Elevating Indigenous voices through strengthened media partnerships

By supporting the development of the media sector, ensuring pluralism and diversity in media, we facilitate the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples in society, contributing to greater respect for diversity of opinion, freedom of expression, and peaceful coexistence. This, in turn, leads to more inclusive and democratic societies.

Tawfik JelassiAssistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO

It is vital that Indigenous Peoples voices are heard in all public broadcasting. Our ways of seeing differences as complementary rather than competing can bring the world together. Differences of power and authority need not block us from working together - from being together despite being different.

Kelly WilliamsDirector First Nations Strategy, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

As an Indigenous communicator from the Tupinambá nation with a strong commitment to promoting the concept of Indigenous ethnic media in Brazil and the world, I see this meeting as an essential opportunity to discuss critical issues surrounding Indigenous visibility and the way our topics are addressed in non-Indigenous media. The expectation is that the event will go beyond theoretical discussions and result in practical actions and commitments. I believe that the collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous media, promoted at this meeting, can be a milestone in ensuring the amplification of voices and the participation of Indigenous peoples in the public debate.

Anápuàka Tupinambá HãhãhãeChief Executive Officer, Radio Yandê, Brazil

I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration and innovation across Indigenous media. This UNESCO Expert Meeting is an essential platform to explore the challenges and opportunities Indigenous Peoples face in the media landscape. CBC/Radio-Canada's National Indigenous Strategy is our collective commitment to examine our content and relationships with Indigenous Peoples, honestly and truthfully. Through the Strategy we share a path forward, towards a media environment that champions the authentic representation of Indigenous voices for the benefit of society.

Robert DoaneSenior Director of CBC/Radio-Canada's Indigenous Office

I am honored to join this UNESCO Expert Meeting, where I hope to help advance strategies for empowering Indigenous voices in media and ensuring respectful, accurate representation. I look forward to practical, collaborative steps that will support Indigenous communities in sharing their stories and preserving their heritage on their own terms.

Marius Maxwell BloodstaanManager, Kharas Community Radio, Namibia

The media in the hands of Indigenous Peoples ensures their right to information in their languages and also provides a platform for them to share their distinct perspectives, knowledge systems, and stories with the world. In Nepal, Indigenous Television today produces TV programs in 18+ indigenous languages, showcasing Indigenous cultures and traditions and only the voice of marginalized Indigenous Peoples in the country. Thus, I believe it is crucial to create an enabling environment where Indigenous media can flourish. We need concrete policies and support mechanisms that ensure Indigenous Media outlets are financially sustainable and technologically sound. My hope for this event is that it serves as a powerful catalyst for change, fostering a global recognition of the vital role Indigenous media play in empowering Indigenous communities to tell their own stories and control their narratives.

Dev Kumar SunuwarFounding Chairperson, Indigenous TV, Nepal

As an Indigenous journalist who has worked on Native American press issues for nearly two decades, the opportunity UNESCO has provided to meet other Indigenous journalists from around the world with a common purpose is awesome and inspiring. I look forward to joining this new global community.

Bryan PollardGrant Operations Manager, Associated Press, USA

The Indigenous Journalists Association is excited to be part of the expert meeting, and we expect that our recommendations will be taken seriously and included in the study's final report to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. But more importantly, our recommendations will be implemented to uplift and embolden Indigenous storytellers worldwide.

Francine ComptonAssociate Director, Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA), Canada/USA

Agenda

26 November 2024

Expert Meeting on Indigenous Peoples and the Media

Closed to the public, experts only

10:00 - 10:10 Traditional Ceremony

10:10 - 10:45 Session 1: Welcoming remarks

10:45 - 12:45 Session 2: Thematic presentations and interactive dialogue

14:30 - 16:00 Session 3: Identification of examples for the elaboration of case studies

16:00 - 16:30 Session 4: Positioning the study's findings within international agenda

16:30 - 18:00 Session 5: Group work to elaboration strategic recommendations for action