Indigenous Advisory Circle

At One Young World, we are committed to partnering, engaging and supporting Indigenous and First Nations young leaders worldwide. We believe that meaningful change must be co-designed and led with, not for, Indigenous communities.

We are proud to introduce to you our Indigenous Advisory Circle Members for 2025/2026. The Indigenous Advisory Circle welcomes 26 remarkable Indigenous representatives selected for their insight, leadership and commitment to Indigenous rights and community-led impact.

A core part of our mission is listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices — young leaders whose expertise, lived experience and cultural knowledge are crucial to shaping a more equitable future.

Along with our new Indigenous Strategy 2025/26, which sets out our approach to deepening our engagement with Indigenous and First Nations young leaders and partners across the world, their guidance will shape how One Young World works with Indigenous communities worldwide, ensuring cultural awareness and respect, sustainability and real influence across our Summit, programmes and platforms.

Meet our Inaugural Members

Prince Ahumuza Ignatius

Prince Ahumuza Ignatius

Prince Ahumuza Ignatius

Ugandan changemaker Ignatius co-founded Agri Planet Africa, supporting 10,000+ farmers and 200 schools by blending Indigenous Banyoro farming knowledge with modern practices.

Alexis Rubiel Alfaro Jiménez

Alexis Rubiel Alfaro Jiménez

Alexis Rubiel Alfaro Jiménez

Indigenous educator Alexis Alfaro leads Ch’ieltik, empowering Maya youth in Chiapas through culturally rooted education, leadership skills, and community transformation.

Diwigdi Rodrigo Valiente Abrego

Diwigdi Rodrigo Valiente Abrego

Diwigdi Rodrigo Valiente Abrego

Indigenous Guna leader from Panama driving climate action, founding Burwigan Project, advancing sustainable tourism, and amplifying Indigenous voices globally.

Lisa Rapley

Lisa Rapley

Lisa Rapley

Social entrepreneur Lisa Rapley empowers Indigenous youth through systems thinking, co-design and cultural initiatives, co-founding Yuludarla Karulbo.

Noor Azizah

Noor Azizah

Noor Azizah

Award-winning Rohingya advocate, educator and genocide survivor leading refugee-led human rights work, focused on empowering Rohingya women globally.

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Bundjalung lawyer and activist advocating for Indigenous children’s rights, using lived experience to reform child protection and empower First Nations voices globally.

Kananish McKenzie

Kananish McKenzie

Kananish McKenzie

Indigenous Innu youth leader from Quebec advocating for land, language and mental health, serving on councils and as a First Nations youth spokesperson.

Martha Lidia Oxí Chuy

Martha Lidia Oxí Chuy

Martha Lidia Oxí Chuy

The MAIA Impact School, of which Vilma Saloj is Director, and Martha Lidia is Co-Executive Director,

Meet our 2025/26 Indigenous Advisory Circle Members

Alexandra Biron

Alexandra Biron

Alexandra Biron

Alexandra is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the corporate and non-profit sectors.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo

Founder of NightOwl AI, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo uses AI to preserve endangered languages and promote digital inclusion, bridging policy, tech, and culture.

Belyndar M. Rikimani - Sina

Belyndar M. Rikimani - Sina

Belyndar M. Rikimani - Sina

Belyndar Maonia Rikimani holds a Bachelor of Law and a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of the South Pacific.

Benson Saulo

Benson Saulo

Benson Saulo

Benson Saulo is a respected national leader whose career spans diplomacy, Indigenous economic development, social impact and public engagement.

Brayden Sonny White

Brayden Sonny White

Brayden Sonny White

Community leader from Akwesasne with 10+ years in youth, environmental & Indigenous advocacy, working to embed Indigenous perspectives in policy.

Emma Oliver

Emma Oliver

Emma Oliver

Emma Oliver is a dedicated environmental conservationist from Papua New Guinea with over a decade of experience working with Indigenous communities.

Isaiah Bernard

Isaiah Bernard

Isaiah Bernard

Isaiah Bernard is an elected leader of Potlotek First Nation, a proud Mi’kmaw community in Unama’ki (Cape Breton).

Jennifer Jerome

Jennifer Jerome

Jennifer Jerome

Jennifer Jerome is a Mi’kmaq First Nation professional from Gesgapegiag, Quebec, Canada, and a Principal Advisor in Cultural Competence at Rio Tinto.

Joleen Ngoriakl

Joleen Ngoriakl

Joleen Ngoriakl

Palauan leader Joleen Ngoriakl advances digital safety, inclusion, and Indigenous rights, founding a national initiative and advising global organisations on policy.

Lance Copegog

Lance Copegog

Lance Copegog

Indigenous youth leader from Ontario advocating mental health, governance & SDGs; advises governments and supports 130+ First Nations communities globally.

Larissa Crawford

Larissa Crawford

Larissa Crawford

Larissa Crawford is a Métis and Jamaican researcher, policy advisor, and climate justice and anti-racism advocate with over 16 years of experience.

Maricelma Fialho

Maricelma Fialho

Maricelma Fialho

Indigenous Brazilian scientist and OYW Ambassador researching health, climate impacts, and advocating for Indigenous rights, youth leadership, and global representation.

Bugembe Nelson

Bugembe Nelson

Bugembe Nelson

Visionary Ugandan youth leader and disability advocate, founder and trainer empowering 1,500+ youth through digital skills, entrepreneurship and inclusion.

Robert Mills-Lamptey

Robert Mills-Lamptey

Robert Mills-Lamptey

Robert Mills-Lamptey is a social impact leader dedicated to youth empowerment, climate action, and grassroots development in underserved Indigenous communities.

Winnie Kiap CBE

Winnie Kiap CBE

Winnie Kiap CBE

Winnie Kiap CBE recently served as High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 2011 to 2022.

Yodhikson Marvelous Bang

Yodhikson Marvelous Bang

Yodhikson Marvelous Bang

Indigenous Indonesian leader driving marine conservation, empowering fishers, and promoting education and sustainable livelihoods across coastal communities.

Zahra Al Hilaly

Zahra Al Hilaly

Zahra Al Hilaly

Zahra Al Hilaly is a human rights defender and proud Indigenous Palestinian dedicated to advancing gender equality in culturally diverse communities.

Venancio Coñuepan Mesias

Venancio Coñuepan Mesias

Venancio Coñuepan Mesias

Mapuche lawyer and social entrepreneur from Chile leading Indigenous rights, entrepreneurship, and sustainability initiatives, representing Indigenous voices globally.