The United Nations has confirmed the first World Indigenous Conference will take place after a lot of uncertainty by delegates worried about whether it would happen.
A Maori UN delegate, Carl Hutchby, told Te Manu Korihi in June that the UN President of the General Assembly, John Ashe, had not made up his mind.
John W. Ashe president of the 68th Session of United Nations General Assembly. Photo: FACEBOOK
Mr Ashe said in a statement that he is committed to ensuring that the World Conference brings effective change for the benefit of all Indigenous Peoples.
The United Nations says it has been consulting with indigenous leaders and getting their feedback on a document, which sets out what the hui aims to achieve and the significant issues tangata whenua around the world want to address.
First Nations leaders and groups from around the globe will meet in New York on 22 and 23 September.