In August, I had the privilege of representing Ninti One as a delegate in the Indigenous Women’s Sustainability Knowledge Exchange Program, led by June Oscar AO and delivered through the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute. With 5 other incredible First Nations women apart of the delegation across the entire nation, holding the knowledge from their people’s close, always. Over two weeks in Indonesia, we connected with Indigenous Indonesian women in a way that was deeply moving, generous and full of learning. It reminded me that knowledge is not something we collect, it is something shared through relationships, through care and through love for our communities and lands.
We began our journey with PEREMPUAN AMAN, an organisation led by Indigenous Indonesian women who are strengthening their communities every day. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open hearts. Their stories of culture, advocacy and resilience were powerful, and I felt an immediate sense of closeness. Even though we are from different lands, the values we hold and the responsibilities we carry as Indigenous women felt so similar. Their kindness and honesty created a space where learning flowed naturally between us.
One of the most meaningful parts of the program was visiting the communities of Sihaporas and Dolok Parmonangan in North Sumatra. The women there trusted us with their stories of resisting land dispossession and corporate violence and intimidation, and with their hopes for the future. Their courage and love for their land were incredibly moving. Sitting with them, listening to their experiences and sharing our own, reminded me that even without a shared language, we understand each other through the love we carry for our people and Country. That connection felt truly special.
In the second week, we joined Threads of Life to learn traditional and sustainable dyeing practices. Being in their dye garden, surrounded by plants that hold generations of Indigenous knowledge, felt grounding and peaceful. Learning these practices showed me again that sustainability is lived every day through our relationships with the environment and the wisdom passed down to us. We also spent time together as delegates reflecting on our own knowledge systems and how we can continue uplifting Indigenous women’s voices in decisions that shape our futures.
This experience has stayed with me. It filled my heart and reminded me of the strength that comes from Indigenous women standing together. Our similarities far outweigh our differences, and the love and knowledge shared with us in Indonesia will continue to guide me in my work.
I am deeply grateful to June Oscar for her wisdom in guiding us and the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute, to PEREMPUAN AMAN and the communities who welcomed us so openly and to Ninti One for giving me the opportunity to learn, grow and build these meaningful relationships.
Zara Maddigan International Development Advisor
Dolok Parmonangan Women performing their welcome dance.
Dolok Parmonangan dinner they prepared for us.
Sihaporas community, PEREMPUAN AMAN and Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute and delegates.
Walking on sacred land, listening to the stories of the Sihaporas people’s ancestors.
Sap being collected on Sihaporas land.
Walking on sacred land, listening to the stories of the Sihaporas people’s ancestors.
December 17, 2025
Wiyi Yani U Thangani Knowledge Exchange
In August, I had the privilege of representing Ninti One as a delegate in the Indigenous Women’s Sustainability Knowledge Exchange Program, led by June Oscar AO and delivered through the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute. With 5 other incredible First Nations women apart of the delegation across the entire nation, holding the knowledge from their people’s close, always. Over two weeks in Indonesia, we connected with Indigenous Indonesian women in a way that was deeply moving, generous and full of learning. It reminded me that knowledge is not something we collect, it is something shared through relationships, through care and through love for our communities and lands.
We began our journey with PEREMPUAN AMAN, an organisation led by Indigenous Indonesian women who are strengthening their communities every day. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open hearts. Their stories of culture, advocacy and resilience were powerful, and I felt an immediate sense of closeness. Even though we are from different lands, the values we hold and the responsibilities we carry as Indigenous women felt so similar. Their kindness and honesty created a space where learning flowed naturally between us.
One of the most meaningful parts of the program was visiting the communities of Sihaporas and Dolok Parmonangan in North Sumatra. The women there trusted us with their stories of resisting land dispossession and corporate violence and intimidation, and with their hopes for the future. Their courage and love for their land were incredibly moving. Sitting with them, listening to their experiences and sharing our own, reminded me that even without a shared language, we understand each other through the love we carry for our people and Country. That connection felt truly special.
In the second week, we joined Threads of Life to learn traditional and sustainable dyeing practices. Being in their dye garden, surrounded by plants that hold generations of Indigenous knowledge, felt grounding and peaceful. Learning these practices showed me again that sustainability is lived every day through our relationships with the environment and the wisdom passed down to us. We also spent time together as delegates reflecting on our own knowledge systems and how we can continue uplifting Indigenous women’s voices in decisions that shape our futures.
This experience has stayed with me. It filled my heart and reminded me of the strength that comes from Indigenous women standing together. Our similarities far outweigh our differences, and the love and knowledge shared with us in Indonesia will continue to guide me in my work.
I am deeply grateful to June Oscar for her wisdom in guiding us and the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute, to PEREMPUAN AMAN and the communities who welcomed us so openly and to Ninti One for giving me the opportunity to learn, grow and build these meaningful relationships.
Zara Maddigan
International Development Advisor