Bringing Life to UNDRIP: AFCS Attends UNPFII

This week, the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan (AFCS) is honoured to be in New York City at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Together with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) and our colleagues from other Friendship Centre Provincial and Territorial Associations from across Canada. The team from AFCS is proudly bringing forward the voices, stories, and priorities of urban Indigenous people from Saskatchewan.

Representing AFCS at this important international gathering are Laurie Bouvier, Alicia Buckley, and Teresa Innis. Their leadership and advocacy are helping to ensure that the experiences of urban Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan are heard at a global level.

The UNPFII is one of the most significant international spaces for Indigenous Peoples. It is where Indigenous leaders, organizations, and advocates from around the world gather to advise the United Nations, influence policy development, highlight urgent issues, and celebrate the richness of Indigenous knowledge systems. It is also a critical opportunity to amplify Indigenous experiences and solutions on the world stage.

AFCS’s participation at UNPFII reflects our commitment to advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) at home and beyond. Across Saskatchewan, Friendship Centres are living out the spirit and intent of UNDRIP every day through cultural programming, educational initiatives, advocacy, and community support.

Our presence at the United Nations sends a strong message: urban Indigenous communities must be seen, heard, and respected not just within Canada, but globally. Friendship Centres are proof of what is possible when Indigenous-led organizations are supported and empowered to lead. We are living examples of reconciliation and rights recognition in action.

Throughout the week, we look forward to sharing stories and perspectives from Saskatchewan, highlighting the real ways we are bringing UNDRIP to life, and connecting with Indigenous leaders from across the world who share our vision for strong, thriving Indigenous communities.

We invite you to follow along as we represent Saskatchewan and urban Indigenous people at this important global gathering.

Stay tuned for updates from the Big Apple, from Saskatchewan to the United Nations!