MMF Ambassador Clément Chartier Advocates for Indigenous Rights and Participation at the 2026 OAS General Assembly

July 8, 2026

Ambassador Chartier addresses OAS General Assembly

PANAMA CITY, Panama (June 24, 2026) - Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) Ambassador and President of the American Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP), Clement Chartier, played a leading role in advancing Indigenous rights and participation during the 56th Regular Session Ambassador Chartier and Glen Linder, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), held in Panama City from June 22-24, 2026.

Representing an Indigenous coalition from across the Americas, Ambassador Chartier delivered a strong intervention during the official Dialogue with Heads of Delegation, calling on OAS Member States to recognize Indigenous Peoples as distinct political entities with their own place within the inter-American system.

"Indigenous Peoples are the original inhabitants of the Americas and as such are distinct from American non-Indigenous societies," Ambassador Chartier told delegates. "Therefore, we must have our own distinct and separate space within the OAS and its various organs, including the Summits of the Americas."

In his address, Ambassador Chartier emphasized that Indigenous Peoples should not be required to participate solely through civil society mechanisms, but instead should be granted their own dedicated space, flexible registration processes, and meaningful opportunities to engage in OAS decision-making forums.

He also called on Member States to support the creation of a dedicated fund that would enable Indigenous Peoples to convene their own summit in preparation for future Summits of the Americas, as well as provide sustainable funding for the Working Group responsible for monitoring implementation of the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (ADRIP).

Ambassador Chartier further highlighted the urgent need to protect Indigenous land and rights defenders throughout the hemisphere, specifically raising concerns regarding recent cases in Nicaragua involving Indigenous leaders Brooklyn Rivera and Nancy Elizabeth Henríquez.

High-Level Bilateral Meetings

Throughout the General Assembly, Ambassador Chartier held a number of important bilateral meetings with senior OAS and Canadian officials.

L-r: Ambassador Clément Chartier, Gloria Uribe (Chief of Staff, OAS), and Her Excellency Laura Gil, Assistant Secretary General

During a meeting with OAS Assistant Secretary General Laura Gil, discussions focused on the future participation of Indigenous Peoples within OAS processes. Assistant Secretary General Gil expressed concern that increasing pressure to limit participation to formally accredited civil society organizations could reduce opportunities for Indigenous organizations that do not fit traditional registration models.

She acknowledged Canada's longstanding support for Indigenous participation within the OAS system and reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for meaningful Indigenous inclusion and dedicated spaces for Indigenous voices.

Ambassador Chartier also provided updates on the Indigenous Working Group, the annual Inter-American Week for Indigenous Peoples, and discussions surrounding the future of the Inter-American Plan of Action on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which expires in 2026.

_{Ambassador Clément Chartier and Her Excellency Laura Gil, Assistant Secretary General}

 

Assistant Secretary General Gil extended an invitation to Ambassador Chartier to participate in the 2026 Inter-American Week for Indigenous Peoples in Washington, D.C., and expressed interest in continued collaboration on planning and programming activities.

Ambassador Chartier also met with Glen Linder, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada, to discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities related to Indigenous participation within the OAS and broader inter-American system.

In addition, he met with Stuart Savage, Canada's Ambassador to the OAS and Vice Chair of the OAS Permanent Council, to discuss advancing Indigenous priorities within the Organization and potential planning for future Inter-American Week for Indigenous Peoples activities.

 

 

_{Ambassador Chartier and Glen Linder, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas}

 

_{Ambassador Chartier and Stuart Savage, Canada's Ambassador to the OAS}

Growing Support Across the Americas

Ambassador Chartier's intervention received strong positive feedback from Indigenous representatives and organizations attending the General Assembly. Many approached him following his remarks to express support for his advocacy efforts and for the Brooklyn Declaration, which calls for greater protection of Indigenous rights and leaders throughout the Americas.

The momentum continued during Member State interventions, with countries including Canada, the United States, and Costa Rica speaking in support of efforts to strengthen the protection of Indigenous Peoples' rights in Nicaragua.

Continuing the Work

The MMF and ACIP remain committed to ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are recognized as distinct rights holders and active participants within the inter-American system. Ambassador Chartier's participation at the 2026 OAS General Assembly reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Indigenous representation, advance implementation of the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and ensure Indigenous voices continue to be heard at the highest levels of regional decision-making.

As discussions continue regarding the future of Indigenous participation within the OAS, Ambassador Chartier reaffirmed the importance of maintaining dedicated spaces where Indigenous Peoples can engage directly with governments and regional institutions on issues affecting their communities and nations.

 

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