The Indigenous Peoples Commission (IPC) last year found it difficult to meet outside its statutory schedule because of insufficient funds. “The major challenge of the IPC since its inception was the inability of the commissioners to meet if needed outside of the statutory schedule effectively because of the geographical distribution where the commissioners reside and the associated costs for meeting together,” a report presented to the National Assembly yesterday stated.
The commission which became operational in May 2011 was established under Article 212 of the Constitution back in September of 2010. Its objectives include promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, raising awareness of the contributions of and problems faced by them and making recommendations on economic and economic policies to advance the interests of the nations’ indigenous people among others. Explaining logistics, the reports said that of the now 11 member commission, given that Norman Whittaker has left given his ministerial appointment, “one commissioner lives in Moruca, Region 1;
