COLT member Tribes attend United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

April 15. 2024

The Coalition of Large Tribes attended the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 23rd session. Our Chairman, Marvin Weatherwax, Jr. was able to speak on multiple issues along with Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle, and Judge Greg Bigler (Euchee).

Marvin Weatherwax, Chairman of COLT at the UN.
The COLT leadership team advocating for Indigenous Rights at the UN in April 2024.
Chairman Weatherwax with Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle on floor of UN.
Oglala delivered the indigenous youth statement at the United Nations.
Oglala delivered the indigenous youth statement at the United Nations.

Leadership held a joint meeting with officials from the State Department and the Department of the Interior working on border issues, implementation of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and urging the United States’ support for intellectual property for indigenous peoples’ genetics, indigenous knowledge, and Traditional Medicines.

AS-IA Newland, Professor Kristen Carpenter, Chairmain Weatherwax.
AS-IA Newland, Professor Kristen Carpenter, Chairmain Weatherwax.
Chairman Weatherwax with Judge Greg Bigler (Euchee) at the UN grounds.

Associated Resolutions:

Resolution of COLT Support for Robust, Enforceable International Instrument Protective of Indigenous People and Medicines from the Upcoming WIPO Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge:

Resolution of COLT Support for Robust, Enforceable International Instrument Protective of Indigenous People and MedicinesDownload

Associated Letters:

Letter from COLT and NCAI to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior on April 17, 2024.

Letter – 2024-04-17 – To DOI_DOS – Re WIPO NegotiationsDownload
Letter_WIPO Diplomatic ConferenceDownload
Michaela RedCherries and Chairman Weatherwax at the UN, 2024

Event Videos:

Video from APTN News