"We should find mechanisms to get in," said Robert Bullard, of the National Black Environmental Justice Network. He said that he would be willing to "use any means necessary" to occupy the empty seats of the US delegation, calling the walk-out by the US and Israeli delegations an "embarrassment."

Bullard addressed reporters at a protest outside the International Conference Center, where the intergovernmental negotiations are taking place. Dozens of stern-faced security guards, clamoring reporters, photographers and cameramen surrounded the small crew of demonstrators calling for recognition of the rights of black and Indigenous peoples.

William Commanda, an 87-year-old Algonquin elder from Canada, is the Keeper of the Seven Fires Prophesy. He came to Durban to share the prophesy and its vision for the future, which he said calls for people "to honor our relationship and responsibility to mother earth and all creation, celebrate our individual gifts and diversity, and to recognize and respect our place within a circle of all nations." Such a vision will only be possible if "the people of the world respond immediately to the plight of the many oppressed by exploitation, social injustice, racism and war." He said that he would like to see Indigenous peoples from around the world come together and have their voices heard loud and strong. Those present certainly had ample opportunity to talk to the press, but whether delegates inside the conference center heard their voices remains to be seen.

"We made a strong statement at the Nongovernmental organization (NGO) forum but here at the intergovernmental conference there has been a lockout of the voice of the NGOs," said Bullard.