Between April 22nd and May 3rd, Indigenous people from around the world came together for the 18th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York City. The theme of this year’s forum was Traditional Knowledge: Generation, Transmission and Protection.

According to the UN's State of the World's Indigenous Peoples, traditional knowledge, the core of Indigenous identity and culture, is widely understood as the “complex bodies and systems of knowledge, know-how, practices and representations maintained and developed by indigenous peoples around the world, drawing on a wealth of experience and interaction with the natural environment and transmitted orally from one generation to the next." There has been growing recognition among scientists and governments of the value that traditional knowledge can have for mitigating pressing concerns facing the planet, including climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity. In light of this, speakers throughout the week emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving traditional knowledge, which has been, and continues to be, undermined by colonialism.

25-year old Crystal Clark-McGregor has been the Community Mentor in Whitefish River First Nation for 3 years, and represented Right To Play at the UNPFII this year, along with Elder Gloria McGregor and former Whitefish River Community Mentors Candice Assiniwe and Jordi Jacko (who is also a current Right To Play Program Officer). Reflecting on her experience at the United Nations, Crystal recognized the importance of traditional knowledge and the change she can make by sharing what she learns.

"I’m trying to gather that knowledge and information in order to pass that forward!"
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Crystal Clark-McGregor, PLAY Community Mentor for Whitefish River First Nation, at the UN Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues.

What was your experience like at the United Nations?

Seeing all the people representing their country or their nation or their tribe…my heart was so warm. Everyone had their own regalia and represented where they were from. That was an amazing thing to witness.

In the main room, everyone was giving their statements. There was representation from all over the world. There was so much that I could relate to, being Anishinabe, and understanding how our land is so important to us, how our water is so important to us, and finding ways to prevent damage.

What did you find most valuable?

Overall, the time that we spent there was definitely eye opening for me, especially environmentally. I personally have been trying to reduce my waste as much as possible. I noticed that even my [Right To Play] group has more concern for the environment and how the community itself is addressing it.

I was able to share with [my group] about people in Brazil and how they’re fighting for their land and the rainforest, and the importance of that for us even though we’re far away. I was able to see those connections, take a step back and see that we need to make a bigger impact with our voice and find different strategies to help save the earth little by the little.

What actions do you want to take after the forum?

I started following the UN on Instagram. So I’m trying to be more tuned to the news. I am learning more about my roles: as a women and in my clan. I definitely am learning more bit by bit every time I go into different ceremonies and teachings. So I’m trying to gather that knowledge and information in order to pass that forward!

If you could tell other Indigenous youth or Community Mentors about your experience, what would you say?

See what little impacts that you can make to change in that good way, live that good life. Try to step out of your comfort zone, take time to figure out what is happening in this world. We hear only so much. I was really living in my own area, but to hear and witness and see people doing good, definitely makes me want to do good, to change and bring that goodness here and spread it.