Speaking on behalf of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Katisha affirmed that Indigenous health cannot be separated from Indigenous rights and named the 150-year-old Indian Act as the root cause of ongoing harm to First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.

Katisha provided an intervention that urged Canada and other states to pass Bill S-2 as amended, end coerced sterilization, provide redress to survivors, and implement the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice.

With one heart and one mind, young Indigenous leaders from around the world came together to share knowledge, strengthen our voices, and build relationships that will carry far beyond the halls of the UN headquarters in New York. It is an honour to grow our families and meet such inspiring young Indigenous leaders through the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus!

The journey reminded us that the UNPFII is as much about connection as it is about advocacy. Katisha was honoured to help coordinate the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus (GIYC) who met for a full day gathering and every morning before the main United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues discussions to co-develop statements that highlighted key priorities from all 7 socioeconomic regions.

We thank our past Co-Chairs and Focal Points for their leadership, and we warmly congratulate the newly elected leaders. We look forward to walking this path together as we continue this international advocacy journey grounded in unity, accessibility, and care. We welcome all opportunities to build partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs, and Indigneous peoples from around the world to uphold and celebrate Indigenous youth priorities.