and pride in its cultural heritage.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Culture, Advocacy, and Unity
The Indigenous People’s Day event in Enchey Village was not just a celebration of tradition; it was a day of empowerment, connection, and advocacy. Through cultural performances, speeches, and collaborative discussions, the event highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous lands and traditions.
The presence of government officials and their commitments to address land issues were particularly significant for the CLT process. This event laid the groundwork for future advocacy efforts and partnerships, and it reinforced the message that Indigenous voices must be heard in the fight for land rights.
As we move forward, the lessons from this day remind us of the power of unity and the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in the protection of their cultural and environmental heritage.
This event was made possible thanks to the support of :
- MVi – FHI360
- Scale-up II project supported by DGD
- CCFD