May 2012

Niwano Peace Foundation Holds Symposium in Kyoto on Indigenous People and Peace

The Niwano Peace Foundation held the Kyoto Symposium 2012 on May 12 at a municipal facility in Kyoto, under the theme, "The Wisdom of Indigenous People and the Role of Women in Peacebuilding." Some 200 people attended, including religionists, scholars, and members of the public.

In addressing the theme, Ms. Rosalina Tuyuc Velásquez, recipient of the 29th Niwano Peace Prize, spoke of the history and suffering of her people, the Mayans. She explained that their way of life values living in harmony with nature. She emphasized women's contribution to promoting reverence for life and urged everyone to reflect on their own way of life.

Ms. Velásquez then joined a panel discussion, chaired by Professor Toshimasa Yamamoto of Kwansei Gakuin University, with Sister Teruko Ito of the Maryknoll Sisters and Mr. Keishin Furuya, a news photographer and representative of Red de Cooperación Mutua entre Japón y America Latina (Japan-Latin America Mutual Cooperation Network).

The Niwano Peace Foundation has held an annual symposium in Kyoto since 1994, inviting participation by the latest recipient of the Niwano Peace Prize.

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