Summary Note 17 (December 2024)
This Summary presents the discussions held during the 23rd session of the UNPFII, April 15 to 26, 2024.
To be a Docip volunteer involves putting one’s skills at the service of indigenous delegates during their participation in the UN arena.
Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Olga Letykai Csonka, Chukchi shaman of Siberia.
Olga has shared her Arctic culture with the world. She celebrated in an incomparable way her Siberian land, the migration of birds, the break-up of rivers in spring, whaling, and reindeer herds.
Olga was also tirelessly committed to defending the rights of her people. For many years, she guided Indigenous delegations from Russia and the Arctic in their interactions with various UN bodies.
Olga was a friend of Docip. She often gave us the gift of her dances and throat singing at our annual receptions, when the Indigenous delegations were in Geneva.
Olga, whom we had thought immortal because of her energy, her smile, her music, and her breath, has tiptoed away to her native Tundra.
May she rest in peace with the spirits that she so often mentioned in song.
May our deepest sympathy bring a little comfort to all of her family, in Siberia as well as in Switzerland.
The Docip team
