Harmony in healing: Indigenous-led solutions in substance use policy

Where? Open Society Foundations located at 224 West 57th Street, New York.

When? Friday, 19 April. 10am - 2:30pm EDT

International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) in collaboration with Open Society Foundation (OSF), is hosting a Dialogue on 'Harmony in Healing: Indigenous-led solutions in Substance Use Policy' to expand philanthropic advocacy, establishing relationships and dialogue with the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). The dialogue will focus on assessing the prioritization given to drug policies impacting Indigenous Peoples and exploring potential collaboration on a report integrating substance use disorder treatment and harm reduction with Indigenous-led innovations.

The aim is to initiate meaningful and collaborative engagement between Indigenous leaders/experts and key UNPFII representatives, specifically the Chair, addressing the critical issue of substance use disorder treatment among Indigenous Peoples affected by drug policies.

Kindly note that this session is divided into two panel discussions.

10:00 am - 12:00pm - Panel Discussion: Impacts of drugs use and policy on Indigenous Peoples and strategies and solutions.

12:00 - 1:30 pm - Lunch

1:30 - 2:30 pm - Panel Discussion: UNPFII and EMRIP Chair and Indigenous Leaders

Objectives:

• Understanding the Current Landscape of substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction and Indigenous-led innovations, identifying shared aspirations and opportunities for coordinated philanthropic support.
• Advancing Collective Knowledge and diverse perspectives on Indigenous-led care for people who use drugs, including substance use disorder treatment and harm reduction, fostering an exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategies for collective action
• Enhance collaboration and partnership with UNPFII and EMRIP for collective advocacy for Indigenous Peoples

Expected Outcomes:

• Creating a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategies is crucial for advancing collective knowledge on Indigenous-led substance use disorder treatment and harm reduction.
• Influence the global philanthropic sector to value and respect Indigenous views, center Indigenous leadership, and increase funding resources for Indigenous Peoples impacted by drug policies.
• Lay the foundation for a collaborative and impactful partnership between Indigenous leaders, UNPFII, EMRIP and other key stakeholders, fostering positive change and advancement in substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction and Indigenous-led responses.

Who will attend: UNPFII members, EMRIP Members, Indigenous Leaders and experts, representatives from UN Agencies, and philanthropic communities.

Location: Open Society Foundations located at 224 West 57th Street, New York.

Here are the Final Concept Note and Draft Agenda.

Language: The session will provide simultaneous interpretation in English and Spanish.

For any questions and clarifications: please contact: Chanda Thapa Magar- chanda@internationalfunders.org and/or Anabel Lopez: anabel@internationalfunders.org