Flying the flag for Indigenous Peoples on a global stage
A UniSC student’s inspiring journey to UN Headquarters
Stepping into the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City for the first time was a “surreal moment and feeling” UniSC student Jerome Wano will never forget.
Jerome, a Wakka Wakka and Tūwharetoa man, was there as part of a contingent representing Indigenous Peoples of Australia and New Zealand at the 2023 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
It was an opportunity Jerome grabbed with both hands and his whole heart.
“Here I was, in New York, advocating for my people and my communities at the world's largest gathering of Indigenous people… I have never felt a greater sense of honour,” Jerome said.
“On the first day, there was a great deal of anticipation, everything was exciting – even going through security was exciting. I kept thinking, ‘I am about to enter the UN General Assembly,’ which was by far the largest room I have ever stood in – I was in awe.
“Hundreds of Indigenous people filled the room. Indigenous regalia, traditional clothing, headdresses, and feathers – so many feathers. My mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters from all over the world. I was surrounded by warriors.
“Ultimately, we were all here fighting to defend our ancestral lands, our children, our culture, our language, and each other. There was a wealth of magic and power in the room.”
Jerome Wano, a Wakka Wakka and Tūwharetoa man, was in New York City as part of a contingent representing Indigenous Peoples of Australia and New Zealand at the 2023 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
Jerome Wano, a Wakka Wakka and Tūwharetoa man, was in New York City as part of a contingent representing Indigenous Peoples of Australia and New Zealand at the 2023 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
The diversity of Indigenous cultures and languages represented at the forum was awe-inspiring. Jerome met people from Native American tribes throughout the Americas, Indigenous communities in Africa, and from Pacific Island nations like New Zealand, Fiji, and Samoa. As the conversations flowed, Jerome said they marvelled at the commonalities in their worldviews, despite their geographical and cultural differences.
“I often feel a sense of isolation in Australia where Indigenous worldviews are frequently dismissed," he said.
"To go from being just a small percentage of the population on an island, to being surrounded by people who shared similar values and experiences from all corners of the globe, it made me feel less isolated”.
“To have simple conversations and just know we understood each other even though we’re from completely different parts of the world… it was empowering. We sat there talking about our lives, and what it means to be Indigenous leaders, our stories and the commonalities in our belief systems.
“I was surprised to realise we’re all people coming from song and dance as a way of passing down knowledge.
"Sitting in a circle - discovering we're all writers and poets, creatives and storytellers, musicians, actors, and artists - was remarkable to see because these are the ways we maintain our cultures.”
Despite being separated by land and sea, and despite their cultural differences, Indigenous people from around the world share commonalities which Jerome attributes to simply following the laws of the land.
“I spoke to many Indigenous people about this; we were given the law by the land, it was a gift to us – and it is our obligation to live by that law. So, it doesn’t matter where you are, if you're gifted the law of the land, it's going to be a similar law.”
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was established by the UN in 2000 with the mandate to discuss Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
“There's a whole UN definition of what it is to actually be Indigenous, and in that sense, we make up six percent of the global population, and it’s related to colonialism, worldviews and connection to ancestral lands… it's also part of your identity,” Jerome said.
While every minute at the Forum was a highlight, Jerome said his most inspirational moment came on the second day, when he attended a side event focused on climate change for an intimate group of 30 young people, titled ‘From UNPFII to COP28: Indigenous Youth Dialogue’.
“It was a very intense discussion, and at the end, the President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature – Razan Al Mubarak – genuinely thanked us for what she described as ‘marching orders’.
“I don’t think she expected the discussion to be as formidable as it was. I was proud and inspired by how staunch, authoritative, and direct everyone was. Even though we are considered youth, we are Indigenous, and there is an inner knowing that comes with that.
“We know who we are, where we come from and where we are going. We know what’s best for our ancestral lands, our people and each other.
"Our ancestors and elders have paved the way, and they have paved a very clear path for us. So, when asked what it is we want, we will give you ‘marching orders’ – whether you listen is up to you.”
If there was one disappointment for Jerome, it was the underrepresentation of Australian Indigenous youth at the Forum.
“The UNPFII is the largest gathering of Indigenous people in the world, and there were only five Indigenous Australian youth representing the entire country,” he said.
To address this, Jerome met with two other Australian youth at the Forum to discuss what would be the best possible way to get more of their people to future events. “The three of us decided to create a caucus to eliminate the restriction of costs, knowing this would be the contributing factor,” he said.
They have since founded the Australian Indigenous Youth Caucus, which will fund five to ten people between the ages of 18-30 to attend the UNPFII. “The caucus will be a great way to raise our issues at the UN and prepare our youth for when our elders hand us the torch and we must take the lead,” he said.
The chance for Jerome to attend the UNPFII came about through a series of fortuitous events and connections, after a key summit he’d originally planned to attend in Thailand – as part of his studies in Animal Ecology – fell through.
Associate Professor Harriot Beazley said the behind-the-scenes efforts to facilitate this remarkable opportunity for Jerome, is evidence of a strong commitment to social justice at UniSC, especially in the School of Law and Society, the Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre and Indigenous Services.
“Jerome’s time at the Forum was truly empowering,” Dr Beazley said.
“He had the privilege of meeting amazing Indigenous leaders from all over the world, and to participate in some inspiring sessions and high-level meetings.
“Since returning to UniSC, Jerome has been sharing his experiences and insights by driving some important conversations in a number of different forums.
"Jerome’s commitment to truth-telling and social justice has enriched our campus and instilled a strong sense of purpose among staff and students who have met him. I’m not sure if this would have happened had he not gone to New York!”
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