Introducing Kadazandusun Songs at International Level Possible: Linda By Jo Ann Mool KOTA KINABALU: Akademi Fantasia 2 (AF2) 2004 first runner up Linda Nanuwil said introducing Kadazandusun songs at international level is possible if there are strong financial backing and support from the industry and authorities concerned. She said efforts to introduce the language to the world through song and music would be difficult but was definitely not out of reached. I believe whatever the challenges, if it is done based on the love (of the language) and commitment, it can be done, Linda said at the official launching of her first Kadazandusun album "LINDA" at the 1Borneo here Saturday. This efforts, according to her, needed thorough planning, management and careful implementation and parties involved namely the entertainment industry player must work cohesively. She hopes that the with her album it indirectly encouraged more members of the younger Kadazandusun generation to listen and love the Kadazandusun songs. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who launched Linda's album, said local artistes should take upon themselves the responsibility to preserve and promote their native tongue. The Huguan Siou (paramount leader) said young talents and idols could use their popularity to encourage their fans to appreciate their native tongue through their songs and arts as well as use their influence to introduce their native tongue not only to the rest of the country but also to the rest of the world. If song like Korean "Winter Sonata" or Japanese "Mi Rae" which most of us don't even understand their meaning can be accepted here, why can't our songs do the same in foreign countries, he said. To mark the launch, the Ranau-born lass sang three songs - Upus Tolidang (Everlasting Love), Kotohuadan (Thank You) and Id Tindalanon (On The Way) from the ten-track album. (Source: Daily Express, 10/8/2008). Posted By Allan Dumbong)

Native rights must be safeguarded: Pairin Penampang: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan called on indigenous people across the globe to work together in fighting for and safeguarding their rights. He said like the women and children whose rights are recognised and well protected internationally, indigenous groups in Sabah and in other places can also have the same with a strong global networking among them. Pairin who is also Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) President said although indigenous people in this country and others are considered a minority they need to be protected and supported by the Government. "The rights of the indigenous people need to be safeguarded. They need to be given priority and assisted so that they will not be left out from the development mainstream," he said at the World Indigenous People's Day (PHOAS) celebration held at the KDCA compound, Saturday. Pairin, who is huguan siou (paramount chief) said although the indigenous people in Sabah are well looked after there was still room for improvement. He said this is based on the initial feedback from the workshop on "Impact of Laws and Government Policies to the Indigenous Peoples in Sabah" held earlier, at which some issues affecting indigenous people in the State like on land were raised for the State Government's immediate attention. "It is important for the State government to look into and address the issues or problems faced the indigenous people like those related to land matters which were brought up during the seminar," he said. He likened these issues or problems faced by the indigenous people to a disease which urgently needs to be attended to and fully cured. He commended non-governmental organisations like Partners of Community Organisations (Pacos Trust) and Jalinan Orang Asal Sedunia (JOAS) involved in organising the celebration and the other related activities which can help boost public awareness on the indigenous people. "Being part of the indigenous community, I am also proud of the increasing recognition given to indigenous people," he said, happy that youngsters from the indigenous community are more and more aware of the importance of preserving their invaluable heritage. Pairin said despite being a minority, the indigenous community is also playing an important role in the development of the country, the state and the people. "The Government, as we have seen, has made many changes in its effort to develop the country, the state and the people," he said. But, by the same token, he pointed to land conversion like paddy fields getting smaller by the day to make way for housing or other property development and asked whether there is a need to forgo everything to modernisation without considering all that has been passed down by the elders. "Do we want to leave behind all that we have inherited from our elders?" he asked. Source: Daily Express, 10/8/2008. Posted By Allan Dumbong

Indigenous Peoples get New Platform Tuesday, 01 July 2008 After the Working Group on Indigenous Populations was dissolved, the UN established a new Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which is to meet in October. The UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, whose work was discontinued, has been replaced by the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as has been confirmed by a UN Human Rights Council (UN HRC) resolution adopted on 14 December 2007. The mandate of this mechanism is to function as a subsidiary body to the UN HRC offering specific expertise to the Council with regards to the rights of indigenous peoples. In particular where it concerns thematic issues, the mechanism will heavily rely on studies and research-based advice. However, within the scope of the Council, the expert mechanism may also suggest proposals to the UN HRC for its consideration. Five experts are assigned to sit on the Expert Mechanism of whom many have an indigenous background or in lieu thereof have vast knowledge on indigenous issues. For the first term, the experts appointed are:

• Ms. Catherine Odimba Kombe (Congo)
• Ms. Jannie Lasimbang (Malaysia)
• Mr. John Henrikson (Norway)
• Mr. Jos? Carlos Morales Morales (Costa Rica)
• Mr. Jos? Mencio Molintas (Philippines)

In line with its mandate, the Expert Mechanism will meet annually, three days in the first year, but up to five days thereafter. These sessions are foreseen to be a combination of public and private meetings. The first meeting of the Expert Mechanism is scheduled to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 1 to 3 October 2008. Source:http://www.unpo.org/content/view/8361/85/ (9/8/2008). Posted By: A.Dumbong

JUARA Akademi Fantasia Keenam (AF6), Stacy Anam akan menjadi artis undangan Konsert Amal Persatuan Kebudayaan Kadazandusun (KDCA). Konsert akan diadakan pada 15 Ogos ini di Dewan Hongkod Koisaan (KDCA), Penampang jam 7 malam.   Ia turut menampilkan artis kelahiran AF2 Adam, Kumpulan EVOKE, Easther Apolunius (Juara Sugandoi 2006) dan pemenang Unduk Ngadau 2007 Joanna.   Pengerusi Penganjur, James Muyau, berkata konsert bertujuan untuk mengisi Tabung Amanah Pendidikan KDCA. "Konsert ini juga adalah untuk memberi peluang kepada peminat Stacy menyaksikan persembahan artis yang semakin popular menerusi lagu 'Aku Stacy' itu," katanya di sidang media di Pejabat KDCA kelmarin.   Hadir sama ialah Jawatankuasa penganjur konsert, Jake Jikulin Nointien dan Setiausaha Kerja KDCA, Benedict Topin.   Menurut James, pihak penganjur memilih Stacy kerana artis itu turut menjadi produk KDCA kerana pernah menyertai lagu-lagu Kadazandusun 'Sugandoi Kaamatan'.  Pihak penganjur memutus untuk memilih Stacy bagi mengiktiraf kejayaannya sebagai peserta pertama dari Sabah menjuarai AF6.  "Lagipun dia adalah anak kelahiran Kadazandusun berasal dari Penampang,"katanya.   Sehubungan itu, beliau menggesa orang ramai supaya datang menyaksikan konsert tersebut. (Disesuaikan dari Daily Express, 7/8/2008). Posted By Allan Dumbong.