The Indigenous Navigator is a framework and set of tools for and developed by indigenous peoples to systematically monitor the level of recognition and implementation of their rights. By using the Indigenous Navigator, indigenous organisations and communities and NGOs can access free tools and resources based on community-generated data. This data is used by indigenous organisations and communities to identify key local development needs for the realisation of their rights. This project also aims to contribute to the interaction between the government and indigenous communities through advocacy.
This global initiative, implemented in 11 countries, is funded by the European Union. Okani, in collaboration with FPP, has implemented the project in Cameroon, with the collaboration of several indigenous forest organisations, members of the “Gbabandi” platform.
Following a community survey conducted in February 2018 during the baseline study phase of the Indigenous Navigator project, the need to secure the “right to citizenship” of indigenous peoples emerged as a priority. Specifically, the communities requested support in obtaining birth certificates for children aged between three months and 15 years.
These reports were published as part of this project.
MICRO-PROJECTS
The Indigenous Navigator micro-project arose from the strong demand from indigenous communities. As part of the baseline study phase of the Indigenous Navigator project in February 2018, a survey was carried out during which the indigenous communities were asked to share their most pressing needs in order of priority.
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The study revealed that the need to secure the "right to citizenship" of indigenous peoples was the priority issue for the communities. Providing support for indigenous forest communities in establishing and obtaining birth certificates was clearly identified. Specifically, the communities requested support in obtaining birth certificates for children aged between three months and 15 years.
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For the implementation of this and other activities under the Indigenous Navigator initiative, Okani and the other indigenous organisations within the Gbabandi initiative have set up a steering committee (COPIL) to monitor, control and evaluate the implementation of the micro-projects. As a result, by mutual agreement, the members of COPIL agreed to issue birth certificates to Bagyeli children (Southern Region, in the districts of Lokoundjé and Bipindi) and Baka children (Eastern Region, in the districts of Salapoumbé and Moloundou), representing the two indigenous groups that participated in the preliminary study.
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The main objective of the micro-project was to facilitate the issuing of 500 birth certificates to the indigenous communities:
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300 birth certificates in the Moloundou and Salapoumbé (Baka) area;
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200 birth certificates in the area of Lokoundjé and Bipindi (Bagyeli)
In the East, the micro-project was locally monitored by the Baka association, ASBABUK; in the South, it was monitored by two Bagyeli associations, ARBO and ADEPA.
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