MMF and ACIP Mourn the Death of Indigenous Leader Brooklyn Rivera in Nicaraguan State Custody and Calls for International Accountability

May 31, 2026

The American Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP) and the Manitoba Métis Federation express profound sorrow and outrage following reports that Indigenous leader, former Nicaraguan legislator, ACIP Secretary, and YATAMA President Brooklyn Rivera has died while in the custody of the Nicaraguan government after nearly three years of detention.

Rivera, a respected Miskitu Indigenous leader and long-time advocate for the rights, autonomy, and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples on Nicaragua's Caribbean Coast, was arrested on September 29, 2023, amid a broader crackdown on political opposition and Indigenous organizations. For years, his family, colleagues, and international human rights bodies sought information regarding his whereabouts and well-being while Sandinista government authorities denied access and transparency.

Recent photographs released by the Nicaraguan government showed Rivera in critical condition in a prison hospital, prompting urgent calls from Indigenous organizations, governments, the United Nations, and human rights advocates for his release and access to outside medical care. Reports now indicate that Rivera died late Saturday night while in state custody.

MMF President Chartrand expressed his grave concern about the treatment of the Miskitu leader noting that "this is a prime example of where Indigenous leaders in Latin America are persecuted for standing up and defending their peoples' rights, and whether it is in Nicaragua or other Latin American countries, the MMF will continue to stand up for their rights and calls upon all democratic countries in the Americas to take concrete measures to ensure the human rights of all Indigenous defenders throughout the Americas are safeguarded."

According to MMF Ambassador and ACIP President Clément Chartier: "The death of Brooklyn Rivera is a tragedy not only for the Indigenous Peoples of Nicaragua but for Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas. Brooklyn devoted his life to defending the rights, lands, cultures, and political participation of Indigenous peoples and nations. His arbitrary and illegal detention, the secrecy surrounding his whereabouts, and the circumstances leading to his death raise serious human rights concerns that demand an independent and transparent international investigation."

"In November 2023, ACIP condemned the unjustified detention of Brooklyn Rivera and called for his immediate release" added ACIP President Chartier, "and today we mourn the loss of a courageous Indigenous leader whose voice was silenced while under state custody. We stand in solidarity with his family, the YATAMA movement, the Miskitu Nation, and all Indigenous Peoples of Nicaragua seeking justice, accountability, and respect for their fundamental rights."

ACIP and the MMF note with deep concern the continued repression of Indigenous political participation in Nicaragua, including actions taken against the Indigenous political movement YATAMA and restrictions placed on Indigenous institutions and media outlets serving Indigenous communities.

The MMF and ACIP call upon the Sandinista Government of Daniel Ortega to fully disclose the circumstances surrounding Rivera's detention as well as the circumstances leading to his untimely death. MMF and ACIP further urge the international community, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, democratic governments, and human rights organizations, to seek accountability and ensure that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are protected.

Brooklyn Rivera's legacy as a defender of Indigenous rights and self-determination will endure. His lifelong commitment to the dignity and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples across the Americas will not be forgotten.

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