December 15, 2025

The Ministry of International Affairs of the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA) is honored to announce the formal signing of a historic Peace and Unity Treaty with the Supremo Consejo Nacional Indígena Mexicano (SCNI).

This landmark agreement marks a profound advancement in international Indigenous diplomacy. It strengthens the presence of Indigenous nations within the global community, particularly at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and throughout the wider UN system dedicated to human rights, sustainable development, and cultural protection.

Negotiations between SCNI and FANA were conducted over the course of one year under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency Ambassador-at-Large Gerren O'Neill, from Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, who served as the chief negotiator. Ambassador O'Neill, in partnership with Chief Ambassador Douglas Scott, guided and led a unification process recognized as one of the largest diplomatic consolidations of Indigenous peoples in modern history. Their work was supported by Lord Chief Justice Robert Orville Thomas and Chief Ronald Yonaguska Holloway, Minister of International Affairs and former UN Ambassador.

A special thank you is extended to Richard Steve Stasior, a U.S. citizen, for his unparalleled expertise as a strategic communicator and master negotiator whose dedicated diplomatic efforts have been instrumental towards the signing of this historical treaty.

Legal and historical experts from Mexico, England, and the United States were engaged throughout the process to provide historical context, ensure accurate translations, authenticate tribal documentation and signatures, and facilitate in-person consultations necessary to preserve the full legitimacy of the treaty.

SCNI represents 39.5 million Indigenous people from 69 distinct ethnic nations, including the Governors of the Pueblos Originarios de todo el País. The treaty was officially signed on behalf of SCNI by Rosa María Barradas Castillo, Presidenta Nacional. This monumental unification significantly strengthens the diplomatic voice of Indigenous nations within the United Nations system and enhances their collective ability to participate meaningfully in global decision-making.

The signing ceremony was marked by a spirit of unity, celebration, and historic recognition.

Statement Her Excellency Maria Lorena Cosme- FANA's Ambassador to the UN and Director of Indigenous Outreach:

"As FANA's Ambassador to the United Nations and Director of Indigenous outreach, I am heartened beyond measure at this historic signing. This partnership is yet another example of the principle of actionable sovereignty, which is the creator-given right of all the Indigenous peoples of the globe. This document is a testament to the strength of heart and vision of the Indigenous peoples of Aztlán and Turtle Island; it represents a continuing commitment to our shared values and Indigenous spirituality under the watchful eye of the Creator and the ancestors. This marks a new era of collective Indigenous power, which will elevate the Indigenous voices of the western hemisphere and further set in motion our desires for equity and global authority over ourselves as sovereign people. To have been able to witness such a historic event of this magnitude has been a distinct and sublime honor."

Statement from Chief Ronald Yonaguska Holloway, Minister of International Affairs:

"This treaty represents one of the most significant convergences of Indigenous leadership in modern history. It establishes a durable framework for cooperation among the Indigenous nations of the Americas and reaffirms our shared commitment to peace, cultural revitalization, and diplomatic partnership. This document stands as a testament to our collective will and the enduring strength of Indigenous identity worldwide."

Statement from Chief Ambassador Douglas Scott:

"This treaty marks a turning point in global Indigenous diplomacy. It proves that when Indigenous nations work together in mutual respect, our collective voice becomes strong enough to influence international policy, shape human-rights frameworks, and stand firmly before the United Nations. This achievement is both historic and visionary-a commitment to future generations that unity will guide our path forward."

Statement from His Excellency Ambassador-at-Large Gerren O'Neill (Chief Negotiator for treaty negotiations}:

"It has been the greatest honor of my diplomatic career to serve as an Ambassador-at-Large and chief negotiator in this historic process. This treaty is more than an agreement-it is a reaffirmation of identity, sovereignty, and international partnership. As we move forward, this alliance will strengthen Indigenous participation at the United Nations and reinforce our shared commitment to peace, justice, and cultural survival. I am deeply thankful to my diplomatic team, especially Richard Steve Stasior, who assisted me during negotiations."