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About UAN-IDIR

Building safer indigenous communities.

The United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations Institute for Community Security Research (UAN-IDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations that conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to indigenous community security, cultural preservation and traditional peace-building.

We have been developing innovative ideas to tackle the most pressing security issues facing indigenous communities worldwide. Our research expertise frames complex challenges in accessible ways and promotes an inclusive dialogue to find creative and effective solutions rooted in ancestral wisdom. Our work aims to provide the foundations for meaningful collective action towards safer, more secure indigenous communities.

A council of indigenous elders in a thoughtful discussion

Our Mission

  • We support UAN Member Nations, the United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations, the indigenous security policy community and other stakeholders in identifying and advancing ideas and practical actions that contribute to sustainable and peaceful indigenous communities.
  • We facilitate diplomatic dialogues and multi-stakeholder discussions, we act as a bridge-builder between diverse indigenous communities and develop tools to enhance transparency and confidence building between Indigenous Nations.
  • Through our research, advisory and knowledge-building function we contribute to the shaping of indigenous community security and traditional peace-building frameworks.

Our Vision

UAN-IDIR's vision is a world in which Indigenous Nations and peoples are protected from cultural extinction, environmental threats, exploitation and technology-related risks to community security.

The Council of Indigenous Elders underlines the significant contribution of the Institute to innovative analysis and productive thinking on indigenous community security and traditional peace-building issues.

Focus Areas

Our research covers a wide spectrum of interconnected security issues critical to indigenous communities.

Traditional Conflict Resolution

Developing indigenous peace-making practices, mediation methods, and community-based conflict resolution.

Cultural Preservation Security

Protecting indigenous knowledge, sacred sites, and cultural heritage from appropriation and destruction.

Environmental Protection

Research on traditional stewardship, protection of ancestral lands, and community-based conservation.

Community Resilience

Building capacity to address modern challenges while maintaining traditional governance and cultural integrity.

Technology & Modern Threats

Analyzing the impact of technology, including digital rights, AI governance, and knowledge protection.

Inclusive Community Security

Ensuring all community members have a voice and are protected in security decisions.

Traditional Governance Protection

Safeguarding indigenous political systems and decision-making processes from external interference.

Economic Security

Research on traditional economies and protection from exploitation while maintaining cultural values.

Resource Protection

Safeguarding traditional territories, natural resources, and management systems from external threats.

Research Methodology

Our work is grounded in respect and collaboration, integrating ancestral wisdom with contemporary analysis.

  • Community-Centered Approach
  • Traditional Knowledge Integration
  • Participatory Research
  • Cultural Protocols

Key Partnerships

We collaborate with Indigenous Organizations, Academic Institutions, and International Bodies to achieve our goals.

A diverse group of people collaborating around a table.

Our Commitment

UAN-IDIR is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect and integrity in all our work.

Cultural Respect

All work honors indigenous values, traditions, and protocols.

Community Ownership

Indigenous communities maintain control over research affecting them.

Practical Solutions

Focus on actionable recommendations that communities can implement.

A young indigenous person looking towards a bright horizon.

Building Secure Indigenous Futures

Through rigorous research, community partnership, and respect for traditional knowledge, UAN-IDIR works to ensure that indigenous communities worldwide can thrive securely while maintaining their cultural heritage and traditional ways of life.

Our research contributes to a world where indigenous communities are safe, their cultures are preserved, their territories are protected, and their traditional governance systems are respected and strengthened.