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The GRA’s Indigenous Research Network (IRN) is co-led by New Zealand and Samoa; it aims to strengthen indigenous voices in global agricultural issues and to help empower traditional indigenous practices to be used in our fight against climate change.

38 Member Countries

Objectives of this network

The objective of this network is to create opportunities for Indigenous Peoples:

• LEADERSHIP: Building scientific capability and capacity within their communities and globally.
• INFLUENCE: Ensure indigenous perspectives are actively and consistently considered in GRA decisions.
• EDUCATION: Provide immersive indigenous experiences through the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
• EMPLOYMENT: Create experiences that retain Indigenous talent in mainstream institutions.

IRN Activities

IRN first annual meeting in New Zealand, 2023

The IRN first annual meeting was hosted by Ngāti Tuwharetoa, a NZ Maori tribe at Hirangi Marae in Turangi, New Zealand on 30-31 May 2023. This meeting was attended by over 150 people in person and representatives from 39 different countries online.

New Zealand hosted an International Delegation from Thailand, Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga to participate in a study tour hosted by three different Maori tribes: Ngāti Porou, Te Whanau Apa Nui, and Te Whakatohea. Following Cyclone Gabrielle (a recent cyclone in NZ), the international delegation experienced on-ground responses in action, projecting the urge for Indigenous-to-Indigenous collaboration against this shared threat.

IRN second annual meeting in Samoa, 2024

The IRN second annual meeting at the Pacific Climate Change Centre of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) in Apia, Samoa on the 24 May 2024. The meeting was held alongside the Pacific Oceans and Climate Change Conference (20-24 May). It was attended by 68 participants in person and 10 participants virtually, representing 21 different countries.

This meeting was followed by a field visit to Rea Farms in Savaii, Samoa on 25 May 2024. Participants experienced a comprehensive tour of Rea Farms, showcasing sustainable farming practices and the integration of traditional knowledge in modern agriculture.

Watch highlights from the Pacific Oceans Climate Change Conference, the IRN meeting, the extensive farm tour in Samoa. WATCH HERE

GRA-APEC workshop series
“Indigenous Research Network: The Power of Inclusivity”

Funded by the GRA in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and co-sponsored by the United States, Peru, Australia, and Canada. This workshop series is focused on Indigenous youth as emerging leaders in this climate crisis, with the aim of empowering their voices in global climate decisions and actions and spotlighting the importance of the intergeneration transmission of traditional knowledge.

Indigenous Research Network: The Power of Inclusivity was delivered through a virtual workshop that took place on 1 November 2023 and an in-person workshop held in Trujillo, Peru on 14 August 2024.

Read the series report HERE.



Upcoming events

  • 11-13 June 2025: Indigenous Research Network third annual meeting in Taranaki, New Zealand.

Contacts:
For more information on the Indigenous Research Network or how to join please contact:
Shiloh Babbington ([email protected]).