- Details
- By Jenna Kunze
On the floor of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York City last week, National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro gave a statement advocating for advanced participation of Indigenous Peoples.
Enhanced Participation refers to a process Indigenous Peoples have been advocating for for over a century, beginning in 1923 with the League of Nations, that would put Indigenous leaders closer to the level of member states at the United Nations (U.N).
Currently, Indigenous leaders are excluded from high-level U.N. bodies like the General Assembly, which decides the U.N. budget, elects member states to the Security Council, and sets other key international goals and policies. Additionally, Native people are only able to participate in the UN system as non-governmental organizations, rather than tribal nations.
Last April at the UNPFII, Csaba Kőrösi, President of the General Assembly, held a final hearing on enhanced participation of Indigenous peoples.
“While member states are the decision makers, Indigenous Peoples have an opportunity to significantly shape those decisions. Indigenous Peoples must have those opportunities,” Kőrösi said.
On Tuesday, Chairman Macarro, a member of the Pechanga Band of Indians in California, echoed Kőrösi’s sentiment on the floor of the UNPFII.
“As sovereign peoples who have governed ourselves on our homelands since time immemorial, we should rightfully be able to fully participate in the community of Nation-States,” Macarro said in a statement he read, obtained by Native News Online. “Indigenous Peoples have been carrying out governance activities since time immemorial— long predating the formation of the state members of the United Nations…Our governance mechanisms include, among other things, governing councils, parliaments, and traditional authorities.”
Macarro called for the development of a new status for Indigenous Peoples that would allow them participation in the UN system, while also distinguishing them from NGOs, national human rights groups, and other non-tribal communities.
“This reframing is correct and imperative, as the current reference is improper for sovereign entities possessing the right to self-determination,” Macarro said.
More Stories Like This
Nearly 150 Community Members Celebrate Running and Dance Medicine with the Zuni Youth Enrichment ProjectMattaponi Indian Tribe Files for Federal Recognition
Honoring Heritage in Uniform: Native American Soldier Granted Religious Accommodation to Grow Hair, Embrace Lakota Identity
ACHP Approves Landmark Exemption Allowing Native Hawaiian-Led Cultural Preservation Activities Without Federal Review
Main Street to be Renamed Pawnee Nation
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
