Alianza Indígena Sin Fronteras
Post Office Box 826
Tucson, Arizona  85702
(520) 979- 2125

*** A D V I S O R Y *** A D V I S O R Y *** A D V I S O R Y ***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2008

Indigenous Alliance Without Borders Leader to Address First Nations Caucus, Voting Delegates Attending Democratic National Convention

Alianza Indigena representative also to speak at We Are America DNC march for immigrants rights regarding indigenous border rights issues.

Denver, CO – Jose Matus, Executive Director of Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras/Indigenous Alliance Without Borders, Yaqui spiritual elder, and First Nations and immigrant rights activist from southern Arizona, will be speaking to First Nations Caucus delegates at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado to underscore the importance of protecting border rights of mobility and passage, cultural and sacred lands, indigenous rights, and self-determination of tribal groups living along the U.S.-Mexico border.  Matus will also speak to immigrant rights activists from across the country and Hispanic Caucus delegates at the We Are America Alliance DNC march on Thursday, August 28.

“It is important that First Nations Caucus and Hispanic Caucus members hear and learn about the impact that failed immigration policies – and the U.S.-Mexico border militarization – have on indigenous communities on both sides of the border,” said Ricardo Martinez, Co-Director of Padres y Jóvenes Unidos and We Are America Alliance DNC march organizer.  “Delegates need to respect and better understand the connections between immigrant rights and indigenous rights.”

“The Alianza seeks to educate both DNC and RNC First Nations delegates about these key issues,” said Mr. Matus.  “We must ensure that indigenous rights are not lost within the ever-growing role that foreign policies, international trade agreements, immigration policies, and border enforcement and militarization has on our lands and rights.  First Nations members attending the convention must put all issues of concern to American Indians front and center in this election cycle.”

WHO: Jose Matus – Executive Director
Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras/Indigenous Alliance Without Borders

WHAT: Alianza Indigena leader to speak to First Nation Caucus and immigrant rights activists regarding indigenous border rights issues at the DNC

WHEN:Thursday, August 28, 2008
9:00 AM MDT

WHERE:  We Are America Alliance DNC march for Immigrant Rights
Lincoln/La Alma Park (12th and Mariposa Ave), Denver

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jose Matus, 520-979-2125, jrmatus@aol.com

About Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras/Indigenous Alliance Without Borders
The Alianza Indígena Sin Fronteras/Indigenous Alliance Without Borders is an Indigenous grassroots organization committed to promoting respect and protection of Indigenous rights, including indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, rights of mobility and passage for indigenous members on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, indigenous workers’ rights and environmental protection of Native lands and sacred sites. In the process of promoting these principles, the Alianza provides public education and advocacy for the respect and protection of Indigenous civil rights, human rights, and the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous cultures and languages. The Alianza also advocates for the elimination of all forms of oppression that negatively impact indigenous peoples including institutionalized racism and the abuse of institutional authority.

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