Lesson Plan: Understanding Indigenous Peoples, Social Movements, and NGO Works

I. Objective:

At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:

• Appreciate the role of NGOs in supporting Indigenous Peoples.

• Identify actions and responses of Indigenous Peoples to issues affecting their communities.

Duration: 60 minutes

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Start by defining Indigenous Peoples and social movements based on the provided information.

• Discuss the significance of Indigenous Peoples' historical ties to their territories and the
challenges they face, such as discrimination, marginalization, and loss of cultural heritage.

• Explain the concept of social movements and how they emerge in response to injustices and
inequalities within society.

II. NGO Works on IPs (20 minutes):

• Introduce the concept of NGOs and their role in supporting Indigenous Peoples.

• Highlight examples of NGOs working for Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, such as
Tebtebba, Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas
(KAMP), Alternative Law Groups (ALG), and Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA).

• Discuss specific initiatives and programs undertaken by these NGOs to promote Indigenous
rights, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and community development.

III. Actions and Responses of IPs (25 minutes):

• Explore various actions and responses of Indigenous Peoples to issues affecting their
communities, as outlined in the provided information.

• Discuss examples of Indigenous social movements in the Philippines, including protests, legal
challenges, community organizing, cultural revitalization efforts, and dialogue with stakeholders.
• Analyze the effectiveness and challenges of these responses in addressing the issues faced by
Indigenous communities, considering factors such as government policies, corporate interests, and
societal attitudes.

IV. Reflection and Discussion (5 minutes):

• Lead a reflection on the lesson objectives and key learnings.

• Encourage students to share their thoughts on the role of NGOs in supporting Indigenous
Peoples and the strategies employed by Indigenous communities to address the challenges they face.

• Discuss ways in which students can contribute to supporting Indigenous rights and social justice
in their own communities or through advocacy efforts.

Topic entails :

Indigenous Peoples: Indigenous Peoples are distinct ethnic groups, communities, or societies that have
historical ties to a particular territory predating the arrival of colonial or settler societies. They possess
unique cultures, languages, traditions, and spiritual beliefs that are often deeply intertwined with their
ancestral lands and natural resources. Indigenous Peoples face various challenges, including
discrimination, marginalization, dispossession of land, loss of cultural heritage, and violation of their
human rights.

Social Movements: Social movements are collective efforts by groups of individuals or communities to
bring about social, political, or cultural change. Social movements often arise in response to perceived
injustices, inequalities, or grievances within society and seek to mobilize people around shared goals,
values, and demands. Social movements can take various forms, including protests, advocacy
campaigns, community organizing, and grassroots initiatives.

When we talk about "Indigenous Peoples and social movements," we are referring to the ways in which
Indigenous communities organize, mobilize, and advocate for their rights, interests, and concerns
through collective action and social mobilization. This can involve a range of activities, such as:

- Advocating for land rights and territorial autonomy.

- Protecting natural resources and the environment.
- Preserving and revitalizing Indigenous cultures and languages.
- Challenging discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.
- Seeking recognition of Indigenous governance systems and customary laws.
- Promoting economic development and sustainable livelihoods.
- Addressing social issues such as health disparities, education inequality, and violence against
Indigenous women and girls.
Indigenous social movements often operate at local, national, and international levels, collaborating
with allies, NGOs, human rights organizations, and other social justice movements to amplify their voices
and advocate for systemic change. These movements are grounded in principles of self-determination,
collective decision-making, and respect for Indigenous rights, knowledge, and traditions.

NGOs are dedicated to supporting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and advocating for their rights.

1. Tebtebba (Indigenous Peoples' International Centre for Policy Research and Education):

Tebtebba works to promote and defend the rights of IPs globally, including in the Philippines. They
engage in policy research, advocacy, capacity-building, and networking to support IP communities.

