May 20, 2011

More than 1,300 delegates viewed an exhibition entitled “The Right to Water and Indigenous Peoples” in the Main Gallery, at United Nations Headquarters in New York last night, marking the tenth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The exhibit showcases photographs, films and a full-sized watercraft, which convey indigenous peoples’ relationship with waters, lands and resources for their cultural vitality and resilience, as well as their social and economic well-being.  It includes contributions from indigenous artists worldwide, as well as indigenous individuals and organizations actively involved in promoting indigenous rights at the national and international levels

The exhibition features A/Professor Wayne Quilliam, one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous photographers. Mr Quilliam is the first Indigenous photographer to be featured at the International Photo Biennale and has created and curated more than 100 exhibitions throughout the world.  Other artists whose works will be displayed include Ina Hume (Bangladesh), David Hernandez-Palmar (Venezuela), Brian Adams (United States) and Troy Donovan Hunter (Canada).

For media queries, including interviews with United Nations officials and indigenous representatives, please contact Newton Kanhema in the United Nations Department of Public Information, at tel :+1 212 963 5602, email: kanhema@un.org or arnesen@un.org