Panama City, February 6 (RHC-teleSUR) -- The Indigenous Parliament of America (PIA) held its 15th session in the Central American country of Panama this past week, marking an important milestone for the body that works to amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples in the region.

“The PIA symbolizes the platform from which the voice of Indigenous peoples from this continent can be heard more clearly and more loudly,” said Adolfo Valderrama, president of the National Assembly of Panama and the host of this year's Indigenous Parliament meetings. “It is at the same time an instrument of cohesion of these peoples in their struggle for legitimate demands.”

“We are making history bringing together representatives of different Indigenous peoples from throughout the world in order to connect, share and inspire,” said Valderrama at the opening of the meetings.

During this session the Indigenous Parliament of America signed cooperation agreements with the Latin American and Central American Parliaments.

On the occasion of the signing on these agreements, the president of the Latin American Parliament, Elias Castillo stated, “I am sure that the signing of this agreement will not only further strengthen the links that united the Latin American Parliament and the Indigenous Parliament of America, but will also allow for us to advance more decisively and efficiency toward our common goals.”

The body was created in August of 1987 in Panama during the First Meeting of Indigenous Legislators in America.

The group includes representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, U.S., Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.