National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today marks the 4th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) in Canada. Established in 202 as an official federal holiday - the day is a reminder and to acknowledge the lasting inter generational impact of residential schools in Canada. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, It is to honour and remember children who were taken away from families, communities and their languages and cultures. In addition, the day is intended for education and reflection and to support how to progress reconciliation in Canada.  

Isa Mundo has been supporting and funding various initiatives for NDTC since 2021 including: donating to Indigenous organizations and projects; funding activities and workshops; supporting Indigenous businesses; attending NDTC events and providing training to our volunteers on the history and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Isa Mundo continues to ensure our organization is fully committed to UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action by doing it's duty to consult, respectful engagement, and ensuring cultural protocols are followed when doing work in traditional territories, Nations and Indigenous communities. 

We call on all our volunteers and supporters to promote the NDTC to their families and circle of friends and network to learn more about the importance of this day and the Orange Shirt Day initiative and the story of Phyllis Webstad. We encourage you to: wear your Orange Shirt; attend events; watch and view documentaries and movies about and produced by Indigenous artists; read books on the history of Indigenous peoples and written by Indigenous authors; reflect on your presence and contribution to the traditional lands you work, live and play; and most importantly, think about how we can individually and collectively progress reconciliation in our own ways and as community members.

Today and everyday, Isa Mundo will continue to explore ways to put reconciliation into action and we encourage everyone to do the same.

hay čxʷ q̓ə [hy-chka, Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Salamat po!  

World Oceans Day

On June 8th, World Oceans Day is celebrated worldwide annually to raise awareness of the importance of oceans and the need to nurture and protect them all. Canada played an important role in launching World Oceans Day in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by having Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada leading discussions with other global partners. In 2008, the UN officially recognized World Oceans Day and everyone to recognize and be reminded that Earth is 70% covered by oceans and the important role they play in regulating climate, homes to diverse marine life and sustain communities worldwide.

This year's theme is "Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate" and will focus on the strength of collaborating and partnering together to build strong and sustainable communities and societies. It is important for everyone to be aware of ocean pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction and to be an ally in raising awareness to reduce plastic use, sustainable fishing practices and continued education on helping to preserve our oceans for future generations. 

Isa Mundo has been participating and supporting projects that focus on conservation and ocean based initiatives such as beach cleanups, dialogue training sessions on reef ball projects, recycling to reduce plastic pollution in water ways and turtle conservation projects. We support ideas directly from communities and promote initiatives supported by the World Oceans Day organization. 

To learn more about World Oceans Day visit The 2024 Action Theme

There are many ways to celebrate and launch activities on World Oceans Day. 

Turtle Conservation Projects

Isa Mundo volunteers were able to visit, learn and participate in a turtle conservation project in the Bay of Banderas region in Mexico. We first visited a small local site in San Pancho where we learned how a certified volunteer can operate a camp and begin to teach and educate both local and international volunteers to assist with operating a turtle conservation camp. It was very informative to know how local developers, home owners, tourists, volunteers and non profit groups work together to ensure the location where turtle mamas lay their eggs are safe and secured. We were impressed with organization of the small camp in San Pancho and participated in the release at sunset joined by volunteers and supporters. 

Our second visit was at the Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates which is in the Marina Vallarta region of the Bay. This is a more established site with outdoor workshop space for new volunteers and tourists to first learn about the camp and conservation work being done prior to the release of baby turtles. The camp also provides simple and basic housing for volunteers who are assisting on a more permanent or monthly basis, including students who are doing research on marine conservation and turtle protection. The camp operates on donations and support from local businesses and surrounding resorts and developers. The camp is located in a beautiful part of the Bay, surrounded by mangroves and away from major structures. 

Isa Mundo committed to support both camps and will be working in partnership this year with other conservation groups to assist the important work being done in the Bay of Banderas region. We would like to thank both Joleen and Charly for their patience and taking the time to show and teach us about this important initiative and the strong collaboration with local community members and dedicated volunteers. 

To learn more, work visit the Campamento Tortugeor Boca de Tomates FB Page.

Thank you / Gracias!

 

 

Happy Holidays and a Peaceful and Healthy 2024

It has been another successful year for the Isa Mundo Foundation. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Happy Holidays and all the best in the coming year. Despite our continued partnerships with various organizations in Mexico, Latin America and Philippines, our collaboration took on a different approach in 2023. We took on more in-kind donations and exchange of Human Resources to complete projects rather than focusing on grants writing and fundraising events. 

We realize and acknowledge that many global events transpired, and continue to, this year which left many of our volunteers, members and supporters struggling to heal during these challenging times. From wars to natural disasters to political unrests and protests on better labour conditions, climate change and individual rights - 2023 revealed to us that we need to continue our work to support those less fortunate, provide equal access to programs and services and amplify the voices of those who are silenced. As each year passes - we are even more grateful to our supporters, volunteers and partners who have contributed to our past and present projects.

We want to wish everyone all the best this Holiday Season and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous 2024. We look forward to working with all of you in the coming year as we continue our important work in communities that need us.

Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Salamat po !

Image courtesy of Stacy Archer.

Conservation Projects in Mexico

Isa Mundo Foundation will be making its last site and project visits of the year in Mexico with visits to San Pancho, Bucerias, Barra de Navidad and Yelapa. We are very excited and committed to meet and engage with local non profit organizations that focus on marine conservation and turtle rescue and release programs. Over the pat 5 years, Isa Mundo has been approached by various local community members and groups in the Bahia de Banderas region looking for support and partnership to continue the important work and efforts that have been established by committed and passionate peoples. 

The Banderas Bay region has been a nesting ground for turtles for years and turtle mamas continue to lay their eggs all over the beaches of Banderas and their turtle hatchings make the challenging journey from beach to ocean until they return again to the same place they were born. This process is challenging enough with natural predators, waves and human influenced changes in marine ecosystem. In addition, the Bay of Banderas region continues to progress with increased population and resort and housing developments that take away protected areas for turtles to lay their eggs and for babies to hatch and make their journey to the water.

But through the efforts and commitment of community members and groups, education and promotion of the importance of protecting turtles are beginning to make a difference. Resorts and developers are collaborating with ecological groups to set aside protected areas. Non profit organizations have set up tours and camps for tourists, businesses and schools to visit turtle camps and participate in release programs to see learn and see first hand the work that entails to save turtles in the region.

Isa Mundo will visit these organizations next month and will commit to support and perhaps launch our very own Isa Mundo Turtle Release Programs in the region. We look forward to meeting our friends doing this work and we thank them in advance for engaging and hosting us. We will provide an update while on site in beautiful Mexico.

Thank you / Gracias!

Disaster Relief Appeal - Red Cross Partnership

The month of September saw two natural disasters that resulted in unimaginable loss that will impact communities for years to come. On September 8, a deadly earthquake of 6.8 magnitude struck Morocco’s Atlas Mountain region killing more than 3000 people and injuring thousands. For a week, remote villages remain without aid due to challenging road conditions.  

A few days later on September 11, Storm Daniel fell on northeastern Libya causing dams to break which devastated two cities killing an estimated 11,000 with thousands more missing. The city of Derna was hardest hit with a quarter of the city washed away by the water and entire neighbourhoods destroyed. With damaged roads and lack of communication due to power lines down, rescue workers and foreign aid volunteers have faced many challenges to help those in need.

Isa Mundo has committed to raise funds in partnership with Red Cross to support those who have lost everything in both Morocco and Libya. We are aware of the complex political situations where natural disasters affect many communities and families and Isa Mundo will continue to support communities where we have capacity to do so. We chosen to partner with Red Cross over the years because the organization and its local Red Crescent teams worldwide have their own staff and volunteers who are trained to respond to large-scale disaster operations. 

There are two ways to help support our fundraising efforts: 1) donate to Isa Mundo Foundation by clicking our Donate link; 2) donate directly to Red Cross and choose Morocco, Libya or both to assists the organization’s efforts to raise funds. When donating to Isa Mundo, we will collect all funds which are then matched by Red Cross. Please click on the different links below and choose your preferred option.

Donate to Morocco Earthquake Appeal 

Donate to Libya Floods Appeal

Donate Directly to Isa Mundo Foundation

We will be monitoring all donations for 30 days and reach out to Red Cross when we complete our fundraising. Thank you for your support as always in improving the lives of those less fortunate in the world. 

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People’s

Each year, Isa Mundo acknowledges and promotes the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People’s which takes place on August 9th. This year’s theme set forward by Indigenous Peoples’ and the United Nations is “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination”. 

According to the United Nations: 

“In this context of demand for self-determination, Indigenous youth are working as agents of change at the forefront of some of the most pressing crises facing humanity today. For instance, Indigenous youth are harnessing cutting-edge technologies and developing new skills to offer solutions and contribute to a more sustainable, peaceful future for our people and planet. But their future depends as well on the decisions that are made today. Their representation and participation in global efforts towards climate change mitigation, peace building, and digital cooperation are crucial for the effective implementation of their rights as Indigenous”.

Isa Mundo is aware that Indigenous peoples are stewards and holders of unique cultures and languages and have a special relationship with land and the environment. But also, their situations globally have not been positive and in 2023, still lack access to clean water, safe housing, education, socio-economic opportunities and basic human rights that are taken for granted by non Indigenous peoples in the developed world. This is why Isa Mundo continues to support access to basic primary education and provide funding to children and youth initiatives by providing a safe space to learn, play and become leaders in their communities. 

We invite all our members, volunteers, friends and partners to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by attending events, gatherings, ceremonies and support local Indigenous groups and organizations in providing services to their citizens and communities. 

To learn more about the history and theme this year, visit the UN’s webpage on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2023. 

Reference: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/events/international-day-of-the-worlds-indigenous-peoples-2023. 

Photo by Paul Lorilla. Wall art inside the NWAC Building, Gatineau Quebec.