Indigenous peoples' heroes day through mass and community

Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and the Int'l Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self Determination & Liberation, in partnership with the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John, commemorated International Indigenous Peoples’ Heroes Day through a mass, a short forum during coffee hour, and community dancing.

The event honored the lives and legacies of Bishop Bob Longid, Mother Petra Macliing, Ben Solang, Bai Bibyaon Bigkay, Nicanor Delos Santos, Samman Dazon, and other Indigenous heroes who we remember for the staunch defense of human rights, ancestral lands, and the right to self-determination. The humble commemoration was also a venue for mass-goers and allies to reflect on the ongoing state of the Philippines, such as the impacts of climate disasters on citizens in the midst of extreme and widespread corruption of our government officials.

International Indigenous Peoples’ Heroes Day traces its roots to November 10, 1995, when Ken Saro-Wiwa, an Ogoni leader and writer from Nigeria, and eight of his companions were executed by the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Their resistance against oil giants Shell and Chevron, whose operations devastated Ogoni ancestral lands, stands as a lasting symbol of the global struggle of Indigenous Peoples for land, rights, and survival.

We extend our invitation to all Indigenous Peoples, allies, and advocates to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Heroes Day through a night of tribute on November 20, 2025. More details wil be announced through our Facebook page.