The First Nation Peoples from across South Africa met at Mossel Bay, at the Point Discovery Centre near Cape St Blaize Cave, which is an important heritage site for the San and Khoikhoi Peoples.
Furthermore, the Centre hosts a permanent exhibition created in coordination with Christelle Grobler - Curator of the Mandela University Archive and Exhibition Centre - which showcases and speaks about the history and importance of Cave 13B, which was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There, over three days, leaders, community members and important stakeholders met to discuss crucial topics related to their future and the recognition of the First Peoples of South Africa.
Prof Minguzzi and Ambassador of Peace Queen Gail Baatjies, Gourikwa Khoi Korana Kraal
Prof Minguzzi was invited by The Convenors of the Bosberaad to participate and present her research based on Indigenous Knowledge systems and First Peoles’ Heritage. These convenors included Ambassador of Peace Queen Gail Baatjies, Gourikwa Khoi Korana Kraal and the High Commissioner Samantha Satisfied, Chainouqua Klaas Dorha Tribe.
Dr Sharon Gabie from the University’s Institute for Coastal Research was invited as well.
Prof Minguzzi said that “the event was of particular importance for the national participation of 240 Indigenous leaders and activists representing all five groupings, namely Cape Khoi, Korana, Nama, Griekwa and San.
They constructively contributed to a very crucial discussion around the contemporary situation of the Indigenous Peoples in South Africa.
“For me, it was a particularly meaningful event to witness. It was important also to share the invitation to collaborate with and be part of Mandela University and the Faculty of the Built Environment and Technology's newly established Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Unit”, Prof Minguzzi said as leader of the Unit.
“The Unit has already recorded the presence of many First Nation Leaders, thanks to our long-lasting contribution to documenting and raising awareness on the tangible and intangible heritage and related IKS of the First Peoples of South Africa.
This was an event fully organised and funded by the San and Khoikhoi and it was so powerful to witness and be part of it”, she said.
As mentioned in the minutes of the Bosberaad: “All the delegates were happy and encouraged by the tone, direction and outcome of the National Bosberaad as it provided valuable insights, also allowing delegates to network and work together on national projects that lie ahead. This unifies the nation as we leave nobody behind.”
As a result of the Bosberaad the “First Nations Indigenous Aboriginal Sovereign Governance Council” was established, and regular meetings and discussions are taking place to move forward towards the envisioned goals to achieve.