Works of NGO’s for IP’s

- Tebtebba has been involved in advocating for the recognition of IPs' rights to their ancestral
lands and resources, including through participation in policy dialogues and international
forums.
- Cultural Revitalization Programs: Tebtebba supports cultural revitalization initiatives aimed at
preserving and promoting Indigenous languages, traditions, and heritage. They collaborate with
Indigenous communities to organize cultural festivals, language workshops, and arts and crafts
exhibitions to celebrate and revitalize Indigenous cultures.
- Health and Well-being Initiatives: Tebtebba promotes Indigenous health and well-being by
supporting community-based healthcare initiatives, traditional medicine practices, and access to
essential health services. They advocate for culturally appropriate healthcare policies and
programs that address the specific needs and priorities of Indigenous communities.
- Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development: Tebtebba empowers Indigenous youth
through leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and youth-led initiatives.
They organize youth forums, training workshops, and skills-building activities to foster
leadership skills, promote intergenerational learning, and encourage active participation in
Indigenous movements.
- Gender Equality and Women's Rights: Tebtebba advocates for gender equality and women's
rights within Indigenous communities and movements. They support women's leadership,
participation, and representation in decision-making processes, and address issues such as
gender-based violence, reproductive health, and economic empowerment among Indigenous
women and girls.
- Community-based Resource Management: Tebtebba promotes community-based resource
management approaches that respect Indigenous knowledge, values, and customary practices.
They support Indigenous-led initiatives for sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, water
management, and biodiversity protection that enhance local livelihoods and environmental
resilience.
- Education and Literacy Programs: Tebtebba works to improve access to quality education and
literacy among Indigenous communities. They advocate for culturally relevant curricula,
bilingual education programs, and inclusive learning environments that recognize and value
Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of knowing.
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience-building: Tebtebba supports Indigenous communities in
building resilience to natural disasters and climate-related hazards. They facilitate disaster risk
 assessments, community-based early warning systems, and emergency preparedness training to
strengthen Indigenous resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of environmental challenges.
2. Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA):

CPA focuses on promoting the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples in the Cordillera region of the
Philippines. They advocate for land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination for Cordilleran
IPs.

Works of NGO’s for IP’s

- CPA has been actively involved in campaigns against large-scale mining and other development
projects that threaten the ancestral lands and livelihoods of Cordilleran IPs.
- Land Rights Advocacy: CPA advocates for the recognition and protection of Indigenous land
rights in the Cordillera region. They campaign for the issuance of Certificates of Ancestral
Domain Titles (CADTs) and Certificates of Ancestral Land Titles (CALTs) to Indigenous
communities, ensuring legal recognition and protection of their ancestral domains from
encroachment and exploitation.
- Opposition to Large-scale Mining: CPA is actively involved in opposing large-scale mining
operations in the Cordillera region, which threaten the environment, livelihoods, and cultural
heritage of Indigenous communities. They organize protests, rallies, and direct actions to resist
mining activities and demand the cancellation of mining permits and concessions granted
without the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of affected communities.
- Defense of Indigenous Territories: CPA defends Indigenous territories from various forms of
encroachment, including land grabbing, logging, and agribusiness expansion. They mobilize
communities to assert their territorial rights, conduct boundary demarcation and mapping
exercises, and establish community patrols to monitor and protect their ancestral lands from
external threats.
- Cultural Preservation and Promotion: CPA works to preserve and promote Indigenous cultures,
traditions, and heritage in the Cordillera region. They organize cultural festivals, workshops, and
educational programs to celebrate Indigenous identities, languages, arts, and customs, fostering
pride and solidarity among Indigenous communities.
- Capacity-building and Leadership Development: CPA provides capacity-building training,
leadership development, and organizational support to Indigenous Peoples' organizations (IPOs)
and community leaders in the Cordillera region. They equip Indigenous activists with the
knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively engage in advocacy, organizing, and
decision-making processes.
- Legal Assistance and Advocacy: CPA offers legal assistance and advocacy support to Indigenous
communities facing human rights violations, land disputes, and other legal challenges. They
provide legal representation, paralegal training, and strategic litigation support to defend
Indigenous rights, seek justice, and hold perpetrators of abuses accountable.
- Environmental Conservation: CPA promotes environmental conservation and sustainable
resource management practices in Indigenous territories. They advocate for the protection of
forests, watersheds, and biodiversity hotspots, and support Indigenous-led initiatives for eco-
tourism, organic farming, and community-based natural resource management.
3. Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP):
KAMP is a national alliance of Indigenous Peoples' organizations in the Philippines. They work on various
issues affecting IPs, including land rights, social justice, and cultural preservation.

