In October of 2025, the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas Ministry of International Affairs began negotiations with the Miskito Nation. Under the guidance of the Federations Minister of International Affairs, Principal Chief Dr. Ronald Yonaguska Holloway, Chief Gallo of the Lenca Nation and the Federations Ambassador to the United Nations and Council of Nimmuog’s Deputy First Chair, Maria Lorena Cosme worked attentively to help initiate the Miskito’s petition process to formally become a Member Nation of the Federation.
The process to organize a petition to initiate Observer Status is not simply a nominal symbolic one in which historical and social documentation functions as the whole application. There are strict protocols in place that must be adhered to and exercised as a nation seeks to join the Federation. Social, political, and legal protocols are multi-faceted, multi-polar, and involve delicate translational procedures through which the strengths of solidarity began to emerge from these inter-Nation engagements.
Through coordination with H.E. Ambassador Gerren O’Neill alongside Chief Gallo and Maria Lorena Cosme’s support in negotiations via their expertise in translation, coordination, and strategic diplomatic practices Principal Chief Dr. Ronald Yonaguska Holloway, with a unanimous vote by Ahtuskou Council, officially accepted the Miskito Nation into Observer Status.
Over the months leading up to the Miskito Nations conferral of Observer Status, meetings were held between the Miskito and the Ministry of International Affairs to clarify all questions, coordinate relevant points for institutional configuration, and to cooperatively shape the manner in which the Miskito Nation will contribute towards the Federations Law of Continuity.
The accumulation of these shared social labors resulted in a formal Ceremony held on April 26, 2026 by the confederated Organization of Indigenous Nations (ONO) of which the Miskito Nation is a member Nation. With all social, political, and legal protocols adhered to, the Miskito Nation and the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas participated in a joint conference call in which a variety of Sachems, Caciques, Excellencies, Dignitaries, and their families witnessed the ONO sign into a broad suite of Treaties maintained by the Federation as well as the Miskito Nations formal granting of Observer Status.
Remarking about the proceedings, Maria Lorena Cosme expressed: “I’m sure that if one were observing this from a purely academic lens in terms of western formalized ideas of international diplomacy- the process would seem simplistic or even backwards- but for us, for FANA, this entire process was one of human to human communication steeped as it were in true concern for the extended family on the other side of crisis. This process is most importantly and fundamentally a human process- not political.
It’s about holding space for our extended family to communicate their needs, fears, and concerns for the future. It is about holding space for our extended family still so directly suffering under the ravages of colonialism to express their desires for a future that is equitable, peaceful and fundamentally their own.
It’s about LISTENING at its core.
Translation must convey time, space, feeling, emergent hopes, and the burgeoning coordination of a path mutually embarked upon for the betterment of all parties involved. Being a part of these negotiations has been a blessing and an honor”.
Remarking about the proceedings, Chief Gallo expressed: “I am deeply pleased and honored to have witnessed this historic gathering in Intibucá, the Lenca capital, where the nine Indigenous nations of Honduras (Lenca, Tolupan, Miskito, Pech, Tawahka, Nawat, Maya-Chorti, Garifuna, Pueblo Creole) convened to sign treaties with the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA). Also, the designation of ONO Honduras’ principal office in Intibucá was announced, rightfully recognizing the Lenca as the region’s oldest Indigenous nation.
I am also inspired to have seen the Miskito government enter Observer status in FANA, strengthening unity across nations. It has been an honor to work alongside these Nations in building a relationship for generations. The prophecy of the Eagle of the North and Condor of the South is unfolding, modern history is being made, honoring the sacrifices of our ancestors”.
