News & Events

Todd Crider participated in an expert meeting sponsored by UNESCOCAT and Kreddha International on October 1-3, 2009 in Sitges, Catalonia.  Professor James Anaya, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Indigenous Peoples, and Michael Van Walt, president of Kreddha International, chaired the conference on "Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Situations Where Extractive Industry Activity Impacts Indigenous Peoples on Their Lands".  The event included representatives of oil and mining companies, indigenous peoples, leading Non-Governmental Organizations and the United Nations.   

Conference organizers invited Todd to the conference due to his experience in pro bono representation of indigenous peoples, including acting as legal advisor to the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights in the Awas Tingni case.  Todd  also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Rainforest Foundation - US which supports indigenous peoples' rights in the Americas.   During the conference Todd provided analysis of legal issues involved in financing of projects for extractive industry.   Participants developed specific approaches to assist in peaceful resolution of conflict between indigenous peoples and extractive industry or infrastructure development projects.