Indigenous forum closes in New York
Some 1,500 representatives from more than 500 indigenous groups attended the third session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York City, which wrapped up last Friday, with the adoption of recommendations on women, education, culture, human rights, the environment, health and development.
In closing, outgoing chairperson Ole Henrik Magga said the forum should be proud of its accomplishments over the past three years. He said the forum had been a new and unique body, but it had begun to create a home for itself within the UN. He reminded those present that the vast majority of indigenous peoples would have no chance to visit the UN to share their experiences.
“They must always be the focus of the forum’s activities,” Magga said.
Forum member Ayitegan Kouevi sang a traditional Saami song in tribute to Magga. Then, a traditional Hawaiian chant was performed by a representative of Na Koa Ikaika o Ka Lahui Hawaii. A group comprised of indigenous North American nations sang and a final prayer was said as a cap to the two-week meeting.
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