Remarks on the Rights of Disabled Indigenous People
25^th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Jen Deerinwater, Founding Executive Director, Crushing Colonialism
April 24, 2026

States, Companies, and International Human Rights Bodies Must Defend Indigenous Land Defenders: Cultural Survival Calls for Action to Protect Indigenous Defenders in New “Defending the Land, Paying with Life” Report

April 22, 2026 – NEW YORK, NY — Cultural Survival and the “Nihizhi” Podcast are joining forces to amplify Indigenous voices through a new podcast.

On April 20-May 1, 2026, the 25th 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 "Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, including in the context of conflict.”

On April 20-May 1, 2026, the 25th 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.

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 CS Staff

The rights of Indigenous Peoples to their lands, territories, and natural resources constitute the material and spiritual basis of their self-determination, cultural identity, food systems, political organization, and intergenerational continuity.

By Kelaia Acevedo (CS Intern)

Before modern medicine imposed its standards for defining health, well-being, and healing, Indigenous Peoples already developed sophisticated forms of care that identified, treated, and alleviated illnesses. Developed over generations of intentional listening, communities maintained relationships through their traditional practices, grounded in deep ecological knowledge and the prioritization of communal ceremonies. 

By Phoebe Farris (Powhatan-Pamunkey) 

On March 9-19, 2026, women from around the world participated in this year’s UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 70) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and at nearby off-site UN-affiliated offices to address global inequities facing women and girls.