On January 13, 2025, a welcome reception was held at the Native American Rights Fund's (NARF) Boulder office to honor Dr. Albert K. Barume, the newly appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The event was organized by The Implementation Project (TIP), NARF, and the University of Colorado Law School.

The UN Special Rapporteur is tasked by the UN Human Rights Council with gathering information on human rights violations affecting Indigenous Peoples globally and providing recommendations for remedies and prevention.

Attendees included TIP Co-Director Sue Noe, Professor S. James Anaya, NARF Executive Director John Echohawk, CU Law Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss, and TIP Co-Directors Kristen Carpenter and Sue Noe. They shared their thoughts on advancing Indigenous rights internationally. There is optimism about strengthening solidarity among Indigenous Peoples worldwide under Dr. Barume’s leadership.

Dr. Barume is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has been a pioneer in advocating for Indigenous Peoples' rights in Africa. In 2007, he led a team during the adoption process of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He has also served in various roles related to Indigenous rights at international organizations.

Dr. Barume holds a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law focusing on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights from the University of Essex and a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from Yale University.