Indigenous representatives from three regions of the world connected the similar challenges and also the necessity for a common strategy taken in solidarity for peace and conflict resolution.

At the side event, Impact of Militarization on Children of Indigenous Territories and Peoples, representatives from Innu in Canada, Mindanao in Philippines and Hawaii shared what is happening in the specific communities.

The Innu representatives discussed the impact of a NATO base in the community and the various impacts on the people and also the environment. The pilots at the base impact the community on various levels. There is a rise in HIV/AIDs as well as STDS in the community. There are also children being born with father stationed elsewhere with no way for women to be in contact.

Another important challenge is the number of flights and how nature is directly affected by the flight patterns and noise pollution. Over time, through protest led by women many governments have actually left and stopped training in Innu homeland.

In the Philippines, the indigenous peoples are subject to shocking circumstances. For over 30 years, the indigenous peoples are victims and survivors of military abuses. Indigenous peoples are forced to carry baggage of the Philippine military and also the Muslim armed groups. The indigenous peoples are held hostage and killed by both sides. Women are also raped. The natural resources are constantly destroyed due to the practices of timber and mining. The spiritual connection with the land is denied as multinational corporations pursue profits on the homelands of indigenous peoples of the Philippines. The indigenous representative also mentioned the death threats and fear for persecution of his family causing him to move. There was also significant discussion around the non-violent protests such as the human barricade to protect the earth.

In the Pacific, Ikaika Hussey, spoke about how indigenous lands in Hawaii are being utilized by the US government to violate the human rights of people around the world. Hussey spoke about the planes and ships leaving Hawaii and where they go to the Middle East in previous and current wars. He also spoke about the historical struggle among the imperial powers to dominate Hawaii to control Asia and the Pacific.

Hussey also spoke about the deep integration of militarism and its impact to Americanize the people of Hawaii. He also noted that Hawaii is the most militarized state in the U.S. with more than 25 percent of Oahu. Kanaka Maoli have always contested being part of the union from annexation to statehood.

The panellists concluded with a call for solidarity to stand up against the militaries that destroy the earth and also wield destruction on peoples around the planet.