“Povos Indigenas unitos” (Indigenous People Unite) The South Asian Peoples' Initiatives (SAPI) delegates introduced themselves at the Pre-Forum organized by the Amazon Region Jesuits, CEPAL (Conference of Latin American Provincials) and SJS Secretariat with the above slogan. The participants were mostly indigenous from various zones and Jesuit Provinces in compliance with the focus of Pre-Forum and WSF which was “Amazon and Indigenous People (IP)”. Wearing specially designed colourful jackets made out of tribal shawls and headband with SAPI inscription, the delegates exhibited a clear purpose of their participation. They were enthusiastic to learn, contribute and make this visit a meaningful one for all.

World Social Forum 2009, Belem do Para, Brazil (Jan. 27 - Feb. 1, 2009)

The Seventh World Social Forum 2009 is being organized at Belem do Para in North Brazil which is just below the equator almost touching the Atlantic Ocean.

In the Sixth WSF in January 2007 in Nairobi, the Jesuits of African Assistancy along with the Social Justice Secretariat had organized a pre-forum gathering called "Ignatian Family Encounter". The Amazon Region of the Society of Jesus is organizing a similar pre-forum encounter between Jan. 24-27, 2009.

Theme : “FE’NAMAZÔNIA - Religious Faith and Struggle for Life in the Amazon Region" 

Invitees: Jesuits, lay collaborators, other religious institutes and groups

Dates of Pre-WSF Encounter : Jan. 24 - 27; WSF 2009 : Feb. 1, 2008

Here is the report presented at the JESA Convention in Guwahati, Oct. 2008 by SAPI Coordinator. 

Activities:

a)    National Dalit Policy: 4 zonal programmes were organized in the last two years;

Workshop on Displacement & Migration: In Search of Alternatives

20-22 Nov. 2007, ISI New Delhi 

SAPI organized a workshop on Displacement and Migration: In Search of Alternatives at ISI, New Delhi from 20-22 Nov. 2007. One hundred and twenty delegates representing various states in India and Sri Lanka participated in the workshop.

SAPI Zonal Workshop on Displacement and Migration, Bagaicha, Ranchi, 10-12 March 2008

Following the national workshop, a similar workshop on the same theme was also organized at Bagaicha from 10-12 March, 2008. Around 110 participants from Jharkhand and Chattisgarh participated in it. The participants were mainly from the project affected areas all over these 2 states. The 3-day workshop brought together many of the people's movement based groups and struggling poor.