Press freedom is of major concern to Indigenous journalists. They are seeking this freedom so that they can report freely in their communities and their local and national governments. When Indigenous Peoples are facing injustices, it is Indigenous media and journalists who are at the frontlines to tell their stories, but many Indigenous journalists are facing obstacles with regard to free press in their communities. On this World Press Freedom Day, Francine Compton, Associate Director of the Native American Journalists Association speaks to Cultural Survival.
Democracy and justice cannot exist without freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Today, by and large, the mainstream media is owned and controlled by socially and economically powerful people, resulting in a lack of access, voice, and participation of Indigenous Peoples. On the auspicious day of World's Press Freedom Day, Indigenous broadcasters call attention to the right of Indigenous Media, Article 16 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The transition to a different economic growth model is necessary, but this cannot be carried out at the expense of the rights of Indigenous peoples and communities. Cultural Survival spoke to Gideon Sanago.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Gideon Sanago (Maasai)
Image: Cultural Survival
Music "Remember Your Children", by Salidummay, is used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission
As Indigenous Peoples, we make great contributions to the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, and we own land that is rich in minerals, essential to the energy transition. For these reasons, the SIRGE Coalition seeks to increase Indigenous leadership and make our voices heard by governments and companies involved in this process. We speak to the Executive Director of First Peoples Worldwide, Kate Finn.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Kate Finn (Osage)
Image: Cultural Survival
As the world's demand for minerals needed for green and renewable technologies increases, the SIRGE Coalition calls on governments, decision-makers, businesses, and corporations to avoid making the mistakes of the past and to protect the rights and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Pasang Dolma Sherpa (Sherpa)
Image: Cultural Survival
Music "Remember Your Children", by Salidummay, is used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission
Indigenous Peoples own at least a quarter of the earth's surface. Many of our territories are rich in essential minerals that are required for the energy transition. It is necessary to raise awareness about the impact that the green economy causes in the places where we live.
In this podcast, we hear from Rodion Sulyandziga.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Rodion Sulyandziga (Udege)
Image: Cultural Survival
Music "Remember Your Children", by Salidummay, is used with permission.
The SIRGE Coalition is a group of Indigenous leaders and allied organizations, who advocate for a just transition to a low-carbon economy. In this podcast, we hear from Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim (Mbororo)
Image: Cultural Survival
Music "Remember Your Children", by Salidummay, is used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission
The Coalition to Secure the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the Green Economy is known as the SIRGE coalition. Members of the SIRGE coalition came together prior to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in April 2023, in New York. In this podcast, we hear from Galina Angarova, Executive Director of Cultural Survival and co-chair of the Executive Committee of the SIRGE Coalition.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Galina Angarova (Buryat)
Image: Cultural Survival
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is a high- level advisory body to the Economic and Social Council. The Forum was established on 28 July 2000 by resolution 2000/22, with the mandate to deal with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
Cultural Survival attended the permanent forum in April 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Margaret Lokawa (Karimjong)
Image: Cultural Survival
The first meeting of the Permanent Forum was held in May 2002, with yearly sessions thereafter. The Forum usually meets for 10 days each year, at the UN Headquarters in New York. According to the ECOSOC resolution E/2000/22, the Forum may also meet at the UN Office in Geneva or at such other place that it decides.
Cultural Survival attended the permanent forum in April 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Daniel Kobei(Ogiek)
Image: Cultural Survival