Hey everyone and welcome to the very first episode of The Indigenous Rights Report. I’m John Ahniwanika Schertow, and I’ll be your host on this journey.
For over 20 years, I’ve led IC Magazine to spotlight stories the media overlooks—stories that center on Indigenous resistance, renewal and survival that keeps moving forward.
This is where a new chapter begins. With this podcast, I’m bringing these crucial stories straight to your ears—so you can stay even more connected to the movements that are reshaping the world from the ground up.
These stories don’t travel alone. They need listeners who care. So If something you hear sparks anger, hope, or determination, pass it on. Share the episode. Invite a friend. Join our circle on Patreon. And if you want to dive deeper you find more than 3000 articles at icmagazine.org.
Now pour yourself a coffee, take a nice deep breath, and let’s get into it.
Alright, first up… something almost too strange to believe.
In Bolivia, a group calling itself the “United States of Kailasa” tried to make some shady deals with Indigenous communities deep in the Amazon.
They were offering money for land leases that would have lasted up to a thousand years. A thousand years.
The thing is, Kailasa isn’t a real country. It’s a made-up sovereign nation backed by a fugitive Indian guru who’s been evading sexual assault charges back home.
Thankfully, the Bolivian government wasn’t having it. They publicly rejected any ties with Kailasa and expelled 20 foreign nationals connected to the group.
Indigenous organizations condemned the whole thing as yet another case of outsiders trying to manipulate and profit off their territories.
Over in the United States, there’s some hopeful news coming out of New Mexico.
They’ve officially launched something called the “Turquoise Alert” system.
It works a lot like the Amber Alert you might know, but it’s designed specifically for when an Indigenous person goes missing.
And this is huge considering Indigenous people go missing at much higher rates, and often their cases don’t get nearly the same level of public attention.
The name “Turquoise” wasn’t chosen randomly either. Turquoise has deep cultural meaning, especially for Diné communities. It represents protection, strength, and connection to the land.
New Mexico now joins California, Colorado, and Washington in taking this kind of action.
Now we’re heading to Peru, where a major change to the country’s forestry laws has environmental groups and Indigenous peoples sounding the alarms.
The government passed an amendment that makes it legal for landowners to clear forest without getting permission.
Worse, it retroactively legalizes a lot of past illegal deforestation.
Critics are saying that this is a plain and simple gift to agribusiness, land grabbers, and even organized crime and it could push Indigenous communities even closer to the brink.
Indigenous leaders are now preparing to take their case to international courts, arguing this law violates their rights and puts critical parts of the Amazon at risk.
Brazil had a major legal moment this month too.
The Supreme Court backed away from supporting a bill that would have opened up Indigenous lands for mining.
And that’s a relief for a lot of communities who have been battling against it for years.
The bill would have let outside companies mine on lands that are legally recognized as Indigenous territories, places that are protected under the constitution.
There’s still concern though.
Some parts of the proposal would make it harder to reclaim land that Indigenous peoples were pushed off of before 1988.
That cutoff date — known as the “time frame thesis” — has been used again and again to deny rightful claims.
Now, let’s talk about a powerful story of perseverance in Australia.
After 45 years, the Wakaya and Alyawarre peoples have finally seen the return of their ancestral lands, concluding one of the Northern Territory’s longest-running Aboriginal land claims.
At a ceremony attended by community members and government officials, senior traditional owner Eileen Bonney expressed her relief and joy at witnessing the handback in her lifetime. “Too many of us have died waiting for this day,” she said.
As the community gathered to dance, sing, and celebrate the victory, the message was clear: this is more than a legal victory; it is a restoration of identity, sovereignty, and dignity.
In New York, Indigenous leaders from across the globe gathered for the 24th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
It’s one of the few global spaces where Indigenous peoples can set the agenda, not just respond to it.
This year, leaders came together to talk strategy; how to push harder for the rights already promised under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The big message? Indigenous peoples need to be part of every decision-making table that affects their lives; not after the fact, but from the very beginning.
While the forum was going on, a side event at the UN focused on creating a Global Plan of Action for Indigenous Peoples’ health.
There’s a real need for this. Around the world, Indigenous communities face worse health outcomes than national averages; and not because of biology, but because of exclusion.
The plan calls for real partnership between Indigenous communities, governments, and global organizations.
If it’s done right, it could shift health policies to be more inclusive and finally start closing those deadly gaps.
Now, let’s turn to Guatemala — where an Indigenous leader has been jailed in a case that’s drawing serious international concern.
Luis Pacheco, a Maya activist and deputy minister for sustainable development, was arrested on terrorism charges.
His “crime”? Leading peaceful protests back in 2023, that demanded a fair transfer of power after a contested election.
President Bernardo Arévalo has condemned the arrest, calling it baseless.
Meanwhile, Pacheco’s lawyers say they were denied access to him after his detention — a move that raises even more red flags.
This isn’t just a legal fight — it’s a window into how Indigenous activism is often criminalized when it threatens the status quo.
And it’s part of a much bigger story across Latin America, where land defense and human rights work can still cost you your freedom — or worse.
Alright, we’re halfway through our report.
You can already see the pattern — Indigenous communities are not passive victims in these stories.
They’re standing up, organizing, pushing governments, and refusing to be sidelined.
Don’t forget, these frontline efforts hitch a ride on our solidarity. So if something you hear today stays with you, don’t keep it to yourself.
