Indigenous Communication, Public Policy and Narrative Sovereignty

This public event is an initiative of CONCIP (Comisión Nacional de Comunicación de los Pueblos Indígenas de Colombia), organized in the framework of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII 2026), in collaboration with New York University (NYU) through the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS).

During the 25th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Indigenous leaders and communicators gather in New York to exchange experiences, strengthen alliances, and advance Indigenous Peoples’ political agendas.

In this context, the National Commission of Indigenous Communication of the Indigenous Peoples of Colombia (CONCIP) presents its experience in building a national Indigenous Public Policy on Communication and defending communication as a collective right and a pillar of self-determination.

This panel will also feature the presentation of the Indigenous Media Observatory Report, which analyzes how Indigenous Peoples are represented in national media in Colombia. The report highlights structural patterns such as the predominance of institutional narratives, limited direct Indigenous voices, and the tendency to frame Indigenous mobilization through conflict-based narratives rather than historical and political processes.

The discussion frames communication as a system of governance, a political field of dispute, and a key dimension of democratic participation.

The session will be followed by a short audiovisual screening featuring works produced by Indigenous communities in Colombia.

Moderator: Amalia Córdova
Participants:
José Vicente Otero Chate (Nasa, Colombia)
Hemersson Arturo Díaz Trejo (Pasto, Colombia)

This panel shifts the focus from content production to the understanding of audiences, circulation, and communication ecosystems.

It presents a collaborative Territorial Audience Study, developed through alliances between Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and community-based organizations across Abya Yala. The study examines how communities produce, access, and circulate content within diverse territorial contexts, highlighting the need to design communication strategies grounded in local realities rather than institutional assumptions.

The discussion addresses key questions of narrative sovereignty, media ecosystems, youth engagement, and the relationship between storytelling, circulation, and community life.

Moderator: Amalia Córdova
Participant: David Hernández Palmar (Wayuu, Colombia/Venezuela)

This panel connects communication with territorial defense, community organization, and political advocacy.

Drawing from experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon, it reflects on how communication operates as a tool for resistance, mobilization, and the defense of land, culture, and life systems.

The conversation also explores the role of international alliances in amplifying Indigenous struggles and strengthening transnational solidarity networks.

Participant:
Luis Canelos (Kichwa, Ecuador) – Delegate spokesperson representing the Indigenous nationalities of Pastaza:
PAKKIRU (Kichwa), Nacionalidad Achuar del Ecuador (NAE), Nacionalidad Waorani del Ecuador (NAWE), Nacionalidad Sápara del Ecuador (NASE), FENASH-P (Shiwiar), NAPE (Andwa Iyakenya), and Nacionalidad Shuar de Pastaza

Moderator: David Hernández Palmar

Reminder for In-Person Attendees

Seating is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should be prepared to show their tickets and, if requested by NYU Campus Safety, a photo ID.

Info: The National Commission of Indigenous Communication of the Indigenous Peoples of Colombia (CONCIP) presents its experience in building a national Indigenous Public Policy on Communication and defending communication as a collective right and a pillar of self-determination.

This panel will also feature the presentation of the Indigenous Media Observatory Report, which analyzes how Indigenous Peoples are represented in national media in Colombia. The report highlights structural patterns such as the predominance of institutional narratives, limited direct Indigenous voices, and the tendency to frame Indigenous mobilization through conflict-based narratives rather than historical and political processes.

The discussion frames communication as a system of governance, a political field of dispute, and a key dimension of democratic participation.

The session will be followed by a short audiovisual screening featuring works produced by Indigenous communities in Colombia.

Info: This panel shifts the focus from content production to the understanding of audiences, circulation, and communication ecosystems.

It presents a collaborative Territorial Audience Study, developed through alliances between Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and community-based organizations across Abya Yala. The study examines how communities produce, access, and circulate content within diverse territorial contexts, highlighting the need to design communication strategies grounded in local realities rather than institutional assumptions.

The discussion addresses key questions of narrative sovereignty, media ecosystems, youth engagement, and the relationship between storytelling, circulation, and community life.

Info: This panel connects communication with territorial defense, community organization, and political advocacy.

Drawing from experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon, it reflects on how communication operates as a tool for resistance, mobilization, and the defense of land, culture, and life systems.

The conversation also explores the role of international alliances in amplifying Indigenous struggles and strengthening transnational solidarity networks.
Participant: Luis Canelos (Kichwa, Ecuador) – Delegate spokesperson representing the Indigenous nationalities of Pastaza:
PAKKIRU (Kichwa), Nacionalidad Achuar del Ecuador (NAE), Nacionalidad Waorani del Ecuador (NAWE), Nacionalidad Sápara del Ecuador (NASE), FENASH-P (Shiwiar), NAPE (Andwa Iyakenya), and Nacionalidad Shuar de Pastaza

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Film Center, 36 East 8th Street, New York, United States

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