Nicola Sturgeon went barefoot to join in a ceremony with indigenous Americans who have arrived in Glasgow to take part in the Cop26 climate summit.
The First Minister took part in the ceremonial event with the Minga Indigena delegates at the international arts space Tramway in the Scottish city on Saturday.
She was joined by Panchita Calfin, a traditional healer from Patagonia, Chile, as well as Gloria Ushigua, coordinator of the Sapara women’s organisation in Ecuador and Nashieeli Valencia, an indigenous rights defender from the Zapoteca peoples, Mexico.
The event began with a brief introduction, followed closely by a gift exchange, and a ceremonial greeting.
The First Minister, indigenous leaders, and water from Scotland and Patagonia, Chile were then combined. Ms Sturgeon was presented as a token for their meeting.
Nicola Sturgeon walked barefoot to join the ceremony with indigenous Americans arriving in Glasgow for the Cop26 Climate Summit
The ceremonial event was attended by the First Minister and the Minga Indigena delegate at Tramway, an international arts space in the Scottish city.
Ms Sturgeon, along with indigenous leaders, then mixed water from Scotland, Patagonia, Chile together, which Ms Sturgeon was given to show their appreciation.
Ms Sturgeon stated: “While Scotland isn’t at the table, my promise is that the Scottish Government will make every effort to ensure their message is heard in a successful Cop26, along with the doubled funding of our climate justice fund, the first of its kind, for the world’s poorest, and most vulnerable communities.”
Ms. Sturgeon stated that she was delighted to host the Minga Indigena in her home city for Cop26.
“As representatives of indigenous peoples, and the Global South, they have a message to send on behalf of those least responsible, who are often the first and most severely affected.
“While Scotland isn’t at the negotiating table,” said the Scottish Government. “The Scottish Government will do everything they can to ensure their message is received as part of a successful Cop26. We will also double our world-first climate justice grant for the world’s most vulnerable and poorest communities.
Cop26 demands Minga Indigena that the Minga be recognised by the UNFCCC as an official representative Indigenous Peoples and that governments worldwide promise to stop burning fossil fuels.
Calfin Lafkenche spoke out about the greet and said that it was impossible to reach a climate agreement without the active, committed, and genuine participation of Indigenous Peoples.
“Especially without being informed or having consented to the vital aspects that affect our lands, territories and resources that sustain our traditional ways.
PanchitaCalfin, a traditional healer hailing from Patagonia in Chile, joined the leader of the Scottish delegation. Gloria Ushigua was also present, coordinator of Sapara women’s organization in Ecuador and Nashieli Valencia (an indigenous rights defender hailing from the Zapoteca peoples of Mexico).
Ms. Sturgeon holds hands in the middle with Mapuche elder PanchitaCalfin (centre), during a special ceremonial gathering to greet the Mapuche leader as well as Minga Indigena delegates in Glasgow
Calfin Lafkenche spoke out about the greet and said: “A climate agreement can’t be reached without the genuine participation, dedicated, effective participation of Indigenous Peoples to the negotiations’
“We are the bridge between the Earth, its rights, modern societies.”
He claimed that 70% of the world’s land was owned by indigenous and other local communities.
Mr Lafkenche stated that it was everyone’s responsibility to come to an understanding of the situation and to move to a new paradigm, where all humanity protects nature.
“We must face the greatest challenge in human history together. We demand the right to be heard.
“The Cop process does nothing to allow our people who have been historically marginalised to fully participate in all the different negotiations. Justice should be the central focus.
The Tramway is hosting the Minga Indigena Summit which will represent indigenous communities at Cop26, November 4-12.
Minga Indigena is an association of indigenous peoples from the Americas, stretching from Alaska to South America.
The event will be followed up by the switch-on of the No New Worlds artwork. This light instillation measures 70 metres and was created at Govan Graving docks by Still/Moving, an artist collective from Britain.
The art demonstrates the connections between climate change, historical and ongoing colonisation.