On January 9, 2013, First Nation Anishnabe Elder Dave Courchene of Turtle Lodge delivered a statement at the Elders Ceremony in

On January 9, 2013, First Nation Anishnabe Elder Dave Courchene of Turtle Lodge delivered a statement at the Elders Ceremony in Ottawa. This address was published the following day.

Known as Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man), Elder Courchene is a respected teacher devoted to Indigenous knowledge. Since 1992, he has served as a UN Wisdom Keeper, advising on spirituality and sustainable environmental approaches.

Courchene founded Turtle Lodge in 2002, an internationally recognized center for learning, healing, and sharing. He continues to promote peace, recently sharing the stage with the Dalai Lama. Further details are available here.

West Papua presented an intervention at the 14th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on April 20, 2015. The delegation sought support from Fiji and other Pacific Island states

West Papua presented an intervention at the 14th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on April 20, 2015. The delegation sought support from Fiji and other Pacific Island states for their struggle, echoing the call: "Papua Merdeka, Free West Papua!"

Testimony was provided by Ronald Waromi of the West Papua Interest Association, Bernhard Th.W. Kaisiep MS, President of West Papua Melanesia in Exile, and Hon Niko Nawaikula, Head of the Fiji Native Delegation to the UN. This information was published on April 27, 2015.

Papuans are increasingly utilizing mobile phones and the internet to coordinate their freedom movement and communicate globally. Young people studying in West Papua and Indonesia are also engaging with the wider community to build support for their cause. (Source: Free West Papua)