Kāhui Rangatahi attend the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples Global Conference 2023
Mérida, Mexico
When Te Kāwai Toro formed the Kāhui Rangatahi Māori advisory rōpū (group) emphasis was placed on providing:
Te Kāwai Toro with a rangatahi perspective/voice to guide and inform decisions
an opportunity for rangatahi to develop leadership skills, learn about the philanthropic sector and eventually a seat at the decision-making table.
In February four members of the Kāhui Rangatahi (Kahuroa Brown, Tiara Hammond, Ryan Campbell, Karioi White) attended the International Funders for Indigenous People (IFIP) Global Conference in Mérida, Mexico to learn and share with other Indigenous Peoples from around the world.
LR: Tiara Hammond, Kahuroa Brown, Mihi-Terina Grootveld, Karioi White, Ryan Campbell
IFIP is a global network of foundations and philanthropic organisations that support Indigenous peoples and their communities worldwide.
IFIP seeks to promote Indigenous-led solutions to the challenges facing Indigenous communities, including cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and environmental protection. IFIP also provides a platform for funders to collaborate, share knowledge and resources, and advance their collective impact.
IFIP holds biennial conferences, bringing together Indigenous leaders, community members, funders, and supporters from around the world to discuss pressing issues and share best practices. The conferences are an opportunity for attendees to learn about the innovative solutions that Indigenous leaders are implementing.
This year’s conference theme was ‘Indigenous Peoples' Resilience, Innovation, and Action in the Face of Climate Change.’ This pressing issue unites all Indigenous Peoples across the globe.
The Kāhui Rangatahi took part in a Panel discussion and spoke of their mahi with Te Kāwai Toro.
Ryan Campbell shared his thoughts and experience of the IFIP Global Conference, “Although there was a slight language barrier with other indigenous groups, engaging and learning from other cultures was truly an eye-opening experience and taught me just how lucky we are in Aotearoa."
Te Kāhui Rangatahi presenting at IFIP 2023
Over the three days, there were many important kōrero that highlighted key issues we all face as Indigenous peoples. These were the key takeaways the Kāhui Rangatahi identified:
Climate change is a pressing issue for Indigenous communities worldwide. Indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, despite contributing the least to it.
Indigenous communities hold valuable knowledge and solutions to address climate change. Indigenous leaders are implementing innovative solutions that prioritise environmental protection, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.
Philanthropic organisations and funders must prioritise supporting Indigenous-led solutions to the challenges facing their communities. They must recognise the value of Indigenous knowledge and leadership and work in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Collaborative approaches are key to creating positive social change. Partnerships between philanthropic organisations, funders, and Indigenous communities can amplify impact and create sustainable change.
The voices and perspectives of Indigenous peoples must be central to decision-making processes. Indigenous peoples must have a seat at the table in discussions about issues that affect them, and their perspectives and solutions must be valued and prioritised.
‘Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua
Looking backwards towards the future’