UN Indigenous Forum Spotlights Health and Land Rights Amid Global Challenges
The 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) took place in New York from April 20 to May 1, 2026. Over 1,000 delegates attended despite funding cuts and ongoing visa and travel difficulties. This year’s theme focused on Indigenous health, including in conflict zones. Cultural Survival played a key role during the event. The organisation partnered with the UNPFII and UNDESA to run the Indigenous Media Zone, where livestreams and discussions were held. Recordings of the Opening Ceremony and general sessions remain available online.
Five Indigenous leaders—Samuel Stanely (San), Arlene Greist (Iñupiat Ilitqusiat), Jen Deer in Water (Cherokee), Margarita Diaz (Maya Popti'), and Rosa Fátima Mamani Quispe (Uru Murato)—attended with support from Cultural Survival. Their participation highlighted critical issues facing their communities. During the session, Cultural Survival released an advocacy brief titled *Defending the Land, Paying with Life*. The organisation also launched the *Mother Earth Medicine* podcast on Earth Day, April 22. Livestreams from the Indigenous Media Zone can still be viewed on Cultural Survival’s YouTube page.
The 25th UNPFII session brought global attention to Indigenous health and land defence. Cultural Survival’s initiatives, including the advocacy brief and podcast, provided resources for ongoing advocacy. Media coverage and online recordings ensure the discussions reach a wider audience.
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