NAN participates in N.Y.

Page 2

Deputy Grand Chief Raymond Ferris of Nishnawbe Aski Nation attended the first-ever Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples in New York.

Delegates from around the world met to discuss the many issues facing Indigenous peoples from all continents. The forum has been described as a historical first step in addressing future Indigenous issues.

Ferris delivered his speech to the delegation focusing on the hardships the NAN has had in relation to Aboriginal and treaty rights, resource development, consultation and government relations.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the participants, many of whom were dressed in traditional attire, "With the inauguration of this forum, Indigenous issues assume their rightful place-higher on the international agenda than ever before."

Most of the topics discussed in the new forum will be revisited at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in August and NAN plans on being there.

"Nishnawbe Aski Nation plans to send a delegation to the world summit to add our voices to those of our brothers and sisters who are fighting to improve their lives in other countries. We are looking forward to attending the summit and to continue our presence on the international scene" said Ferris.

With five per cent of the world's population being Indigenous, the secretary-general is confident that they will make "an immense contribution to the Organization's mission of peace and progress" as members of the United Nations.