The Miskitu Nation are the original people on the Moskitia/Mosquito (Miskitu) territory in Central America. Their history dates back to the Mayan civilizations.
In Reverend Josephenie H.H.C.T. De-Robertson words:
The Miskitu Nation are the original people on the Moskitia/Mosquito (Miskitu) territory in Central America. Their history dates back to the Mayan civilizations
.I am Josephenie Hendy Hebbert ClarenceTawaska De-Robertson, Matriarch of the Miskitu Nation, born in Silver City, Mosquitia- known as Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. I am here to tell you the beautiful history and culture of the Miskitu people and the plight we face today.
Despite the oppression, raping/violence done by the Somoza government, and the exploitation of our natural resources by them and foreign companies have left us a shattered memory what we once were. Unlike Miskitu children today, Somoza did not destroy the ecology nor the environment. We were allowed to fish, cut lumber, build our houses, ships, and cook, cleaner water, and beaches, a vibrant language, culture, work and animals of all kinds in the ocean, land, and sky. My Miskitu culture appreciates and is in tune with nature, we are taught to listen to it along with our own culture.
Today, it is a totally different story.
In 1957, my brothers and uncles were killed by the Somoza Government and upon the demand of the Council of Elders and Miskitu Royal family of Kuum, On behalf of my people, I declared the independence of the Miskitu Nation from Nicaragua and Honduras (published in La Prensa Newspaper by Late Dr. Pedro Joaquin Chamorro).
In 1960, I was given the option to be exiled permanently or face death.
In 1960, I was given the option to be exiled permanently or face death. With 72 hours to leave my beloved remaining family and friends in Mosquitia/Miskitu, I left with the belief I would be of better service to my people alive.Ever since I have been pursuing the full sovereignty and international right to self-determination for the Miskitu People.
Today, I come to you as a mother, grandmother and human being to beg of you, do not ignore or exterminate the native people. Through their centuries of wisdom, we have found plants that contain life-saving medicines and the blueprint for what society is today. We native people have been open to other cultures but we just ask for RESPECT.
The first people are fighting to keep what makes this world beautiful, why do we have to drive everything into extinction? When that’s gone we won’t be able to drink or eat money, jewels or cars and we can’t enjoy material things without first our health. Our health is determined and governed by the soundness of our ecological and environmental system. Otherwise, we as the irresponsible of all species will perish!
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