Over the past few years, I have been reporting on the significant events surrounding the globally recognized Indigenous entity known as the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA). The latest press release was dated February 16, 2023.  It was about the International Indigenous Historical Judiciary Treaty being signed in Providence, Rhode Island. 

I mention the above article as people need to understand that FANA is involved in many things while I am reporting on one of its events. 

It is not unusual for FANA to be working on the different needs of the indigenous peoples, domestically and internationally, while simultaneously writing and signing historical treaties and/or contracts between FANA and different indigenous Nations/Tribes, as well as between FANA and non-indigenous organizations.

What was not mentioned in the article released on February 16, 2023, was that another historical event had taken place days before on February 13, 2023. 

On that date, FANA’s Minister of International Affairs, Principal Chief Dr. Ronald Yonaguska Holloway of the SandHill Band of Lenape and Cherokee Indians (NY, NJ, PA) was appointed FANA’s Ambassador to the United Nations.

This appointment occurred after months of discussions between FANA and the United Nations as to what Ambassador Holloway’s appointment would entail. These meetings had occurred during the same period as the international treaties were being finalized for the January 28, 2023 meeting. 

The United Nations had done its due diligence in completing a thorough investigation into FANA and Principal Chief Holloway.  Based upon the findings of the investigation, The United Nations appointed Principal Chief Holloway as FANA’s Ambassador and granted him permanent NGO (Non-Government Organization) credentials. He also received the ECOSOC badge which is the highest recognition a person can achieve within the United Nations, who is not representing a country.

His duties will be multi-faceted. The world’s Indigenous Nations/Tribes often turn to the United Nations for funding. It will be his task to assist and procure a feasible aid package to meet the needs of those seeking assistance from the United Nations.

He is also representing FANA’s interests on the World stage. He will be expanding FANA’s domestic and international relationships, as well as attending expert mechanisms globally to insure FANA’s awareness and input on key issues, which in turn will be used to assist in crafting domestic and international policies for FANA.

If you have any questions, please send them to sandhillindiansnynjpa@gmail.com