Empowering Indigenous Voices: Reflections from the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

President-Elect Emma Rawson Te-Patu of the World Federation of Public Health Associations joins a diverse cohort of Indigenous leaders this week at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII Twenty-Third Session).

Among them are notable figures like Justin Mohamed, Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, and the Honorable Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians, each carrying the aspirations of their communities.

The atmosphere buzzes with energy at the Welcome Reception, graciously hosted by the National Congress of American Indians. As the forum unfolds, the stage is graced by the impassioned voices of young Indigenous leaders, their calls for justice and equality reverberating throughout the venue.

Moments of reflection are offered by figures like Francisco Cali Tzay, the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Rights, who amplifies Indigenous voices and confronts pressing global issues head-on.

Discussions throughout the forum delve deep into the Indigenous Determinants of Health, emphasizing the inseparable link between health, culture, and human rights. With each session, Indigenous leaders reaffirm their commitment to collective action and solidarity, guided by the principles enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Together, these leaders embark on a journey toward a future where Indigenous rights are not just acknowledged but vigorously upheld, leaving an enduring imprint on the global stage.