It was amidst drum beats, singing and dancing that the people of Atok in Bebend Subdivision, Upper Nyong Division of the East Region, welcomed Catherine Bakang Mbock, Minister of Social Affairs and her team on Wednesday August 5, 2015.

The event was the official launch of activities to mark the celebration of the 21st edition of the International Day of Indigenous People on the theme: “Programme For Post 2015: Health Guarantee And The Well Being Of Indigenous People.”

Speaking at the occasion, Catherine Bakang Mbock said indigenous people, who in Cameroon are the Mbororos and the pygmies, are a privileged group to the Ministry of Social Affairs like other vulnerable peoples.

She said the government and partners were committed to promoting and protecting indigenous people and other vulnerable people through national solidarity.

The Minister later visited an experimental farm in Zugela that is financed by the Agricultural Competitiveness Programme (PACA), a Baka pygmy school and the Inter-community Dialogue Centre in Atok.

According to her, the centre is a symbol of solidarity as it gives the Bakas the opportunity to share their know-how with other communities for their socio- economic development.

Celebrated in Cameroon since 2009, the International Day of Indigenous People aims at promoting and protecting people who have conserved their traditions, way of life and cultures in spite of the passing of time and external influences.

Activities for the week include public discussions and lectures, radio messages, information and sensitisation meetings, sports and cultural activities, among others.