From the Prairies to the UN: AFCS Reflects on UNPFII 2025

Last week, representatives from the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan (AFCS) traveled to New York City to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). As part of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) delegation, AFCS leaders joined Indigenous voices from around the globe to advocate for the rights, well-being, and futures of Indigenous peoples.

This year marked a historic moment for AFCS, with representatives from the Saskatchewan Friendship Centre Movement not only attending UNPFII sessions but also sharing their stories, perspectives, and calls to action during side events and global dialogues. Among them was Teresa Innis, Executive Director of the Nēwo-Yôtina Friendship Centre in Regina, SK, who described the experience as nothing short of transformative.

Spotlight on Teresa Innis: “We are Stronger Together”

For Teresa, the journey to the United Nations was deeply personal.

“I have long held a deep passion for caring for others, and I never anticipated that this passion would lead me to the esteemed United Nations,” she shared. “The highlight of my experience was being present at such a significant international forum. Showcasing the work of my centre on a global stage was a moment I will forever cherish.”

At UNPFII, Teresa stood alongside Indigenous leaders and advocates from all corners of the world. Despite cultural and historical differences, what stood out to her was a powerful sense of shared struggle and unity.

“A powerful message that emerged from the forum was the strength found in unity,” she reflected. “Despite the varying degrees of oppression faced by Indigenous communities globally, our discussions revealed commonalities that brought us together.”

For Teresa, this global solidarity reaffirmed the importance of her centre’s work in Regina, a direct reflection of the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

“Our centre advocates for culturally relevant services and fundamental human rights: food security, access to clean water, adequate housing, and comprehensive health care. These are essential for the health and empowerment of urban Indigenous communities.”

Teresa’s time at the UN also left a lasting impression on her both personally and professionally.

“The emotional weight of this experience was significant. Speaking at the NAFC side event, surrounded by influential and dedicated advocates, was both inspiring and validating. It affirmed our mission, our work, and the contributions of my staff.”

When asked to sum up her time at UNPFII in a single word, she responded without hesitation:

“Exhilarating.”

A Call to Action

Teresa returns home with a renewed sense of purpose and a call to action for government and community leaders alike.

“I will continue to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to implement the principles of UNDRIP, to ensure harm reduction, address poverty, and secure access to affordable housing. We must hold them accountable. Together, we must persist in the fight for equity and justice in our communities.”

AFCS is proud to have been part of the 2025 UNPFII and remains committed to advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples through the Friendship Centre Movement, in Saskatchewan, across Canada, and on the world stage.