Members of the Indigenous Journalists Association analyzed new UNESCO report during the UN permanent forum on Indigenous Issues

The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) produced an expert panel discussion during the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), at The AP360 studio in downtown New York.

Moderated by Bryan Pollard (Cherokee Nation), former NAJA/IJA President and now Grant Operations Manager at The Associated Press, panelists dissected the recently released UNESCO Indigenous Peoples and the Media report and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Pollard was joined by Kelly Williams (Bundjalung Nation), Director of First Nations Strategy at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation; Shane Taurima (Rongomaiwahine/Ngāti Kahungunu), CEO at Whakaata Māori; Sunnie Clahchischiligi (Diné) of High Country News and the Indigenous Journalists Association; and Tristan Ahtone (Kiowa) of Grist and the Indigenous News Alliance.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Article 16 states that Indigenous Peoples have the right to establish their own media in their own languages and have access to all forms of non-Indigenous media without discrimination. It also encourages global media to reflect the cultural diversity of Indigenous communities and ensure freedom of expression without prejudice. 

“It highlights just how far member states and media organizations have to go to even get anywhere near to satisfying Article 16 of UNDRIP,” said Ahtone.

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About the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues:
The UNPFII is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council with a specific mandate on Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights. According to its mandate, the Permanent Forum: 

• Provides expert advice and recommendations on Indigenous issues to the Council, as well as to programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations, through the council. 
• Raise awareness and promote integration and coordination of activities related to Indigenous issues within the UN system. 
• Prepares and shares information on Indigenous issues.

About IJA:
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) empowers members representing tribal, nonprofit, freelance and mainstream media professionals in promoting accurate coverage of Indigenous communities, supporting newsroom diversity and defending challenges to free press, speech and expression. IJA addresses these challenges by fostering the development of new talent and activating a powerful membership. IJA is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.