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- By Native American Rights Fund
American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians increasingly contend with rights violations concerning transboundary matters that cannot be resolved through federal-level advocacy alone. From climate change and repatriation to traditional knowledge and border crossings, the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights often calls for multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations, the world’s leading intergovernmental organization.
Pressure can also be generated on the world stage that can contribute to federal law reforms here at home. To support those efforts, a new publication, prepared specifically for Indigenous Peoples, helps to demystify the UN and aid Tribal leaders, lawyers, and community members in making the most out of their international advocacy.
Successful international engagement requires a significant investment of time and energy, undertaken over many years, and developing familiarity with the institution. The Guide covers the structure of the UN, with a focus on mechanisms, bodies, agencies, and initiatives devoted to Indigenous Peoples. The Guide is filled with practical tips and tools from Tribal leaders and their teams, aimed to provide insight on UN entities such as the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The Implementation Project, a joint initiative of the Native American Rights Fund and Colorado Law, advances education and advocacy regarding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. To help provide access to justice in participating and advocating at the UN, the Project has produced The Indigenous Peoples’ Guide to the United Nations (2024).
To network with other international Indigenous advocates, watch helpful webinars, and access additional resources, visit The Implementation Project’s website at un-declaration.narf.org.
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher