WHO ARE WE?

KASAPI is a national federation of different indigenous people (IP) organizations representing 64 ethno-linguistic groups from 127 different indigenous cultural communities in the Philippines. It is a network of 16 regional and sub-regional federations comprise of about 250 community-based indigenous peoples' organization.

It was formally established on 23 October 1997 at St. Michael's Retreat House, Antipolo and Rizal as a result of a national conference of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines. It is governed by a Consultative Body of 34 members each representing member organizations or communities within the federation. Its goal is to advocate for the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples to their ancestral domain, self-determination and cultural integrity.

OUR VISION:

• A just and humane society where the Indigenous Peoples live in dignity, each developing their unique indigenous cultures towards fulfilling a common cultural framework of development.

OUR MISSION:

• Uphold and advance unity among the Philippine Indigenous Peoples towards strengthening Indigenous Cultural Communities and territories.
• Uphold and develop the indigenous knowledge, systems and practices respective to the protection of environment and cultural territories.
• Strengthen Indigenous Cultural Communities, cultural territories and organizations towards empowerment, self-governance and self-reliant economic base.

OUR GOALS:

· Advance the Indigenous Peoples rights in advocating for the realization of culture-sensitive provisions of national laws and policies.

· Uphold and develop culture-sensitive systems and processes in the development of ancestral domains – lands and waters.

· Consolidate, strengthen and broaden unity among Indigenous Peoples Organizations, Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Socio-Political Institutions.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

1. We advocate and work on the following principles;
2. Respect and trust among members and non-members of various tribal groups, IPO's and ICC's.
3. Recognition and respect of the leadership of each member, tribal leader and representative.
4. Belief in collective action and decision-making processes.
5. Uphold, strengthen and support programs on indigenous resource management systems, indigenous governance and customary laws, environmental and natural resources conservation towards survival.
6. Advance self-determination and empowering each member and members of tribal and Indigenous Cultural Communities.
7. Ensure equitable sharing/distribution of works, privileges and opportunities among the legitimate members.