Works of NGO’s for IP’s

- KAMP has been campaigning for the recognition and protection of IPs' rights under the
Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and advocating for the repeal of laws and policies that
undermine these rights.
- Advocacy for Indigenous Rights Legislation: KAMP advocates for the implementation and
enforcement of the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and other laws that protect the rights
of Indigenous communities. They monitor government compliance with IPRA provisions, lobby
for policy reforms, and push for the recognition and enforcement of Indigenous land rights.
- Campaigns against Development Projects: KAMP campaigns against destructive development
projects that threaten the ancestral lands and resources of Indigenous communities. They
mobilize protests, file legal cases, and engage in advocacy efforts to oppose projects such as
large-scale mining, dams, logging concessions, and agribusiness expansion.
- Support for Cultural Revitalization: KAMP supports initiatives for the preservation and
revitalization of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. They organize cultural festivals,
workshops, and educational programs to promote Indigenous identity, pride, and heritage
among Indigenous youth and communities.
- Community-based Resource Management: KAMP promotes community-based resource
management approaches that respect Indigenous knowledge, values, and customary practices.
They support Indigenous-led initiatives for sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, water
management, and biodiversity protection that enhance local livelihoods and environmental
resilience.
- Capacity-building and Empowerment: KAMP provides capacity-building training, leadership
development, and organizational support to Indigenous Peoples' organizations (IPOs) and
community leaders. They strengthen the capacity of Indigenous activists to engage in advocacy,
organizing, and decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels.
- Solidarity and Networking: KAMP fosters solidarity and networking among Indigenous Peoples'
organizations (IPOs) and allies across the Philippines. They facilitate exchanges, alliances, and
collaborative initiatives to amplify Indigenous voices, share best practices, and mobilize
collective action on common issues and concerns.
- Legal Aid and Human Rights Advocacy: KAMP offers legal aid and human rights advocacy
support to Indigenous communities facing land disputes, human rights violations, and other
legal challenges. They provide legal representation, paralegal training, and advocacy assistance
to defend Indigenous rights, seek justice, and hold perpetrators of abuses accountable.
4. Alternative Law Groups (ALG):

ALG provides legal assistance and advocacy support to marginalized groups, including Indigenous
Peoples, in the Philippines. They work to address issues such as land grabbing, displacement, and human
rights violations.
 - ALG has represented IP communities in legal cases against companies and government agencies
involved in land grabbing and environmental destruction, seeking justice and restitution for
affected communities.
- Legal Assistance and Representation: ALG provides legal assistance and representation to
Indigenous communities facing land disputes, human rights violations, and other legal
challenges. They offer pro bono legal services, including legal advice, counseling, and
representation in courts, administrative bodies, and traditional justice systems.
- Community Legal Education: ALG conducts community legal education programs to empower
Indigenous communities with knowledge of their legal rights and remedies. They organize legal
literacy workshops, seminars, and paralegal trainings to raise awareness about relevant laws,
policies, and procedures affecting Indigenous Peoples.
- Policy Advocacy and Law Reform: ALG engages in policy advocacy and law reform efforts to
address systemic injustices and discrimination against Indigenous communities. They lobby for
legislative reforms, amendments to existing laws, and the adoption of new policies that promote
Indigenous rights, cultural integrity, and self-determination.
- Strategic Litigation and Legal Campaigns: ALG utilizes strategic litigation and legal campaigns to
challenge laws, policies, and practices that infringe upon the rights of Indigenous Peoples. They
initiate test cases, file petitions, and pursue public interest litigation to advance Indigenous
rights and hold governments and corporations accountable for human rights abuses.
- Community-based Paralegal Programs: ALG establishes community-based paralegal programs in
Indigenous communities to provide frontline legal support and assistance. They train Indigenous
paralegals to document human rights violations, assist in legal proceedings, and facilitate access
to justice for marginalized and vulnerable community members.
- Environmental Justice Initiatives: ALG advocates for environmental justice and sustainable
development in Indigenous territories. They support Indigenous communities in defending their
lands, waters, and natural resources from environmental degradation, pollution, and extractive
industries through legal advocacy, community organizing, and public awareness campaigns.
- Cultural Heritage Protection: ALG promotes the protection and preservation of Indigenous
cultural heritage, artifacts, and sacred sites. They advocate for the recognition of Indigenous
cultural rights, intellectual property rights, and traditional knowledge systems, and support
efforts to safeguard Indigenous cultural heritage from exploitation and appropriation.
- Collaboration and Networking: ALG collaborates with Indigenous Peoples' organizations (IPOs),
NGOs, and human rights advocates to strengthen solidarity, share resources, and coordinate
advocacy efforts. They participate in networks, coalitions, and alliances that work collectively to
advance Indigenous rights and social justice.
5. Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA):

SSMNA is a coalition of NGOs and IP organizations working to protect the Sierra Madre mountain range
and its Indigenous inhabitants. They advocate for sustainable development, environmental
conservation, and the recognition of IPs' rights.

- SSMNA conducts campaigns and community-based initiatives to address deforestation, illegal

logging, and land conversion in the Sierra Madre region, collaborating with local IPs to protect
their ancestral lands and resources.
 - Forest Protection and Conservation: SSMNA works to protect and conserve the Sierra Madre
mountain range, which is home to many Indigenous communities. They engage in forest patrols,
monitoring, and advocacy efforts to combat illegal logging, poaching, and other forms of
environmental degradation threatening Indigenous lands and resources.
- Land Rights Advocacy: SSMNA advocates for the recognition and protection of Indigenous land
rights in the Sierra Madre region. They campaign for the issuance of Certificates of Ancestral
Domain Titles (CADTs) and Certificates of Ancestral Land Titles (CALTs) to Indigenous
communities, ensuring legal recognition and protection of their ancestral domains from
encroachment and exploitation.
- Community-based Sustainable Livelihoods: SSMNA supports Indigenous communities in
developing sustainable livelihood opportunities that promote economic self-reliance while
preserving the environment. They provide training, technical assistance, and support for
community-based enterprises such as eco-tourism, organic farming, and handicraft production.
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Response: SSMNA assists Indigenous communities in building
resilience to natural disasters and climate-related hazards in the Sierra Madre region. They
conduct risk assessments, develop disaster preparedness plans, and implement community-
based response and recovery initiatives to mitigate the impacts of disasters on Indigenous
livelihoods and well-being.
- Cultural Preservation and Heritage Protection: SSMNA promotes the preservation and
protection of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and heritage in the Sierra Madre region. They
organize cultural festivals, workshops, and educational programs to celebrate Indigenous
identities, languages, arts, and customs, fostering pride and solidarity among Indigenous
communities.
- Policy Advocacy and Networking: SSMNA engages in policy advocacy and networking efforts to
influence government policies, laws, and programs that affect Indigenous Peoples and the
environment in the Sierra Madre region. They collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and
civil society organizations to advocate for sustainable development, environmental protection,
and Indigenous rights.
- Education and Awareness-raising: SSMNA conducts education and awareness-raising campaigns
to inform Indigenous communities and the public about the importance of environmental
conservation, Indigenous rights, and sustainable development in the Sierra Madre region. They
organize workshops, forums, and media campaigns to raise awareness and promote
environmental stewardship among local communities and stakeholders.

Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines have responded to various issues affecting their communities
through a range of actions, including protests, legal challenges, community organizing, and cultural
revitalization efforts. Here are some common responses:

Protests and Demonstrations:

Indigenous communities in the Philippines often organize protests and demonstrations to voice their
opposition to projects or policies that threaten their rights and livelihoods. These protests may take the
form of rallies, marches, road blockades, or sit-ins.
For example, Indigenous groups have staged protests against large-scale mining operations, logging
activities, and land grabbing, demanding the protection of their ancestral lands and the recognition of
their right to self-determination.

Legal Challenges:

Indigenous communities and their advocates frequently file legal challenges against projects or
government actions that violate their rights. These legal challenges may involve filing petitions in courts,
seeking injunctions, or pursuing cases through the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) or
other government agencies.

For instance, Indigenous groups have filed petitions for the cancellation of mining permits and logging
concessions that encroach upon their ancestral domains, citing violations of their rights under the
Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and other laws.

Community Organizing and Mobilization:

Indigenous communities engage in community organizing and mobilization efforts to build solidarity,
raise awareness, and strengthen their collective bargaining power. This may involve forming alliances
with other Indigenous groups, NGOs, and civil society organizations.

Examples include the formation of community-based organizations, Indigenous Peoples' associations,

and alliances such as the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) and the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance
(SSMNA), which work to empower Indigenous communities and advocate for their rights.

Cultural Revitalization and Education:

Indigenous communities in the Philippines undertake efforts to revitalize and preserve their cultures,
languages, and traditions as a means of asserting their identity and strengthening their resilience in the
face of cultural assimilation and marginalization.

These efforts may include the establishment of cultural centers, schools, and language programs that
promote Indigenous knowledge systems and practices. Indigenous festivals, rituals, and ceremonies also
play a vital role in reaffirming cultural identity and solidarity within Indigenous communities.

Dialogue and Negotiation:

Indigenous leaders and representatives engage in dialogue and negotiation with government agencies,
companies, and other stakeholders to address issues affecting their communities. These dialogues may
aim to seek redress for grievances, negotiate agreements on resource management, or advocate for
policy changes.
Indigenous communities often participate in consultation processes mandated under the IPRA and other
laws, although there are concerns about the adequacy and effectiveness of these consultations in truly
respecting Indigenous rights and ensuring meaningful participation.