Engaging with United Nations Mechanisms for Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination in-person workshop

Join us for a one-day, in-person workshop on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm

Lowitja Institute warmly invites Indigenous leaders, practitioners, advocates, researchers, policymakers, and community representatives to attend our workshop.

Emma Rawson-Te Patu is an Indigenous public health leader, advocate, and current Vice-Chair and Expert Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. She brings extensive experience working across Indigenous health, human rights, systems transformation, and international diplomacy, supporting Indigenous peoples to engage effectively with global institutions and advance self-determined futures.

This interactive one-day workshop will provide Indigenous participants with a practical understanding of the United Nations system and its mechanisms that advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights, self-determination, health, wellbeing, and development. Drawing on her experience as a current Expert Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Emma Rawson-Te Patu will guide participants through the opportunities available to Indigenous Peoples to engage directly with international human rights mechanisms and influence global, national, and local policy outcomes.

The workshop will focus particularly on United Nations mechanisms based in New York and Geneva, including the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), the Human Rights Council, Treaty Bodies, and Special Rapporteurs.

The workshop is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and Indigenous Friends of Lowitja Institute only (or those who have applied to join our Members Community).

When

Tuesday 24 November 2026
9:30am–3:30pm AEDT

Where

Naarm, Melbourne (venue to be shared with participants in lead up to workshop)

Who should register

• The workshop is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and Indigenous Friends of Lowitja Institute only (or those who have applied to join our Members Community).

• Indigenous leaders, practitioners, advocates, researchers, policymakers, and community representatives

  • Please note that places at this workshop are reserved for those who meet the criteria outlined above.
    

RSVP

Places are limited. Please register by 16 November 2026 to assist with catering and event planning.

Your commitment to attend

Lowitja Institute is committed to offering events free of charge to support accessibility and community participation. Submitting a registration lets us know you’re able to attend and helps us plan accordingly. As places are limited, registering helps ensure opportunities are shared fairly across the community. If your plans change, please cancel your ticket so someone else can take up the opportunity.

If you have any questions about this event, or if your attendance changes, please email us at members@lowitja.org.au

Workshop objectives

Participants will:

·       gain a clear understanding of key United Nations Indigenous rights mechanisms and how they operate

·       learn who can attend and participate in UN Indigenous forums and processes

·       understand the practical benefits and strategic value of engaging internationally

·       explore how Indigenous advocacy at the UN level can influence governments, member states, UN agencies, and domestic policy development

·       develop strategies for leveraging UN mechanisms to advance Indigenous priorities, rights, health equity, and self-determination

·       build confidence in preparing interventions, submissions, side events, and advocacy campaigns.

Key topics

1. Understanding the UN Indigenous Architecture

2. Who can participate and why it matters

3. From community priorities to global advocacy

4. Influencing policy and systems change

5. Practical engagement strategies

Workshop format

The workshop will combine:

·       presentations and interactive discussions

·       case studies from Indigenous advocacy experiences

·       small-group exercises

·       practical planning sessions

·       question-and-answer opportunities

Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how to engage with international Indigenous rights mechanisms and a practical framework for using UN processes to advance community priorities and policy change.

Expected outcomes

By the conclusion of the workshop, participants will:

·       understand the key UN mechanisms relevant to Indigenous peoples

·       identify opportunities for meaningful participation in international forums

·       recognise how engagement with the UN can support local, national, and regional advocacy efforts

·       be equipped with practical tools to influence policy, strengthen accountability, and advance Indigenous rights and self-determination.