While the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed inequalities faced by the world’s indigenous people, such as poor access to healthcare, it has also led to greater understanding of their priorities, which include social cohesion and protecting the planet. 

That’s the opinion of Ghazali Ohorella, an international lawyer and indigenous rights advocate who is an Alifuru from Maluku, which is part of Indonesia. 

Dianne Penn spoke to Mr. Ohorella ahead of the annual UN commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on 9 August. 

He expressed why global dialogue on post-pandemic recovery, including to address climate change, biodiversity loss and other challenges, could see indigenous people finally sitting “at the table” instead of being “on the menu”. 

But first Mr. Ohorella explained where he is from.