Sara Olsvig(Inuit), the International Chair of Inuit Circumpolar Council, calls on States and the UN to recognize Indigenous Peoples' distinct identity. She urges them to uphold the UN Declaration on their Rights and incorporate its principles in all UN documents.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Sara Olsvig (Inuit)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.
Graeme Reed (Anishinaabe), notes that while Indigenous Peoples' participation in climate discussions is increasing, further development of their diplomatic and advocacy skills is required to ensure their voices are heard and their knowledge is valued in global climate decision-making.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Graeme Reed (Anishinaabe)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.
Tunga Rai emphasizes the importance of Indigenous voices being included in discussions that concern their communities. The call for inclusion is echoed through the phrase "Nothing about us without us". True progress can only be made when Indigenous voices are present at the table.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Tunga Rai (Rai)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.
Eileen Mairena Cunningham of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change urges that the final document of COP28 should explicitly mention Indigenous Peoples. This is because they have made invaluable contributions towards climate solutions and are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Acknowledging their contributions and vulnerabilities is crucial for ensuring that they can participate meaningfully in the global response to climate change. It will also help in fostering a just and inclusive approach towards tackling climate change.
Governments and States must prioritize the needs of Indigenous peoples. It's crucial to recognize their existence and rights and put Indigenous youth at the center of all efforts. Investing in Indigenous youth is an effective way to build a more equitable and just future for everyone.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Chandra Tripura (Tripura)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.
Tishiko King (Kulkalaig), a member of the First Nations group, has emphasized the urgent need for Australia to invest in measures aimed at adapting to climate change. It is also important to ensure that all communities have access to renewable energy. This is essential to safeguard our country and its people, and to prioritize the role of Indigenous peoples in finding solutions to the climate crisis.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Tishiko King (Kulkalaig)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
Mary Harm, a young Chinese Fijian woman, believes that young people's voices need to be heard loud and clear. She thinks that we should focus on amplifying the stories and experiences of Indigenous youth, especially when it comes to the impact of climate change on their lives and communities. By sharing their narratives in new and innovative ways, we can raise awareness and inspire action. Ultimately, this will lead to a more sustainable future for everyone.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Mary Harm(Fijian)
Pratima Gurung, is the Secretary General of the Indigenous Person with Disabilities Global Network (IPWDGN) and National Indigenous Disabled Women Association Nepal (NIDWAN). She believes that indigenous people with disabilities are affected disproportionately by climate change, but their voices are not being heard in the important negotiations that will shape our future. She thinks that there should be a formal recognition of their issues and dedicated constituencies within these discussions.
According to Francisco Cali Tzay, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it is imperative that the government recognizes and upholds the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This includes their right to self-determination, which allows them to decide whether or not mining extraction should take place on their land. Therefore, the government must engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Indigenous Peoples to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Francisco Cali Tzay (Maya Kaqchikel)
Adamou Amadou, who is from the Mbororo community in Cameroon and is also the president of the Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association, believes that in climate negotiations, discussions have mainly focused on oceans, mountains, and forests. However, he points out that one important voice has been left out of the conversation: the pastoralists. They play a crucial role in safeguarding large areas of land and possess valuable traditional knowledge that can help with adapting to climate change.