Keyoh Holders Signed Declaration
The 2009 Keyoh Holders Declaration affirms the traditional, inherited ownership and stewardship of each Keyoh—lands and resources that have been preserved within an extended family for countless generations. This declaration staunchly rejects any negotiation or delegation of these rights to external entities, underscoring the sanctity of ancestral law and the enduring connection between the people and their lands.
In harmony with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), this document reinforces indigenous self-determination and ensures that customary land rights and governance are safeguarded under contemporary legal frameworks. It creates a continuous bridge between ancestral practices and modern legal recognition, celebrating a legacy of indigenous sovereignty. Let this declaration serve as both a testament and a call to uphold the sacred trust of indigenous stewardship and cultural resilience.
Legal Opinion: Off Reserve Agreements
The principles outlined in this paper—focusing on the authority of Hereditary Chiefs and other traditional or customary leaders—resonate deeply with the keyoh system. For generations, the keyoh system has operated on an intergenerational model of stewardship where ancestral lands and resources are entrusted to an extended family under the guidance of a hereditary leader. This traditional structure ensures that rights, title, and responsibilities pass directly from one family head to the next.
Much like the negotiations and legal frameworks examined in the paper, which emphasize the necessity of clear and legitimate authority in representing indigenous interests, the keyoh system embodies a legacy rooted in customary law. It reinforces that the preservation and management of sacred lands are inherently tied to long-established traditions—not subjected to external delegation or compromise.