This week, Principal Chief Lora Ann Chaisson will proudly represent the United Houma Nation as Southeast Regional Alternate Vice President on the Executive Committee of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) at the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). UNPFII takes place April 21 through May 2, 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
This year’s session will focus on “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within UN Member States and the United Nations system,” with discussions aimed at identifying best practices and addressing the ongoing challenges that Indigenous Peoples face worldwide.
The UNPFII, established in 2000, is an advisory body to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), offering a crucial platform for Indigenous leaders to address pressing issues such as human rights, culture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Through its annual sessions, the Forum works to advance the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and raise global awareness of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Chief Chaisson’s leadership at the UN plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the voices of our community are heard at all levels of governance, including on the international stage.
For more information on UNPFII, visit https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii.