On April 21-May 5, 2025, the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York. The annual session is the third-largest meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York. It brings more than 2,000 Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, Member States, UN agencies, and other stakeholders together every year to discuss and cover Indigenous issues.
On April 21-May 5, 2025, the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York. This year’s session theme will focus on "Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges.”
By Onambani Jules, Radio Director
In the lush, forested region of southern Cameroon, the Indigenous Bagyeli and Bakola communities, with a combined population of around 2,500, face growing threats to their ancestral lands and traditional way of life. Scattered across the Ocean department, these communities have long relied on the forest for their livelihoods and cultural identity. However, the encroachment of agribusiness, logging, and development projects has led to widespread deforestation and land grabbing, jeopardizing their existence.
Cultural Survival's community includes people from all walks of life, with beautiful stories to tell of your own about why you decided to become an advocate for Indigenous Peoples' rights. Sharing these stories further connects our community, provides much-needed solidarity and validation to our staff and partners on the ground, and helps us inspire others to join our movement. We are excited to spotlight members and former interns of our community and highlight your contributions and perspectives through our Cultural Survival Spotlight series.
By Verónica Aguilar (Ñuu Savi, CS Staff)
OPEN LETTER TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AUTHORITIES
Barra Velha / Bahia – Brazil, March 21, 2025
To the authorities of the Federative Republic of Brazil,
To the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights,
To the United Nations Human Rights Council,
To the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
To international organizations, the media, and global civil society:
By Rikson, 94.1FM Mars FM
By CS Staff Rosy Sul González (Maya Kaqchikel), Verónica Aguilar (Mixtec), and Cesar Gomez (Maya Pocomam)
Climate change is accelerating worldwide, and Indigenous communities are experiencing the impacts and risks most acutely due in large part to their close relationship with Mother Earth and their status as stewards and protectors of the land.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that we are headquartered on Massachusett land, in Cambridge, MA, and we thank the past, current, and future Indigenous stewards of this territory.
