With great commitment to the defense of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Mesoamerica, today, August 27, 2024, the online course entitled "Right to Consultation and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)". This training, designed with a participatory methodology and focused on the cosmogony of our native peoples, has a duration of four months and has the participation of indigenous and local community leaders and technicians from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama.

The course is an initiative that we worked on in conjunction with the Fundación Indígena (FSC-FI), Equitable Origin (EO) and the Fundación Indígena (FSC-FI), Equitable Origin (EO) and the Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas (UNACH). It will be offered by experts through the Fundación Indígena's virtual continuing education platform, the Virtual Learning Database (VLD). This course has been structured based on a detailed analysis of educational needs in the region, systematized with the collaboration of focal points designated by the aforementioned organizations, who contributed valuable knowledge and experiences for the construction of this methodological proposal.

Course Objectives

The main objective of the course is to enable participants to guide their communities and organizations in consultation processes that respect the cultural relevance of Indigenous Peoples and to strengthen the defense of their rights through the use of national and international mechanisms. At the end of the training, participants will be able to understand and apply FPIC legislation, as well as identify and use legal tools for the protection of their territories.

Pedagogical Approach

The course employs an educational approach that promotes the collective construction of knowledge, prioritizing the active participation of all people involved. This approach is key to ensuring that learning is meaningful and applicable in local contexts.

Participant Profile

The course is aimed at indigenous leaders, technicians and territorial authorities with experience in the management of their territories. Priority has been given to the inclusion of youth and women in this training process, recognizing their crucial role in the defense of Indigenous Peoples' rights.Those participants who satisfactorily complete the course will receive a certification endorsed by the National Autonomous University of Chiapas (UNACH).

Course Structure

The course is structured in four modules ranging from the main milestones of indigenous history in the international scenario, to the presentation and analysis of consultation cases in Latin America. The modules are:

• Module 1Main milestones in the history of indigenous peoples in the international arena, their acquired rights and the main international instruments (universal and regional) that enshrine the right to free, prior and informed consultation.
• Module 2Right to free, prior and informed consultation and right to free, prior and informed consent.
• Module 3Module 3: Tools and guidelines for the implementation of consultation and legal aspects for the protection of indigenous peoples and communities against violations of their rights.
• Module 4Consultation processes in Latin America: presentation of cases and analysis in the light of international and national legislation of the countries involved in the project.

Levi Sucre, our General Director, highlighted the relevance of this course, stating: "Consultation under the FPIC principle is the most effective tool we have to assert our rights in our territories and countries, and internationally. Knowing how it manifests itself from our communities to the levels of laws and governments is an indispensable element. This course is a big step to contribute to indigenous law; knowing how it moves, we can better defend our forests and territories."

This course represents a significant step towards strengthening the defense of Indigenous Peoples' rights in Mesoamerica and a collective effort to ensure that their voices are heard and respected at all levels.