May 9, 2026 – On Friday, May 1st, 2026, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) concluded its 25th session at the UN Headquarters in New York. Over the course of two weeks, ICC actively engaged across the many agenda items, with a particular focus on this year’s overarching theme: Indigenous Peoples’ health.
Inuit Circumpolar Council was present at the 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, represented in person by four delegates: Jennifer Kilabuk from Nunavut, a participant in the Inuit Youth Engagement Programme; Naja Lund Kielsen, delegate to the Inuit Women’s Summit; and ICC Human Rights Coordinator Aviaaja Isaksen. The delegation was led by ICC Chair Sara Olsvig.
Health and Inuit Women’s Rights on the Agenda
As part of this year’s Forum, ICC organized a side event presenting the Inuit Women’s Summit Declaration. The event brought together Indigenous women, leaders, and advocates for a dialogue on advancing the rights of Indigenous women and girls.
The side event, titled “Inuit Women’s Summit Declaration,” took place on April 21 and featured a diverse panel of speakers.
The event opened with remarks by Aluki Kotierk, Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Sara Olsvig introduced the Declaration and reflected on its development process. The panel was moderated by Aviaaja Isaksen.
Panelists included Naja Lund Kielsen, Inuit Women’s Summit delegate and psychologist; Jennifer Kilabuk, Inuit Youth Engagement Programme delegate; Beatrice Fløystad, leader of the Norwegian Sami Association and member of the Saami Council; and Margarita Antonio, FIMI Ayni Fund Coordinator, who all shared perspectives on how the Declaration can serve as an effective advocacy tool, emphasizing the importance of the many actionable recommendations it includes.
The discussion addressed sensitive issues, and ICC extends its sincere appreciation to all participants for their openness and engagement.
“We have built a good foundation for further focus on the rights of Indigenous women and girls, from an Inuit perspective. It is important that we share our experiences, not only among Inuit, but also with other Indigenous women and leaders. The side event provided an important venue to connect with Indigenous leaders from around the world,” says ICC Chair Sara Olsvig.
Reflecting on her participation, Jennifer Kilabuk stated:
“The ICC side event on the Inuit Women’s Summit Declaration marked a historic and inspiring moment, highlighting the leadership of Inuit women in drafting the Declaration. I was honoured to be part of the panel discussion and to engage in conversations that underscored the importance of this work and its benefit to Inuit women and girls for generations to come.”
Naja Lund Kielsen also reflected on her experience:
“My participation in the Permanent Forum has been both an honor and a powerful experience. Representing the Inuit Women’s Summit and ICC among so many Indigenous Peoples, all strongly advocating for their rights, has been deeply inspiring. What stands out most to me is the strong presence of young people. I hope this can open more opportunities for youth in Greenland, and it reinforces how important it is that we continue, and strengthen, our work for Indigenous rights.”
Busy Schedule for ICC Delegation
The two-week Forum featured a busy schedule for the ICC delegation, including participation in plenary sessions and multiple side events.
Throughout the first week, ICC Chair Sara Olsvig spoke at a number of sessions and side events, highlighting Inuit perspectives on health, peace and security, Indigenous diplomacy, and the necessity of protecting and promoting the multilateral system and the institutions that uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples within the UN.
“I left New York reaffirmed in my belief in the importance of multilateralism, international law, territorial integrity, and human rights, including — of course — the rights of Indigenous Peoples. As Indigenous Peoples, we are diverse and we live and experience so much around the world. This is the time to stand together and protect what we have built — the international institutions, and our status, rights, and role as Peoples,” Olsvig said.
ICC’s Recommendations well received
Throughout the two weeks, ICC included tangible recommendations in interventions delivered during the official Permanent Forum meetings. Among ICC’s recommendations that are reflected in the session report are ensuring sustained financial support for the Indigenous Coordinating Body for Enhanced Participation at the United Nations, to adopt approaches that clearly distinguish Indigenous Peoples from other groups in policy and funding frameworks, and to implement a rights-based approach to health grounded in Indigenous determinants of health.The Forum also decided to convene a closed meeting at its next session for Indigenous women and girls to share experiences and identify actions to address ongoing challenges — an outcome that reflects ICC’s continued advocacy for safe and dedicated spaces for Indigenous women and girls, and ICC expressed satisfaction in seeing these reflected in the Permanent Forum