News - Theia to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues - 3rd March 2026
Award-winning singer and songwriter Em-Haley Kukutai Walker (Waikato, Ngaati Tiipaa) – who releases music and performs under the stage names Theia and TE KAAHU – will represent her people and Aotearoa at the 25th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (April 20th to May 1st).
While in New York she will also attend and speak at several other UN-affiliated gatherings, including The Indigenous Peoples Global Caucus (April 19th-20th), which this year focuses on implementing the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the historic Second Global Summit on Indigenous Peacebuilding (April 25th-26th) where Em will present research from Aotearoa and an article she has written about traditional Māori Peacebuilding Practices centering women, which will be published in a book on Indigenous Peacebuilding.
The news comes on the back of a packed few months for Em, who released her debut Theia album GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD in November 2025. This Thursday, March 5 she will play the final show of her Aotearoa Tour and in June/July she will return to North America to play shows and deliver workshops in Indigenous resilience and resistance at several festivals in Canada.
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Em’s involvement in the forum and all UN-affiliated gatherings in New York is supported by the Indigenous Youth Storytellers Circle - an official project of the 2019 UN’s International Year of Indigenous Languages, for which she is the Ambassador for Oceania. She is also one of seven grantees – each representing the seven socio-cultural regions recognised by the UN – selected from more than 2000 applicants worldwide to receive a grant from the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples. The grant aims to help representatives of Indigenous communities to participate in UN processes most relevant to Indigenous issues. Grants are issued based on fixed criteria and review by the Board of Trustees through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who also serves as the Secretariat of the Fund.
This fund will cover the costs of Em’s travel and a small daily allowance for some of her time in New York. However, she will still need to raise more for accommodation and the extra time she will need to stay in New York to attend all events.
As a fiercely independent artist for much of her 10-year career in music, Em has poured her heart, soul, and personal finances into the craft of songwriting, recording, and performing, which leaves little left to help support her work in Indigenous advocacy. So, today she is launching a Givealittle campaign – graciously asking friends, family, and fans for financial support to assist her travels and work at the UN. All funds raised will go towards accommodation, on-ground transport, and daily living expenses while in New York.
There is also another way for people to show their support! Read on!
Last month the producers of the newly released feature film Mārama revealed a collaboration with Theia - a reimagined version of the opening track from GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD. Titled ‘Holy War II’, this new recording created alongside award-winning composer Karl Steven, is an an epic anthem of unity. Watch the video HERE.
‘Holy War II’ is yet to be released to the public, however, those who wish to support Em’s upcoming trip, can do so by downloading a limited digital file of the song on Bandcamp.
Em is also grateful to have received support from Spark NZ, who has provided her with a new iPhone and a host of Māori creatives, including Korowai By Hiria, whose korowai will adorn her at the United Nations.
