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. 

In October 2025, four Indigenous communities in Guatemala—Maya Kaqchikel de Sumpango, Maya Achí Chicaj, Mam de Cajolá, and Maya Mam de Todos Santos Cuchumatán—submitted an alternative report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), with support from the Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University Law School and Cultural Survival.

By Prabindra Shakya (Newa) and Johnson Jament (Mukkuvar)

The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian firm at the forefront of deep-sea mining, has rapidly expanded its operations across the Pacific, targeting areas vital to Indigenous and other coastal communities in Asia and the Pacific. Although the TMC is not yet commercially mining the seabed, they are pushing to begin mining aggressively – applying for U.S. permits in 2025 and conducting pilot collections (such as 2,000 tons for Nauru).

By Cristina Verán

By Akash Poyam (Gond/Koitur, CS Fellow)​

By Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Koĩts-Sunuwar, CS Staff) 

Nepal’s human rights record was reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time on January 21, 2026. During the 51^st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, members of the international community assessed Nepal’s progress and the persistent challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples.

By Phoebe Farris (Powhatan-Pamunkey)

By Sukanto Barman (Barman, CS Intern)

Indigenous women in remote areas of Bangladesh uphold traditional values while contributing to their families and the nation's broader society in their own way. Their presence is now everywhere, including education, literature, culture, the economy, and community development. Yet, their struggles and contributions remain unrecognized.
 

The Indigenous Communities of the Thakurgaon District 

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.