Indigenous theologies took center stage at UN side event

The 90-minute panel took take place on 22 April at the UN Church Center in New York.

The session was convened by members of the Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples Network, Reference Group of the World Council of Churches (WCC), with moderation by Lori Ransom, Indigenous Peoples consultant for the WCC. The United Church of Christ, National Ministries (USA), cosponsored the event.

The panel elevated Indigenous theological frameworks within global discourse on human health, while showcasing Indigenous spiritual knowledge as central to addressing the impacts of climate change, land dispossession, and community well-being.

By centering Indigenous knowledge systems, “Healing Land, Healing Communities” challenged dominant narratives and offered transformative pathways toward justice, reconciliation, and sustainable wellbeing worldwide.

Hana Elias, who participated virtually, said that the presentation addressed the critical health conditions affecting Indigenous Palestinian women in the context of ongoing conflict, highlighting the severe barriers to accessing essential healthcare services, including maternal and reproductive care. “It emphasized that these challenges constitute not only a humanitarian crisis but also a violation of Indigenous rights, dignity, and bodily sovereignty,” she said. The side event was held alongside the 25^th session of UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. WCC participants in the side event, attended the Forum, and submitted statements. Participant Patricia StandTal Clarke said she found the time at the Forum very fruitful. “Indeed, I was able to make connections with Indigenous physicians and traditional healers from around the world who shared many opportunities to make a difference amongst our peoples,” she said. “Several participants were thrilled to learn that the WCC, a theological community, had an Indigenous representative who is trained in both medicine and theology.”

Ransom said that the side event lifted up the WCC’s commitment to sharing Indigenous knowledge and theologies pertinent to the health of both human beings and the planet, and especially the interconnectedness of human and planetary health.