The 23rd Session of the UN Forum on Indigenous Issues, the largest gathering of indigenous actors, was held at UNHQ under the theme “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Self-Determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Emphasizing the Voices of Indigenous Youth” from 15-26 April.

Throughout the two-week gathering, hundreds of indigenous peoples raised numerous areas of concern, including climate change, land, natural resources, water, trauma healing, and criminalization. Speakers continuously urged the UN to move beyond rhetoric and to make the recommendations from the resolutions a reality. While the Forum cannot issue binding resolutions, it can use the recommendations put forth to pressure governments to make changes.

Opening ceremony by Erjen Khamagova from World Union of Indigenous Spiritual Practitioners (WUISP).

On the margins of the Forum, the Peacemakers Network convened two separate activities as part of its mandate to further empower traditional and indigenous leaders and actors in peace and development:

1. The Peacemakers Network in partnership with the UN Office on Genocide Prevention organized the final Global Consultation on the Plan of Action for Traditional Leaders and Actors in Countering and Addressing Hate Speech and Preventing Genocide and Related Crimes (war crimes and crimes against humanity) and their incitement through Peace Mediation.

The Global Consultation follows upon two previous consultations with traditional leaders and actors from around the world representing different ethnic, indigenous and clan communities, and representatives of traditional societies, on their roles and responsibilities to prevent genocide and related crimes, including by mediating in situations at risk of these crimes.

The meeting brought together several traditional and indigenous actors from diverse backgrounds to provide input on the draft Plan of Action. Although there was broad consensus on the recommendations of the Plan of Action, several speakers stressed the need to further expand on issues related to climate change, trauma healing, emerging technologies and indigenous peoples. Participating in the consultation was one of the most recognized actors at the Forum, Ms. Tarcila River, who stated that the Plan of Action will only be successful if it’s implemented. She further urged the Peacemakers Network to create a “Traditional and Indigenous Advisory Body” to support its work in this area.

Central Asian tradition of tapestry and embroidery shown at the exhibition.

2. Aligned with this year’s theme focusing on Indigenous Peoples’ rights to self-determination and the voices of Indigenous youth, the Peacemakers Network co-sponsored an exhibition hosted by the World Union of Indigenous Spiritual Practitioners (WUISP) and Wayfinders Circle.

The exhibition brought together over 100 elders and youth from different parts of the world to exchange experiences and dialogues about how arts, spirituality, and cultural expressions have been key to preserving their identity as Indigenous Peoples and their rights to self-determination. Additionally, how art has been to other ongoing struggles for rights.

For example, Central Asian embroidery, an ancient art tradition, was highlighted to demonstrate how art has been used to advance the rights of indigenous peoples. Each symbol in this embroidery carries significant meaning, conveying a powerful message. The Peacemakers Network was honored to be awarded the “Children of Yurt” as part of its continuous efforts to empower traditional and indigenous actors.

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