Alright, We’ve got even more powerful stories ahead — from a treaty fight in New Zealand to a disastrous development project in South Papua to mining battles in Canada and the Philippines.
Let’s get into it.
Alright, let’s head back to Australia. On Anzac Day — one of the country’s biggest days of remembrance — anti-Indigenous protesters booed during Welcome to Country ceremonies in both Melbourne and Perth.
To make matters worse, respected Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy was told just hours before a football match that her Welcome to Country speech was canceled.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the disrespect, calling it disgraceful.
The situation raises tough questions about how deeply racism still shapes Australia in public spaces.
Across the Tasman Sea, there’s some important movement in New Zealand.
The Parliament voted down a bill that would have redefined the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi — the founding document between Māori and the British Crown.
The bill would have shifted the meaning of the treaty in ways that critics say would have gutted Māori rights.
Its defeat was welcomed with relief and celebration by many Māori communities and their allies.
But the debate around it wasn’t harmless. It exposed deep divisions about race, identity, and history in New Zealand — divisions that won’t go away just because the bill failed.
For Māori leaders, it’s a reminder that vigilance is necessary — and that the struggle to protect treaty rights is an ongoing one.
Alright, back to Brazil — and this one is heavy.
During peaceful protests for land rights, Indigenous demonstrators were attacked with pepper spray and stun grenades outside Congress.
Among those injured was Célia Xakriabá, a well-known Indigenous Congresswoman herself, along with elders, children, and traditional leaders.
The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil — known as APIB — called out the state violence for what it was.
They also condemned the use of chemical weapons against people simply standing up for their rights.
It’s yet another example of how Indigenous bodies are policed and punished when they demand to be heard.
But it’s also a testament to how strong this movement remains.
Even when faced with brutality, they keep showing up.
Now let’s turn to some good news out of Southeast Asia.
In Northern Thailand, Indigenous communities just achieved something historic — official recognition of their land rights.
It’s the first time these territories have been acknowledged under Thai law after years of struggle.
The Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact celebrated the moment, calling it a major step forward for the region.
The Recognition isn’t just symbolic to be sure.
It lays the groundwork for protecting forests, cultures, and ways of life that have survived despite generations of displacement and denial.
It also sets a precedent that other Indigenous peoples across Asia can point to as they push for the same dignity and respect.
Now, up to Northern Ontario, Canada — where First Nations are standing firm against a big mining push.
The Ontario government, under Premier Doug Ford, wants to accelerate mining projects in a region known as the Ring of Fire.
It’s a mineral-rich area, but it’s also sacred Treaty 9 territory and First Nations leaders, like Chief Donny Morris of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KIFN), have made their stance crystal clear: the government can’t do anything without their consent.
Elsewhere in Canada, 100 First Nations from Manitoba filed a class-action lawsuit against the federal government, seeking $5 billion in damages.
They allege that Canada has failed to provide safe and adequate housing on reserves, leading to overcrowded homes, structural issues, and lack of clean water.
Chief Raymond Flett of St. Theresa Point First Nation called the housing crisis a national shame and emphasized the need for Canada to partner with First Nations to create real solutions.
Now let’s talk about Palawan, in the Philippines. Earlier this year, the provincial government passed a 50-year mining moratorium to stop the damage caused by decades of nickel mining.
But there’s the catch — the moratorium doesn’t apply to existing mining concessions. That means companies already operating, or those with permits in hand, can keep going.
The Indigenous Pala’wan peoples have expressed concern; saying the new law doesn’t go far enough and might just give the illusion of protection. Some fear it could even be reversed after upcoming elections.
With mineral prices rising, the pressure in Palawan is real.
Now we head to southern Ecuador, where Indigenous and rural communities are rising up in opposition to a gold and copper mining project backed by a Canadian mining firm.
They say the mine threatens the sacred highlands they depend on for water, cultural identity, and ecological balance.
Their resistance reflects a growing global demand for Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and meaningful consent in development decisions.
Community leaders like Hortensia Zhagüi say this isn’t just about the land — it’s about life, water, and the right to decide what happens in their own territory.
Finally, we bring you news of an emerging crisis in South Papua, where a government-backed plan aims to convert over 2 million hectares of lands into industrial-scale plantations for sugar and rice.
This project would have a direct impact on 40,000 Indigenous peoples in the region, however, many more could be indirectly affected.
More than 250 Indigenous representatives recently met to issue the Merauke Declaration of Solidarity that calls for an immediate halt to the project.
More than 60,000 people have also signed a petition calling for the development project’s cancellation.
Well, that’s all for this episode of the right report. Thanks for taking the time to learn about these powerful stories of resistance and renewal from the Indigenous world. Be sure to pass it and join us on Patreon for all future episodes. And a big shout out to indigenous resistance for the tune. You can hear more of them at dubreality.bandcamp.com
Across the world right now, Indigenous peoples are facing a renewed assault on their lands, rights, and ways of life.
From extractive industries pushing deeper into ancestral territories, to governments rolling back hard-won protections,
the threat is global—and it is growing.
What makes this moment especially dangerous is how little attention it receives.
Stories like this are disappearing in real time. Mainstream media
barely covers it and the coverage is fragmented. The public is left without the context
needed to understand what is truly at stake.
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We don’t follow news cycles; we trace patterns. We don’t sensationalize; we provide context.
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John Ahni Schertow
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